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LIBRARY OF THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 


PRINCETON, N. J. 


————_ 


PURCHASED BY THE 
MRS. ROBERT LENOX KENNEDY CHURCH HISTORY FUND. 


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QNemorial History 


Pittsburgh Synod of the Evangelical 
Lutheran Church 


1748—-1845—-1924 


Gogether With a Sketch of Each of the 317 


Congregations Found in the Fellowship of 
the Synod in the Year of the Merger 


BY 
ELLIS BEAVER BURGESS 


PUBLISHED FOR THE SYNOD 
BY THE BEAVER PRINTING COMPANY, GREENVILLE, PA. 
1925 


COPYRIGHTED, 1926 
BY 
THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 
OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 


“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and 


the glory of the Cord is risen upon thee.” 





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Introduction 
Chapter il: 
Chapter (fis 
Chapter Pls 
Chapter EVA 
Chapter Ne 
Chapter VE 
Chapter VII. 
Chapter VIII 
Chapter IX. 
Chapter ON 
Chapter Dale 
Chapter - XII 
Chapter XIII 
Chapter: XPV: 
Chapter XV. 
Chapter XVI. 
Chapter XVII 
Chapter XVIII 
BaD teray os LX 
Chapter XX: 
Chapter XXI. 
Chapter XXII 
Index 


TABLE OF CONTENTS 


Page 
NT cat Ly NNT: aL AN a 1 dy) ae 9 
The German Pioneers. 1748-1845............ 13 
Ruiliee(nodttiza title Leto es prema eres woes 65 
Early Development. 1845-1867................ 87 
pemiviior ined el OO/mie inmate eas ohn 103 


The General Council Stream. 1867-1919..121 
The General Synod Stream. 1867-1919....153 


EDem Vier oer. WL 1) king sere apm i a ly 165 
Pastors *.ot the Pittsburgh Synod, 

CAS ASSN Ue apeien bert kia) \ CMe ait 187 
Giuucnesyol Allerhenve COUnty ye... 225 
Ghurchesrof Armstrong, Gourty.:. ne... oa 
Gin Chesson beaversGounty, (ire cs maaan 399 
St ercse Or utieme COUnt ye. cies) ules 425 
Pr GneseOl GltOne GUN bya eta... eres 453 
iro ne se CMe DiGmGOU In Va '. cierto gee 483 
Ghurchesmolsbavyetre: Countyiwe. |e 511 
GituretestOtelndiana,COuntys. secre: omar api 
Chutchestota cinencon COUNT Wi qa)a.0 sue 563 
Churches of Lawrence and Mercer 

WOntre Sura Made araPhs dha aaah. cmiraeg ea B72 
Churehesvoneywasniioton) County:.a 1 e-. 609 


Churches of Westmoreland County.......... 627 
Ohio Churches of the Pittsburgh Synod..725 
Churches of Other Counties 


Digitized by the Internet Archive 
in 2022 with funding from 
Princeton Theological Seminary Library 


https://archive.org/details/memorialhistoryoOOburg 


FULL PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS 


Page 
je/cpnesshaeropaa a ebmalsk M@layesgelg Om ch ike Ree ch ype eRe Ree Oe fom Ale? oy Ere 16 
Pecruicateoor seapusiy,. harold. Church el /82_ 0) 4.15 ee eeotac 20 
inn Teer 2 Ma eye) ts eid MM ag iy OE andes elm Oak 12) Se a Met ey) ee i ve 28 
[Ponce ee TEI OT a Fy eats oo Deke aE fed gee Moen: SL WLR a ae 4 Gy ay a Oa een at te ee Oe 35 
IDECGALIONN MeCcordrol Detinenem:, Gniutchy 1797...) dcsnre bone medeessiccc othe 42 
Pave tOles CU Oern lene nie reretiere EV fe too, irs. cides cee eenatc A abe 50 
NOOO LA iisw Ol mL eEie L Amel, et We ee Ras sass a dos pave Ri ageneidecn ates alae 56 
CUUNAG Beers dakod Ghe ast WEA 4 sepat ed om haces by hg 2d 9 goer enen ee eee Re ORI > Seer er 68 
Benders er tiemr itt spare ins ylOU Cheee ono nees, sks. 2 tere elon ree ate TL. 
WS Cer out OTE Ver ete UD] DCO IS ede ics CAG Sle isso nyc A See cee: 93 
er iraitia fiat eure On temo ry L504/ae dy eer ass elt So5.0 a Ge Cee ws es 97 
The Pittsburgh Infirmary, First Protestant Hospital of America........ 101 
Pete Don Commie cuiielce 1 tall Cia eee Too e 00cm ccoattc atte lee Reeerttas ede hc oe 107 
SOIM INCI VOTACGa tet lem GrVOCIE VI leemhere sete ccc t.ce cee koncert eee eat echck tee pea 113 
Presidents of the Pittsburgh Synod, General Council, 1868-1890............ 124 
Presidents of the Pittsburgh Synod, General Council, 1891-1919........ 128 
Eta voy g aE RMES Gass GI ei) ant hah AMY eae nn SE Oe Meet ara ee see 130 
Pritaiietration meiiloinwent MIGly GOLleW CLs <x «uss camaro Meeee 136 
eg ane Fekete syd 1d 0 5X2) UAV ELA os A he ee RT i AACS RE <a etree 142 
ates id Pee plecmtloiie 7 ClHeCHODIE «ects uct. lckcnc a ee ees 147 
Biocon Lone Geert es roe. Lita Ti tt ts Wee sand ee et aR iis eee te ae 157 
Missionary Superintendents of the Pittsburgh Synod, General 

Srctevan? 2 Vis MEER Gln Oe ee ee Mee re aids 6 evens S Bete 161 
Churches of the Merger, Trinity Church, First Church, Pittsburgh....166 
Synod e\Lcinomslaing Harold's: Cemetery 20.80. u eh ocean ce tes 170 
Paar Olits i ttet inthe Ped Pic. Fl evel, tc, ie, reeds oreo gece aes ae ame, 226 
Sister Louisa Marthens, First American Lutheran Deaconess.............. 236 
Giiem ie Soave wel Ospital we FitesbUure line. oes ic eh ee ee ee 293 
Severin (Oe ariel OP yWae hae C8 (0) cL Si] ER ee Oe” ene Peete Ciera a SA 334 
Rape OM Ft. IC WC OTC eta te Cb Wis heck Sse ke itn Mande. aaah Ma ee Baa eto! 349 
Re IZA DC EIME LIT OELUS Prt arila meet tates eset cae coats Leia uate ates 401 
marerm ape) sr lomextor Moleptics,.Rochestéer, Palit ae aa as 405 
Under The Great Oak, Orphans Home and Farm School, Zelieno- 

Td Cee eel ea eae ace OM rh Oak Tac Scand dk chendpchac aeek Maca AT dick seas 437 
ert GhlecmC MD IThlCt eiiaee oS cuanto ee oe eee os, on ee RL es eae, 44] 
Deneoectelpou wid wor burco pohippenville, Pats ue wresges.... sect 467 
Mal VEL aft ES9d Kar aVoeney tll Ag Cobcue ot ak ene Ae co er ce) ae el eee oe 486 
etne cs OlmE tieg ent. yitgce ms et)! tence... 2 en Paes! 502 
Riemer VaCOD Saul Clmecord, 6 (799s ere wees, j.cyse ened) uk een ec BL7 
ee SOI CHOlaSy (AUS 1ET LAs C LAGE ELS Ace ts, cc eanhis ot ake oe eet ast Senge Rea 536 
Cero eh Opa vurere I ndiaita, COUNTY, Fae «tices rh cee ea: 545 
Old Herbst Church, Lawrence County, Pa Es oe We ee Wee 584 
HMieeecouimiuicants:o. bethlienenm  hurchis: | ae ee ee ee 611 
Communionsservice.or Bethlehem Church, 1795 (20.0 ho cdrckseniet evs 614 
Beer ireo dal ar Old Sect pe. Ot Ute tee ket ee ii 631 
Peo emoir rsa teeks CNUrch, NeCcord, 1/940) aoe en ee ae, 640 
Weteuecste or baptism, Hankey.s Church S08i5. teen dente ee 2 681 
Record of the Founding of Good Hope Church, Osage, Ohio ................ 729 
Grave Stone of Pastor Carl Wilhelm Colsen, Meadville, Pa......000000.... 762 


lave DOPE LE Papen ce Oy ae OPe ERD E Lee) AEN) tie San tee OP IOS A ew gee eo 766 










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INTRODUCTION 


T is a well known fact that for more than half a 
century two ecclesiastical bodies, each bearing the 
name of the Pittsburgh Synod of the Evangelical 
Lutheran Church, occupied the same territory in 
western Pennsylvania. Originally they constituted 
one body, but were divided in 1867, one remain- 

ing in the General Synod and the other uniting with the newly 

formed General Council. On November 18, 1919, they were 

happily and providentially reunited. The history of these im- 

portant events, together with much that preceded them, are re- 

corded in this work. During the era of their separation efforts 

were made by both bodies to publish their life story. In 1870 

Doctor Henry W. Roth was appointed historian of the Pitts- 

burgh Synod, then in connection with the General Council, who 

after three years reported that valuable material had been gath- 
ered; but for some reason it was not published, and no one 

seems to know what became of the manuscript. Rev. William F. 

Ulery of Greensburg, after several years of patient research, 

published his valuable History of the Southern Conference in 

1903; but other parts of the Synod were left untouched. 





Our brethren of the General Synod were more fortunate. 
By the establishment of the office of synodical historian in 1897, 
much material was gathered; and the History of the Pittsburgh 
Synod of the General Synod, written by Rev. Ellis B. Burgess 
of Connellsville, was published by that synod in 1904. This 
book was written in the interest of the General Synod, and 
stated the facts according to the General Synod viewpoint. 
While the book was sharply criticized by other than General 
Synod Lutherans as partisan, the author was ever conscious of 
the fact that he gave a true picture of the spirit of the body he 
represented. While preparing the material for this work, his 
friends of the General Council urged him to write for the peace 
of the Church; and his desire to comply with these expressed 
desires led him to eliminate many of the bitter personalities of 
the period of division. But the history would have been false to 
the facts had it failed to show the intensity of the intersynodical 
struggle. The contest was bitterly waged, and estrangements 
developed between brethren that were closed only in death. The 
day of good will among Lutherans had not yet dawned in 
western Pennsylvania. 


When the merger of 1919 was effected, members of the 
synod with thankful hearts proposed that the happy event 
should be memorialized by the publication of a complete history 


10 HISTORY OL PH ELE Sb URC ha sn NO» 


of the Evangelical Lutheran Church on this territory. At the 
78th Convention, in the historic Trinity Church of Greenville, 
in which the rupture of 1868 had occurred, the Pittsburgh Synod 
officially requested Doctor Burgess to rewrite his book, “en- 
larging its scope to cover the operations of the Pittsburgh Synod 
of the General Council, so that the new and improved work may 
be a comprehensive record of the Evangelical Lutheran Church 
from its organization in 1845, through the era of its separation 
into two bands in 1867, until they meet again in one body in the 
United Lutheran Church in America.” 


The acceptance of this trust meant the spending of many 
hours in renewed study of the sources of information. The 
reader must remember that, while the history of the Lutheran 
Church around the forks of the Ohio dates back to 1748, but 
little had: ever been published, tin the search for facts, private 
diaries, family Bibles, court records, and discarded German 
papers were carefully examined, and often furnished the first 
clue to the forgotten ‘life-story of some of the most venerable of 
our pioneer congregations. A score of churches, which were 
guessing at their age five years ago, may be surprised to find 
their history given in detail in this volume. Despite unremitting 
care, no claim is laid to infallibility in this work, but such is the 
author’s command of history that we venture to say that the 
tabulated statements of this work will be referred to by Lu- 
therans of coming generations as authoritative. So many 
thousands of dates are given in the book that it would be expect- 
ing too much to say that all were absolutely correct. 


No attempt has been made to present a philosophy of his- 
tory. The author seems satisfied to state the facts and let them 
speak for themselves. And this is all that can be expected 
within five years after such an important event as the merger of 
1919. A great historian of world events has written: “There are 
times, men and events, about which history alone can record the 
final judgments; contemporaries and individual observers must 
only write what they have seen and heard. ‘The very truth 
demands it.” | 


Such were the times, the men and events, with which this 
history deals. Future generations can philosophize about them 
better than the men of the present day. 


The writer of this introduction regards it one of the most 
delightful experiences of his long ministerial life to have re- 
viewed this manuscript as it came into his hands, chapter by 
chapter, fresh from the pen of the author. During the course 
of its preparation he was frequently called in consultation, and 


HISTORY*OFvlTHE PITTSBURGH*SYNOD 11 
bears cheerful testimony to the conscientious care of the author, 


in his endeavor to carry out the wish of the Pittsburgh Synod 
and present an impartial statement of the facts of history. 


OGM IE 


Fifth Anniversary of the Merger, 
November 18, 1925. 





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COAL LERSL 
THE GERMAN PIONEERS 
1748-1845 


“We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us 
what work thou didst in their days, im the days of old, 
how thou didst drive out the heathen with 
thy hand and plantedst them.” 


iN the evening of the twenty-fifth day of August, 1748, 
wien aesniall party? of: men” emerged -from: the deep 
shadows of Old Westmoreland, and looked for the 
first time upon the clear rippling waters of the 
beautiful Allegheny. No thick smoke of engines 
or factories hung over the valley to obstruct the 
loveliness of their view; only here and there a thin line of blue 
above the tree tops, indicating the presence of a Shawnee wig- 
wam. It was the advance guard of a great army that was soon 
to invade the wilderness of western Pennsylvania and convert it 
into one of the great commercial centers of the world. It was a 
prophetic fact that the leader of this party was Conrad Weiser, 
an Evangelical Lutheran from the Tulpehocken Valley. His 
mission in western Pennsylvania at this early day was to treat 
with the Indians at old: Logstown on behalf of the Common- 
wealth of Pennsylvania. In that same year, the “Ohio Company” 
was formed by several gentlemen of Virginia, whose object was 
to effect an English settlement: near the forks of the Ohio and 
maintain a trading post, through which to divert a larger share 
of the rich fur trade into English channels.!. This company pe- 
titioned the English King for a grant of five hundred thousand 
acres of land on the south bank of the Ohio, and that monarch, 
quick to see the commercial and political advantages of the 
scheme, signed the grant on practically the same terms as those 
proposed by the petitioners. Two hundred thousand acres were 
to be settled at once, to be held for. ten years free from quit- 
rent or tax to the King, on condition that the company should - 
secure one hundred settlers, build a fort, and maintain a garrison 
strong enough to protect the settlement., One of the members of 
this company was. Lawrence Washington, a brother of the first 
President of the United States, who made an earnest: effort to 
effect the proposed settlement with Pennsylvania Germans. His 





1—Writings of Washington, edited by Jared Sparks. 2 vols. Appendix, pages 478-483 
1—Ye Olden Time, edited by Neville B. Craig. Vol. I, page 294. 


14 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


effort failed for reasons revealed in his letter to Mr. Hanbury, 
the London representative of the company, a portion of which 1s 
herewith given. 


2“While the unhappy state of my health called me back to our springs, 
at Bath in Virginia, I conversed with all the Pennsylvania Dutch whom I 
met either there or elsewhere, and much recommended their settling on 
the Ohio. The chief reason against it was the paying of an English 
clergyman, when few understood and none made use of him. It has been 
my opinion, and I hope ever will be, that restraints on conscience are cruel 
to those upon whom they are imposed, and injurious to the country im- 
posing them. **** They all assured me that they might have from Ger- 
many any number of settlers, could they but obtain their favorite 
exemption.” 

A counter proposition to the company was made by these 
Germans, offering to settle two hundred families on fifty thous- 
and acres of the land, provided they could have pastors of their 
own faith. The faith of these Germans was more precious than 
the richest of farms in the lands from which they had emigrated, 
and they did not wish to place themselves in the same position in 
America. Because: of the grave dangers of frontier’ life, no 
further attempt was made to effect a settlement of Germans west 
of the mountains for a number of years. The roving Indians, 
instigated by the French, made it an exceedingly hazardous ven- 
ture for any white man to build his cabin west of the Laurel 
Ridge. In the summer of 1758, General Forbes drove the French 
out of western Pennsylvania, and established a strong garrison in 
Fort Pitt, under whose protection the more daring settlers were 
emboldened to take up lands. As a rule they settled along the 
line of the Forbes military road, feeling more secure against the 
raids of the savages. Some of these daring pioneers were Ger- 
mans. Andrew Byerly settled in the neighborhood of Harrison 
City in 1759, and many stories are told of his narrow escapes 
from the Indians. The soldiers of the garrison at Fort Pitt con- 
sidered him the most determined settler in Westmoreland. 
Andrew Harman took up land in the Ligonier Valley about the 
same time, but finally was killed by the savages. Christopher 
Rodenbach, John Rodenbach, Christopher Herolt, Daniel Herolt 
and the Detars are all believed to have settled in Hempfield 
Township in 1760. The Waldhauers, Millers and Wagles came 
about the year 1764. But all these early settlers were compelled 
to leave their homes and seek refuge in Fort Ligonier and Fort 
Bedford by the hostile savages. They came down upon the 
settlements of western Pennsylvania like a scourge in the spring 
and summer of 1763. For a time it seemed as though both of 
the protecting forts would be captured. Colonel Boquet was sent 
to their relief, and not only raised the siege, but also inflicted a 
decisive defeat upon the Indians at Bushy Run, August 5, 1763. 


2—Writings of Washington, edited by Jared Sparks, Vol. II, page 481. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 15 


One of the most helpful men in this fight was Andrew Byerly, 
who knew the ground so well that he could give the best of 
counsel to the commander. The first settlers held their land by 
“tomahawk right’, secured by deadening a number of trees by 
girdling with a hatchet. They conferred no actual title, but men 
were sometimes willing to pay a small price for them in order 
to avoid bad feeling. When the Westmoreland lands were regu- 
larly purchased and surveyed by the state, none of those pioneers 
was disturbed, who had already taken up land and improved it 
to the value of five pounds. 


In November, 1768, a treaty was made with the Iroquois 
Indians at Fort Stanwix, N. Y., and the State of Pennsylvania 
purchased all the land west of Laurel Hill, east and south of the 
Allegheny and Ohio rivers, and south of the Kittanning-Cherry 
Tree line. This land was opened for settlement, April 3, 1769, 
and several thousand applications for warrants were filed on the 
first day. The records of the Land Office show that not a few 
of these first settlers were Germans. Fully two hundred families 
of Pennsylvania Germans, chiefly from the counties of North- 
ampton, Berks, Lehigh, Cumberland, Lancaster, and York, 
crossed the mountains and took up lands between 1769 and 
1776. A few of these Germans were from Maryland and Vir- 
ginia, and some came direct from the Fatherland. The great 
majority of the earliest settlers located in Westmoreland, Fayette, 
Allegheny, and Washington counties. The first settlements were 
Fort Pitt in Allegheny County; Harold’s, Brush Creek, Greens- 
burg, Ridge and Donegal in Westmoreland County; Jacobs in 
Fayette County; and Bethlehem and Horn’s in Washington 
County. Other early settlements were Schwab’s, Kuendig’s, Hoff- 
man’s, Zehner’s, Manor and Beamer’s in Westnioreland County ; 
Stecher’s and Pigeon Creek in Washington County; Buechle’s in 
Butler County; Werner’s in Allegheny County; Good Hope and 
Wolf Creek in Mercer County; Rupp’s and Schaeffer’s in Arm- 
strong County; and Brush Valley, Germany Township and In- 
diana in Indiana County. The German settlements of the north- 
western part of the state were much later than those of West- 
moreland, although there were Lutherans living in Crawford and 
Erie counties before the close of the eighteenth century. Nearly 
all the Germans took out their land warrants from Pennsylvania, 
although a few in the lower counties, before the settlement of the 
border dispute, took title under the laws of Virginia. Some 
were led to do this because the Virginia lands cost but ten 
shillings per hundred acres. This led to conflicting titles and not 
a little hardship to the poor settlers. It was customary to give to 
each settler’s homestead a name: for example, the tract conveyed 
to Michael Franks by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was 
called “Franconia”, and the farm of Jacobs Church of Fayette 


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HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 17 


County was called “The Strait and Narrow Way”. An interest- 
ing story 1s told by Pastor Johannes Stauch as to how this church 
farm was secured, a story that will be all the more appreciated 
when it is remembered that the coal underlying the farm was 
sold several years ago for about $10,000. 


“This glebe contains about 100 acres of land, and was pur- 
chased by the early German settlers, who obtained a title by pay- 
ing a piece of foreign gold, a sou. They borrowed the money 
from Martin Mason, who was taken captive at the time of Gen- 
eral Braddock’s defeat at Fort Pitt (now Pittsburgh) by the 
Indians, while on his way to carry provisions to his father in the 
army, and who was sold toa French general for a bottle of gin 
in A. D. 1755, and was taken to Canada, and when grown up 
returned to his native land, and brought this piece of gold with 
him, and lent it to the congregation to pay for the land, and be- 
came and lived a devoted Christian and member of that Lu- 
theran Church, and lived to an advanced age, and died in triumph 
of faith in what is now called Ashland County, Ohio”’. 


The settlers usually came out over the mountains by way of 
the Forbes military road, although some followed the Braddock 
trail. They brought their horses and cattle with them, if they 
owned any, and each family had a big, trusty watch dog. The 
roads were both rough and dangerous, not admitting of wagon 
carriage, so that all transportation had to be effected on pack- 
horses. The first wagon load of merchandise to reach Browns- 
ville from Cumberland, by way of the Braddock trail, came over 
the mountains in 1789. One of the best descriptions of a pioneer 
flitting is that given by Judge Wilkeson. 


4°The road to be travelled in crossing the mountains was scarcely, if 
at all, practicable for wagons. Pack-horses were the only means of trans- 
portation then and for years after. We were provided with three horses, 
on one of which my mother rode, carrying her infant, with all the table 
furniture and cooking utensils. On another horse were packed the stores 
of provisions, the plough irons and other tools. The third horse was 
rigged out with a pack-saddle and two large creels, made of hickory 
withes in the fashion of a crate, one over each side, in which were stowed 
the beds and bedding and the wearing apparel of the family. In the 
center of these creels there was an opening for myself and sister; and the 
top was well secured by lacing to keep us in our places, so that only our 
heads appeared above. Each family was supplied with one or more cows 
which was an indispensable provision for the journey. Their milk fur- 
nished the morning and evening meal for the children, and the surplus 
was carried in canteens for us during the day. Thus equipped, the com- 
pany set out on their journey. Many of the men being unacquainted with 
the management of horses or the business of packing, little progress was 
made the first day or two. When the caravan reached the mountains, the 
road was found to be hardly passable for loaded horses. In many places 
the path lay along the edge of a precipice, where if the horse had stumbled 


3—See Autobiography of Rev. Johannes Stauch. 
4—Old Redstone, by Rev. Joseph Smith, page 39, 


18 HESTORYSOF THESP iat S BURGH SYNOD 


or lost his balance he would have been precipitated several hundred feet 
below. The path was crossed by many streams, raised by the melting 
snow and spring rains, and running with rapid current in deep ravines. 
Most of these had to be forded as there were no bridges and but few 
ferries. For many successive days hair-breadth escapes were continually 
occurring, sometimes horses falling, at other times carried away with the 
current, and the women and children with difficulty saved from drowning. 
Sometimes, in ascending steep acclivities, the lashing of the creels would 
give way, and both children and creels tumble to the ground and roll 
down the steep until arrested by some traveller of the company. In 
crossing streams or passing places of more than ordinary difficulty in the 
road, mothers were often separated from some of their children for many 
hours. The journey was made in April when the nights were cold. The 
men, who had been inured to the hardships of war, could with cheerful- 
ness endure the fatigues of the journey. It was the mothers who suf- 
fered; they could not after the toils of the day enjoy the rest they so 
much needed at night; the wants of their suffering children must be at- 
tended to. After preparing their simple meal, they lay down with scanty 
covering in a miserable cabin, or, as it sometimes happened, in the open 
air, and often unrefreshed were obliged to rise early to encounter the. 
fatigues and dangers of another day.” 


This flitting of the Wilkeson family took place in the spring 
of 1784. The hardships endured are evidences of greater hard- 
ships endured by the German settlers of 1769. In the summer 
of 1787, Johannes Stauch came over the mountains from Hagers- 
town and settled in the Virginia glades, and the journey at that 
late day was exceedingly dangerous. When the German Lu- 
theran settlers of 1769 reached their Westmoreland farms, they 
found them in a great unbroken wilderness. Nothing had been 
prepared in advance; they were the pioneers. The hardships en- 
dured on the way over the mountains were but forerunners of 
still greater trials, that were endured before they could locate 
their families in comfortable homes. Temporary shacks were 
built under the shelter of some friendly hill, until they could 
build a log cabin and plant the needed garden. The best of the 
first cabins, however, were but crude affairs, in which it was 
difficult to keep from freezing in the cold winters. When it is 
remembered that the chief tool used in their construction was a 
sharp axe, their crudeness will be more fully appreciated. They 
contained but one large room, which served the purpose of 
“kammer, wohnstube und kueche”. A storage loft was made, 
reached by a rough wooden ladder, which sometimes served as a 
sleeping place. The roof was made with rough hewed planks, 
weighted down with poles. ‘There was but one door to the cabin, 
and this was generally made of a single broad plank, about five 
inches thick, fastened on the inside with cross-bars and staples. 
One small opening was made in the opposite wall, which served 
as a window. In the winter this window was closed with paper 
well greased with bear fat so as to admit the light. Sometimes 
they put in a floor of split logs, but usually they lived on the 
bare earth. Their beds were ticks, filled with leaves or dried 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 19 


grass, and laid on frames constructed in such a manner that they 
could be taken down during the day. A few of the settlers were 
able to bring a feather bed with them over the mountains; and 
every thrifty German house-wife soon managed to secure at least 
one for her family. In the eastern part of the state, the Ger- 
mans built great four-cornered chimneys in the center of their 
houses, but in Westmoreland they were satisfied to build a large 
chimney and fire-place in one end of the cabin. It was too ex- 
pensive to bring an iron stove over the mountains for many 
years. As soon as the family was properly housed, and even be- 
fore, the German built a barn for his stock. ‘The horses and 
cattle were considered such necessary parts of the equipment of 
a farm that they were never neglected. One historian, comment- 
ing on this characteristic trait, says: 

5“The Dutchman’s barn was usually the best building on his farm. 
He was sure to erect a fine large barn before he built any other dwelling- 
house than his rude log cabin. **** They erect stables for their domestic 
animals of every species: even their swine are housed in the winter. 
Their barns and stables are well stored with provender, particularly fine 
hay, hence their quadrupeds of all kinds are kept throughout the year in 
the finest possible order”, 

The German pioneer of western Pennsylvania was a very 
hard worker. ‘To fear God and love work” was a common 
motto. He was always at work before the break of day, and 
often long after the setting of the sun. He preferred to do his 
work in the best rather than the easiest way. This was seen in 
his method of clearing the land. The Scotch-Irish farmers 
usually began by deadening the trees and allowing them to rot 
down; but the German cut down the trees, made every stick 
serve some useful purpose, and then grubbed out the roots by 
hand. It was the most laborious kind of work, but “the Dutch- 
man said that it saved plow points’, and worked away without a 
word of complaint. An ox-team was frequently used in pulling 
out stumps. The poorer Germans had no horses for a while, and 
used ox-teams for much of their field work. The German women 
shared this hard work with their husbands. ‘They not only cared 
for the house work and reared large families of five to fifteen 
children, but also did a large part of the field work, especially in 
the harvest time. Without hats or shoes, with arms bare to the 
shoulders, in the fierce heat of the summer, they would wield the 
clumsy German field implements and apparently never tire. They 
possessed a wonderful capacity for work, and contributed their 
full share to the family prosperity. The children were taught to 
work at an early age, and laziness was abhorred by all. While 
some of the German farms were not large, every square inch of 
ground was made to yield its share of produce. Waste was de- 


5—History of the Valley of Virginia, Kirchevall, page 136. 
Manners of the German People, Benjamin Rush. 


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1872 


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HAROLD 


CERTIFICATE OF BAPTISM, 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 21 


spised; work was enjoyed. ‘The result was that the Germans 
were the most desirable class of settlers in western Pennsylvania. 
Governor Thomas said of them in 1838: ‘This Province has been 
for some years the asylum of the distressed Protestants of the 
Palatinate, and other parts of Germany; and I believe it may be 
truthfully said that the present flourishing condition of it is in a 
great measure owing to the industry of these people”. 


A certain writer, speaking of the pioneers of Kentucky, pays 
this tribute to them. 


6“Of twelve families of each nationality, nine Germans, seven Scotch 
and four Irish prospered, while the others failed” 


The same fact is true of western Pennsylvania. Many edi- 
tions of the early Greensburg papers are full of notices of 
Sheriff’s sales, but very few German names are found in the list. 
The Germans frequently bought farms on which others had 
failed, and made them rich and productive by intensive farming. 
Their frugality was another source of wealth. One of their critics 
said: “These Pennsylvania Dutch sell all the produce they can; 
the rest they feed to the pigs; and what the pigs won’t eat they 
give to their families”. It may be true that, among the poorer 
Germans, frugality sometimes degenerated into filthy habits of 
life, but this is certainly not true of the pioneer Germans as a 
class. Many of the German women were famous cooks, and 
passing travellers coveted a place at ‘their well-filled tables. 
While the Scotch-Irish were feasting on their “hog and hominy”, 
as their daily fare was frequently called, the Germans had their 
“sauer kraut und speck, schnitz und knoepf, erumbirn suppe und 
nudels, roggen brod und schmier kaes’”’, and none of them 
thought of starving. This substantial diet gave to the pioneers a 
remarkable degree of health. Dyspepsia was but little known, 
and even regarded as a fashionable disease. Notwithstanding 
their hardships, many of them lived to be more than ninety years 
of age, as the grave-stones of the older cemeteries prove. One 
of them lived to be 106 years of age, another to be 102. For the 
first few years it was not easy for the mothers to provide food for 
their families, because time was needed to make a good garden. 
Nature provided much for their tables. The woods were full of 
game; the streams abounded with the finest of fish. Wild turkey, 
bear meat and venison were eaten almost every day, but the peo- 
ple soon turned against it, and hungered for that vegetable diet to 
which they had been accustomed. It has been said, partly as a 
joke, that ‘the little Dutch children would get down on their knees 
in the garden and watch the cabbage grow, as if every leaf were 
precious as gold. After the first few years they had an abund- 


6—-Winning of the West, Roosevelt, Vol. III, page 17. 
Proud’s History of Pennsylvania, Vol. II, page 274. 


22 HISTORY OF THEA PLETSBURGHSSYNOD 


ance of all kinds of food. ‘The farms were made to produce al- 
most everything. The great forest furnished them with plenty of 
fuel, and they never had to go far to find it. The sugar maples, 
which were abundant in Somerset, Fayette and Westmoreland 
counties, supplied them with sugar. Every farmer was his own 
tanner. Bark was plenty; ashes took the place of lime; bears 
grease took the place of oil; and the best of leather was pro- 
duced. Every family had its own shoemaker and harnessmaker. 
Shoes were not much worn in the earlier years. It has been that 
those who owned shoes, and wore them to church for the sake of 
appearance, always took them off when they started home. Every 
family had its own weavers and tailors. Flax was planted as 
soon as the ground could be prepared; and evidences are found 
in many of the Lutheran homes of western Pennsylvania of how 
the German women made it serve the most useful purposes. The 
finest of the prepared flax was selected for sewing thread; the 
next grade for the bed linens and towelings; the next for ticking 
and coarse linens; while the coarsest of all was used for the 
chain, into which the wool was woven to make the indispensable 
linsey-woolsey of the pioneer. From.this linsey-woolsey was 
made the greater part of their clothing. The German women 
dyed this fabric according to their tastes; blue with indigo, yel- 
low with peach leaves and hickory bark, red with garden madder, 
and black with walnut bark and saltpetre. ’The best description 
of the experiences of the Scotch-Irish pioneersmis ounce 
“Doddridge’s Notes”. The three necessities which the farm 
could not produce were salt, iron and spices. ‘These were usually 
bought in Chambersburg or Hagerstown, and brought over the 
mountains on pack-horses by the younger men. It was the effort 
to get these necessities of life in the most economic way that led 
to the extensive manufacture of whiskey in western Pennsylvania 
in pioneer days. It was practically impossible for the farmers to 
send enough grain over the mountains on pack-horses to buy all 
the farming implements they needed; but it was comparatively 
easy to distil their grain into whiskey and send it over the 
mountains in that form. A five gallon keg of whiskey, slung on 
each side of a pack-horse, made an easy load over the mountains, 
and its purchasing power in Hagerstown was great enough to 
insure a big load for the return trip. In this way whiskey be- 
came their current money for eastern exchange; and, when the 
federal government laid a heavy tax upon all distilled liquors in 
1791, it took away a large part of the purchasing power of west- 
ern whiskey in the eastern markets, and brought about the cele- 
brated “Whiskey Insurrection” in 1794, It was not caused by 
an inordinate love of whiskey by either the Scotch-Irish or Ger- 


7—Notes on the Settlement and Indian Wars of Western Pennsylvania, Joseph 
Doddridge. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 23 


mans, but by the fact that the excise tax had robbed them of a 
convenient means of procuring the necessities of life. The Ger- 
mans were less concerned in actual rebellion against the govern- 
ment than their Scotch-Irish neighbors. The insurrection, how- 
ever, contributed much to the German population of this part of 
the country; for in the army, sent into Washington County to 
crush the rebellion, were many Germans from Maryland and 
eastern Pennsylvania, who were so favorably impressed by the 
country west of the mountains that they resolved to make it their 
future home. ‘This fact, coupled with General Wayne’s decisive 
defeat of the Indians, and the improvement of the public roads, 
explain the tidal waves of emigration to western Pennsylvania 
in 1794 and 1795. The population of western Pennsylvania was 
then estimated at 50,000, about fifteen per cent of which was 
German. 


When the first settlers bought their lands from the state in 
1769, they believed that the Indian troubles were over. A treaty 
had been made with the Iroquois at Fort Stanwix in 1768, and 
the land had been fairly purchased and paid for, so that it was 
generally believed that the Indians would not disturb them in 
their new homes. - They were sorely disappointed. The Indians 
of the West took the ground that the Iroquois had no right to sell 
the Indian land, and showed their resentment in many bloody 
forays. ‘To show how little the treaty of Fort Stanwix meant to 
some of the Indian tribes, it need only be told that eighteen men, 
women and children were either killed or taken prisoners, Feb- 
ruary 26, 1769, about twenty miles east of Pittsburgh. As fast 
as one tribe buried the war hatchet another dug it up. From 
1763 to 1794, the savages made frequent inroads upon the settle- 
ments, leaving a trail of blood and ashes behind them. ‘The 
severest struggles with the Indians, after the year 1763, took 
place during the revolutionary war, when the savages were insti- 
gated by the British to commit horrible outrages. Some of the 
German settlers were murdered in their cabins with their fam- 
ilies; others were captured and taken to Canada or the North- 
west. Some of the German children were taken at such an early 
age that they were assimilated by the Indians and never returned. 
Other captives returned after an absence of several years, and 
rebuilt their ruined homes. ‘The story is told of one man and his 
granddaughter, who sat down to rest while on their way to 
church and were tomahawked by a prowling savage. For a 
period of twenty years the people carried their rifles as well as 
prayer books to church. On July 22, 1781, twenty people were 
surprised and killed in the home of Philip Klingenschmidt in the 
heart of the Westmoreland settlement. In July, 1782, the 


8—Frontier Forts of Pennsylvania, Vol. II, page 380. 


24 HISTORY. OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


Senecas surprised and burned Hannastown, the first county-seat 
of Westmoreland County, and killed and captured a number of 
people. Another attack was made upon Hannastown in 1778, 
and Eva Uhrig saved the fort by her courage, and was granted a 
special pension for her bravery. The story of the Henry mass- 
acre is given in Zundel’s History of Old Zion Church, and illus- 
trates well the dangers faced by the early pioneers.? 


“Frederick Heinrich (Henry), of Northampton, Burlington 
County, New Jersey, settled shortly after 17/70 in the Herold 
settlement, about two miles north of the school-house. In time 
the new settlers cleared some lagd and erected a house and 
stables. Four children cheered this lonely settlement. During 
the spring of 1779, when the husband, Frederick Henry, was 
compelled to leave home to take some grist to a distant mill, a 
band of Indians, perhaps Senecas, descended upon the helpless 
home. As was their custom, the Indians sneaked up to the house 
to ascertain if the men were home and on guard. Now, the 
Henrys had a large cock that frequently came to the door of the 
home to be fed. Mrs. Henry, seeing some feathers moving near 
the door, sent one of the children to shoo away the big rooster, 
whereupon the Indians, decked out in the feathers of their war 
head-gear, burst in upon the helpless family. Mrs. Henry 
bravely attempted to defend her little ones, whereupon she was 
tomahawked and scalped in the presence of her small children. 
One child, seeing the Indians coming at the door, fled into the 
corn field and hid among the corn, and thus escaped, the Indians 
being in a hurry, fearing the wrath of the settlers. The Indians 
now took the three children captive, and after firing the buildings 
started on their journey toward the Indian country. It soon de- 
veloped that the youngest child, a mere infant, would be too 
much bother to the Indians, so, when it began to cry, a big Indian 
took it by its feet and dashed its brains out against a maple tree. 
**«* "This tree was held sacred by the pioneers, and it stood until 
recent times, about 1900. Immediately upon the return of Henry, 
a posse of settlers started out in pursuit of the Indians. One 
account relates that the Indians were in their camp above Pitts- 
burgh on the Allegheny, and after a lively skirmish the children 
were recaptured, and the murderer of the wife and child identi- 
fied, tied to a tree, and dispatched by the daughter, Anna Mar- 
garet, then about nine years old. *** Another account agrees 
with the report of Colonel Broadhead, that Captain Brady, with 
twenty white men and a Delaware Chief, effected the capture.” 


For a few years these Indian raids upon the border were so 
serious that the men were afraid to venture into their fields; and 
the Fort Pitt Commandant found it necessary to send detach- 


9—History of Old Zion Church, Zundel, page 63. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 2) 


ments of soldiers into the settlements to guard the people while 
they gathered their harvests. And yet it is said that these grave 
perils did not interfere with the attendance of the people at the 
services of the church. Whether these services were conducted 
by the schoolmaster or the pastor, the church was usually filled 
with worshippers, some of whom had walked for eight or ten 
miles in order to be present. They loved the House of God. As 
one of the pioneers once expressed it: “Es war uns nicht zu weit 
zwoelf meilen zur predigt gehen, den es war damals gefaehr- 
lich”. ‘They braved the dangers of the wilderness themselves in 
order that they might worship the Lord, and they also required 
their children to make the same long and dangerous journeys 
through the forest, in order to attend catechetical instruction and 
be confirmed in the faith of the church. 


For their better protection against the Indians, forts and 
block-houses were built at convenient places 1n every settlement, 
where the people could take refuge in times of serious danger. 
The large type of fort is thus described by Judge Veech: 


10“These forts were erected by the associated efforts of settlers in 
particular neighborhoods, upon the land of some one, whose name was 
thereupon given to the fort. They consisted of a greater or less space of 
land, enclosed on all sides by big log parapets or stockades, and cabins 
adapted to the abode of families. The only external openings were a 
large puncheon gate, and small port holes among the logs, through which 
the unerring rifle of the settler could be pointed against the assailants. 
Sometimes additional cabins were erected outside the fort, for temporary 
abode, in times of danger, from which the sojourners could in case of 
attack retire within the fort. *** These rude defenses were very secure, 
were seldom attacked, and rarely if ever captured. They were always 
located on commanding open eminences, sufficiently remote from coverts 
and wooded heights to prevent surprise”. 


The prevailing type of defense adopted by the German 
settlers was the blockhouse. ‘These blockhouses were built of 
heavy green logs, closely joined together, two stories high, and 
were constructed in sucha manner that the upper story pro- 
jected about six feet over the lower on all sides, giving the de- 
fenders an opportunity of shooting down upon close assailants, 
and also of protecting themselves against fire. Several of these 
blockhouses were erected at convenient places in each settlement, 
and were usually called “forts”. The forts of the central West- 
moreland settlers were Fort Waldhauer, located on the farm of 
Michael Waldhauer, about eight miles west of Greensburg; Fort 
Allen, located near Old Zion Church in the Herold’s settlement ; 
Fort Rugh, located on the farm of Michael Rugh, near the pres- 
ent Westmoreland County Home; Fort Kepple, located on the 
farm of Michael Kepple, about two miles north of Greensburg: 
Fort Miller, located near Hannastown; Fort Marchant, located 





10—Monongahela of Old, Judge James Veech, page 21. 


26 HISTORY: OF THE PITESBURGHESMNOD 


on the farm of Doctor David Marchant in the Brush Creek settle- 
ment; Fort Klingenschmidt, located on the farm of Philip 
Klingenschmidt near Jeannette; and Fort Armel, near Pleasant 
Unity. One of the older members of the Ridge Church once 
told Pastor W. F. Ulery how his grandmother, in times of 
Indian danger, would mik the cows and do her farm chores, and 
then hurry back to the fort for safety. Her husband had several 
encounters with’ the Indians and some narrow escapes. 


11“One night, when he was alone in the house, it was surrounded by 
a horde of Indians, who had doubtless come to murder him and his 
family, but he kept up such a noise and demonstration that he impressed 
the savages that there was a strong band of men within, hence they soon 
dispersed and left him in peace”. 


The Germans were slow to take up arms against the Indians, 
but made the most effective kind of Indian fighters when thor- 
oughly aroused. Some of the best and most trusted scouts on 
the frontier were Germans. The record of the Wetzel family is 
not surpassed by any. Louis Wetzel, one of the members of this 
family, is said to have killed twenty-seven Indians with his own 
hand during his life! time, -@nvone occasion he: killeditareesorsa 
party of four savages, who were pursuing him through the 
torest.!* Rifle companies for home defense were formed in some 
of the settlements, the most notable of which was that of Adam 
Saam, a member of Brush Creek Church. A full regiment was 
organized at one time, in which a number of Germans from Fay- 
ette, Westmoreland, and Allegheny counties were enlisted. When 
these soldiers were sent to Kittanning in 1774, the citizens of the 
Herold’s settlement held a meeting at Fort Allen, and addressed 
the following petition to Governor John Penn. 


13Fort Allen, Hempfield Township, between Wendel 
Oury’s and Christopher Trubee. 
To the Honorable John Penn, Esqr., 


Governor and Commander in Chief in and over the Province of Penn- 
sylvania, and Counties of New Castle, Kent and Sussex upon Delaware. 
The petition of the inhabitants of Westmoreland County humbly sheweth, 


That there is great reason to fear that this part of the Country will 
soon be involved in an Indian war. 


_ . That the consequences will most probably be striking, as the Country 
is in a very defenseless state, without any Places of strength, stock of 
Ammunition, or necessary stores. 


That the abandoning the, Country must be attended with total ruin 
to great numbers, who are now in an easy situation, but almost distracted 
with the apprehensions of seeing their Helpless Infants fall a sacrifice 
to savage Cruelty, and this will most certainly be the event unless they 
meet with some protection. 


11—History of the Southern Conference, W. F. Ulery, page 97. 
12—Winning of the West, Theodore Roosevelt, Vol. I, page 107. 
13—This petition may be seen at the State Library, Harrisburg, Pa. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD ys 


In these circumstances, next to the Almighty, they look to your 
Honor, and Hope you will take their Case into Consideration, and afford 
them such relief as to your Honor shall seem meet. 


And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray. 


To this petition were attached eighty signatures, of which at 
least seventy-three are German, showing that the entire Herold 
settlement was practically German. ‘The names of these peti- 
tioners, prepared by an expert in German script, are as follows: 


Allimang, Nicolaus Klingelsmit, Peter Schelhammer, Peter 
Altman, William Konel, Michael Scheuer, Nicholas 
Altman, Peter Kroushor, John Schmit, Heinrich 
Altman, Andoni Kuemel, Jacob Schmit, Jacob 
Altman, Peter (2) Kunkel, Hans Schram, Jacob 
Archbold, Richard Kutz, Josef Schram, Heinrich 
Aterman, Lutwig Lafferty, John eet ek Jacob 
Bam, Christian Lewis, Samuel ils sean 

Beier, Georg Linck, Conrat Sil, Heinrich 
Bendeary, John Marshal, Dafit Sourer, Knicklas 
Benter, Georg Marshal, Fritrich Spengeler, Hannes 
Breinig, Marx Matiss, Daniel Stroh, Jacob 
Breinig, Joh Matiss, Jacob Stuart, Archy 
Breinig, Hannes Mechlyn, Jacob Tames, Gerhart 
Bricker, Adam Mechlin, Dewalt Trubee, Christopher 
George, Adam Meier, Adam Uber, Peter 
Golden, John Meyer, Baltzer Uhrich, Stofel 
Hann, Michael Mickendorf, Kasber Uhrich, Adam 
Harrison, William Mickendorf, Georg Uhrich, Peter 
Hauser, Jacob Moffey, John Walter, Adony 
Herolt, Christopher Oury, Wendel Wanenmacher, Peter 
Hister, Conrad Pankek, Jos Waterms, James 
Houck, Conrad Raupp, Frantz Welcker, Jacob 
Hunts, Martin Redeck, John Wilers, Danel 
Kessner, Peter Reis, Bernt Williams, Thomas 
Kleyn, Heinrich Rosch, Peter Yunt, Nicolaus 
Klingelschmit, Philip Schatz, Michael 


This petition reveals the fact that Pennsylvania German 
family names, under the processes of Americanization, are pe- 
culiarly subject to change. Some of them have been changed so 
many times that it is difficult to trace them to their originals. 
The father of the Harrold family, after which the Zion Church 
was named, spelled his name Herolt in this petition. The large 
Klingensmith family of western Pennsylvania descends from 
pioneers, who wrote the name Klingelschmit. The founder of 
the Rupp family, which has given a number of ministers to both 
the Reformed and Lutheran Church, wrote his name Raupp. 
The Kuhns family of western Pennsylvania gives an even more 
striking example of Americanization. The patriarch spelled his 
name Kunze. None of his descendants seemed satisfied with 
this, one making changes according to taste, and spelling it Kunz, 
Kountze, Kountz, Kuhns, Kuhn, Koon, and finally plain Ameri- 
can Coon. One of the pioneers, who came over the mountains in 
1769 or 1770, was Baltzer Meyer, the first schoolmaster of the 
Herold’s settlement. He was a man of exceptional attainments 
for those days, and, during his term of service in the community, 
evidenced a knowledge of the scriptures and a familiarity with 
Lutheran usage that was highly praiseworthy. The first public 
building of the community was a combination church and school- 


FIRST PAGE, HAROLD’S CHURCH RECORD, 





1772 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 29 


house, in which he conducted devotional services on Sunday, and 
taught during the week. The Germans of western Pennsylvania 
were more prompt in providing schools for their children than 
were their English-speaking neighbors. This schoolhouse at 
Herold’s was the first in Westmoreland County, and it may have 
been the first west of the mountains. The Pennsylvania Dutch 
have been charged with being too busy for anything but work, 
but the old Herold’s schoolhouse is their sufficient defense. It 
was the custom of all the stronger settlements to hire a school- 
master from the eastern part of the state, providing a horse and 
escort for his journey, but some of the settlements, like Herold’s, 
were strong enough to support a resident schoolmaster. These 
German teachers were often men of ability, and able to provide 
for the spiritual wants of the people, when they were not able to 
secure the services of a pastor. Such a man was Baltzer Meyer. 
In harmony with the counsel of the Ministerium of Pennsyl- 
vania, he would gather the people together in the log schoolhouse 
every Lord’s Day, lead them in the singing of the old familiar 
German hymns, and read to them an approved sermon. In the 
year 1772, at the earnest request of the people, he opened a 
church register, in which he entered the names of the children 
brought to him for baptism. ‘This practice was continued until 
June 4, 1782, when the first Lutheran pastor entered the field. 
The German schoolmasters filled a large place in the religious 
life of their respective communities, and were sometimes pressed 
by the eager people into the work of the ministry. The case of 
Johannes Stauch is a good illustration of this. While he lived in 
the Virginia glades he was only a layman; but, because he held 
religious meetings in his home on Sundays, at which he read a 
prayer and a German sermon, he was called a preacher and asked 
to do a preacher’s work. His autobiography, translated by his 
son and placed in the library of the Historical Society at Gettys- 
burg, is one of the most interesting documents of pioneer days. 
It is therefore given in full. 


AMO BIOGRAETYCOrRAIOHANNES so DAUCH 


“T was born of poor but pious parents. My father was born and 
raised in Wurtemberg, mother in Germany. They emigrated to the 
United States in 1740 and settled in York County, Pa. I was born, Jan. 
25, 1762. My mother exercised strict parental and Christian discipline 
over her children. As soon as they could lisp a language she taught them 
maxims, prayers and verses from the Bible, many of which remain in- 
delibly impressed on my mind and conscience until this day of three score 
and ten years. In rather an unhappy manner I passed my life until I 
reached my 19th year; then I saw plainly that my soul was not brought 
fully under the power of divine love. I tried to believe, for there is no 
hope except in the blessed promises of God’s Holy Book. For, ‘It is not 
of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth 
mercy. The thought that I must preach the gospel took hold upon my 
mind. This is now in my 19th year, and woe is me if I do not obey the 
call. I made known the feeling of my mind to my parents and they were 
willing to have me educated for the gospel ministry. They had the will 


30 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


and means. But they said I had better consult my pastor before engaging 
in such an important work. Accordingly 1 went to Rev. Goehring ot 
York for advice. After asking me some questions, he dismissed me trom 
his study with the advice to defer the matter for that time, and if it was 
God’s will that I should be educated for the ministry it would be done. 
At a meeting with this same Rev. gentleman ten years after this he deeply 
regretted that he did not sufficiently encourage me to qualify for the 
work of the ministry. But it was now too late, and it was evident that 
God had called me to the work of an evangelist, or pioneer to cross the 
Allegheny Mountains and sound the Gospel trumpet in the wilderness of 
the West, where the heralds of the cross had never been. After the close 
of my school I became an indentured apprentice to the wagon-making 
trade in Little York, after which I travelled as a journeyman to Hagers- 
town, and, while working there for Mr. Harry, I became acquainted with 
Miss Elizabeth Hogmyer, or Haguemire, with whom I was joined in holy 
matrimony in the summer of A. D. 1787. We started immediately after 
our marriage to seek a home in the Mississippi Valley, in company with 
one other young couple. For many days we journeyed, surmounting 
many grievous obstacles without an accident. But we were punished for 
desecrating the Holy Sabbath. By travelling on Saturday we remembered 
the Sabbath. But when it came we did not remember to keep it holy. 
Our agreement on Saturday was to rest when Sunday came. But on 
Saturday night there fell a heavy rain and swelled the waters in those 
mountains to make it dangerous, for twenty or thirty hours after the 
rain, to ford, and when the day of rest came, and the end of the com- 
mandment, ‘Keep it holy’, we attempted to cross the Savage Creek (one 
of the headwaters of the Potomac River) on Sunday morning, after the 
heavy rain of Saturday night. We plunged into it. My comrade got on 
the front horse, I on the saddle horse, the two women in the wagon. My 
comrade, when the horse began to swim, fell off and was swept away by 
the current, and no one to aid him or to save his life. Thus I was alone 
with the two women in the wagon to behold the solemn scene, with the 
judgment of God resting on us, and not yet over the stream. But our 
lives and the lives of the horses were saved. On Monday we crossed in 
safety, but one of our number was carried away with the stream, and we 
saw him no more. As we were breaking our way into the wilderness we 
did not find turnpikes, macadamized roads, bridges, canals, railroads and 
such like facilities for travelling, but we had to take our compass for our 
guide, and ax and cut our way in many places through and around hills 
and rocks. Now, when we had settled in the forest we opened a sugar 
camp, and, when the Sabbath came, we labored hard all day by gathering 
and boiling the water, thinking it right to have and boil it if God made it 
run on the Sabbath. When evening came we emptied the syrup into the 
trough, and covered it with bark and retired to rest, after a hard Sabbath 
Day’s labor. During the night the cattle came to our camp and drank all 
the syrup, which sickened some and destroyed the life of others. So we 
lost not only our labor, but our cattle also. These two incidents effectu- 
ally convinced us that no good would come from violating God’s law of 
the Sabbath by travelling and worldly labor, and never until this day 
have I tolerated in my family or churches Sunday traveling, visiting or 
working under any pretense whatever, except works of necessity and 
works of mercy. We found a stopping place in the then called Virginia 
Glades, 160 miles from Hagerstown, from whence we started, and 20 
miles from any settlement of white people that we knew of. During the 
first year we lived there, some young transient men and women came to 
visit us, but we knew of no settlers nearer than 20 miles from us. The 
second year there came six families and one young man. The wood ax 
then began to wake the echo. All around us forests fell. We here 
learned for the first time that the text, ‘It is not good for man to be 
alone’, signifies more than husband and wife. Our Hagerstown fathers 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 31 


were mindful of our spiritual as well as our temporal destitution. Hay- 
ing no living ministry to send us, they sent us a sermon book at their 
carliest opportunity, and earnestly entreated us that we should assemble 
every Sabbath and praise God by singing and reading prayers and 
sermons, which we did every Sabbath with good effect. In our far off 
home people were as susceptible of moral and religious feeling, even if 
they were not as accomplished in their manners as in their old settlements. 
A young man and woman came to us soon after our settling in our new 
home, and requested me to marry them. He was tall and straight, with 
a tawney complexion, a dark and restless eye, barefooted and clad from 
a little below the knees upwards with skins of animals. He carried his 
gun upon his shoulder, shotpouch and powderhorn by his side, and his 
game in his hand, and his bride close by following him, who was also 
clad with the habiliments of the forest. They, as we ourselves, had no 
weekly periodicals to publish the fashions of the day, as sent to us from 
cities and foreign countries to crack our brains and burst our empty 
purses. He with a manly countenance, she with a mischievous smile upon 
her lip, asked to be married. We told them we had no license to perform 
a legal marriage. Now, they said they did not care, they intended to live 
together at any rate, and there was no minister in the country. But we 
were a law unto ourselves, our own conscience bearing witness, our own 
thoughts accusing or excusing one another. They said as there was no 
preacher to be had, and as we read sermons we could read marriage cere- 
monies also. We concluded after mature deliberation that we had better 
solemnize their nuptials. As I had been chosen to lead and read sermons 
and uniformly to lead in our religious exercises, it was consequently 
thought that I should marry them. I accordingly did it backwoods style, 
without any license myself or asking them for one. Others came on the 
same business, and I served them also, considering matrimony more a civil 
than religious ordination. I enquired for information from my friend, 
Rey. Goehring. He directed me to attend and enquire at a civil court in 
the state. I attended the session of court in western Virginia, and ob- 
tained license or legal authority to solemnize matrimony. But now an- 
other difficulty more formidable than the first awaited us. It was the 
baptism of our children. I would always find some way to have my own 
baptized. But others thought it impossible for them. They wanted me to 
baptize their children. But I declined. They also wanted the Lord’s 
Supper administered, and wanted me to do it or assume that right. We 
continued reading and talking from one Sabbath to another about spir- 
itual things with those who wished to hear us (and those who did not 
wish to hear stayed away from our meeting). The duty of preaching be- 
came more impressed on my mind than ever before, and my brethren 
thought that I could and must preach for them and others. But how 
could I support a family with a wife and four children in the wilderness, 
and study for the ministry, was the dilemna. Jona fled to Tarshish, I to 
the wilderness, to suffer the lashings of a guilty conscience over wasted 
opportunities for obtaining mental training, that is indispensably neces- 
sary for a proper exercise of the ministry. But I read: ‘I will lead thee 
into the wilderness and there be merciful unto thee’. My thoughts con- 
tinued to trouble me more and more. ‘Woe is me if I preach not the 
gosnel’ was constantly ringing in my ears and on my mind. In dreams bv 
night I dreamed that multitudes of early settlers would throng the place, 
tremble and weep at the recital of the story of the cross. Sometimes it 
seemed to me the learned and accomplished in the church would upbraid 
me for transcending my proper sphere. A wife and four children at 
home and in poverty, a meagre pittance for my services in the church, the 
wretched condition around me, a smiling Savior with a glorious crown on 
high. In such visions I spent my nights. After manv pravers and much 
consideration, and in view of the blessed promises of God that their place 
of refuge should be the shadow of rocks, bread should be given them 


ae HISTORY OF THE SETI be UNG Pies YAN Ge 


and their water should be sure, | formed a fixed resolution by the grace 
of God I would preach Jesus and trust God for good results. And this 
is one of the most important decisions I ever made. In a short time I 
was invited to Morgantown to commence my ministerial life. I went 
without any synodical authority, being of God, after the order of 
Melchisedec, and ministered to them once in every four weeks. I was 
soon pressingly solicited to preach for a few Germans in Fayette County, 
Pa., twenty miles farther west, and in all seventy miles from home. Thus 
the field continued to increase, the poor Germans hungering for the bread 
of life. The cry was continually, ‘Come west’ or ‘Come over and help us’. 
Others asked to have their children baptized and catechised. There was 
no one to break to them the bread of life, to point them in a dying hour 
to the scene of Calvary, and preach their funerals when they were dead. 
My heart sickened within me when I thought and saw the widespread 
destitution, that has always existed in the Lutheran Church in the West. 
At the close of a hard Sabbath Day’s labor, I retired to rest. In my sleep 
my thought wandered to my distant home. I dreamed that my wife and 
I had parted, and were to live together-no more upon earth. I started 
for home early next morning, confident that something serious awaited 
me. I reached home that day, a distance of forty miles, and found all 
well. But on Wednesday following death came to my lonelv cabin. and 
removed my dear, affectionate and pious wife to heaven. She suffered 
severely but patiently. In her last moments, she gave her neighbors pious 
counsel, her little children a mother’s dying blessing with her trembling 
hand resting upon their heads, to me a long farewell, and said: ‘I die 
happy’, and immediately her spirit returned to God who gave it. We 
buried her remains in a small burying place under a large oak tree in a 
lonely woods. We covered sod over her grave, and, with the requiem in 
the tall pines, we returned to mourn her vacant seat at home and place of 
devotion. She went before us to heaven, and we were blessed in her loss, 
for we were brought nearer to that happy place by thinking of her there. 
We had wandered hand in hand through the desert of life: rejoiced and 
mourned, hungered and thirsted together for a few happy years. But 
God severed the tie that bound us, and His will be done. ‘Gott hilf 
mir, Amen’, 


This heavy stroke of divine providence very unexpectedly called me 
from my ministry to attend to the severed offices of my family.. I made 
arrangements as soon as I could, and returned to Hagerstown in May, 
1793, after spending six years in the wilderness. The summer was ad- 
vancing, and we were now driven from a paradise (for such my dead 
wife made our home) and exposed to all the ills of life. My four little 
ones were taken ill with the small pox, and the horse I rode was claimed 
by an inn-keeper in Hagerstown as stolen property. I had gotten him in 
Fayette in exchange for a lighter one to suit the travel of the long 
journey. I was now bereft of my wife, deprived of my horse as stolen 
property. My motherless children were homeless and sick. Yet it was 
a source of unspeakable happiness to feel that’ we had done our duty 
before God and man; and there was still left in our desolation a merci- 
ful providence to guide us whithersoever we went. Nor was our-humble 
confidence in the superintending care of heaven disappointed, for my old 
and for twenty years tried friend, Rev. Otterbein, preached within eight 
miles of Hagerstown, and came once more with consoling words that 
cheered my gloomy condition and renewed my fainting spirits. He 
assured me that although God dwelled in darkness, He walks in light. 
His consolation encouraged me, and his unfeigned sympathy and prayers 
did me good. At the close of the religious service he made a public 
statement of my destitute condition, and raised a collection which 
amounted to a sufficient sum to purchase a horse. I then continued my 

journey to the city of Philadelphia to attend the meeting of the Penn- 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD aR) 


sylvania Evangelical Lutheran Synod, which convened, May 27, A. D. 
1793. Was examined by that honorable body, and was found competent 
to receive license as a catechist for one year. On my return home from 
Synod, I removed from Hagerstown to German ‘Township, Fayette 
County, Penn., and occupied the glebe and house belonging to St. 
Jacob’s Church. I attended the next meeting of the Pennsylvania Synod, 
which convened on the 18th day of June, 1794, in Reading, Pa., and was 
examined by that honorable body and found qualified to receive a candi- 
date’s license to preach one year, in Salem, Morgantown, Redstone, (und 
als weiter) and still farther west. These congregations and one in 
Washington County I organized before I was licensed to preach. I 
had ten preaching places in German Lutheran settlements, from one 
hundred miles to one hundred and sixty miles distant, to which I trav- 
elled every four weeks. I lived, when at home, in a cabin three years 
one-half entirely alone, no living creature about me but my horse. My 
kind neighbors did my washing and baking of bread. I was joined in 
matrimony to Miss Catherine Troutman in 1796, and continued traveling 
as extensively as before. I had now been traveling and preaching five 
years as faithfully as I could, and I began to doubt the reality of my call 
to preach. I could see there was not so much loud talk and laughter 
before and after the religious services as when we first engaged to 
preach to this people. But I seriously determined to abandon the min- 
istry, unless | had some good evidence on my next round of having ac- 
complished some lasting good. As I went I talked about my temptations 
and determinations. During the round I found four reliable men, who 
said I was the honored instrument in the hand of God in their conver- 
sion. ‘The first was converted on my preaching on self-deception, the 
second by my religious conversation in his father’s family, the third by 
my catechetical instruction, and the fourth was converted while I was in 
the act of confirming him. Two of these became useful ministers in the 
Lutheran Church. The tempter departed from me. I was resolved to 
sow the seed in the morning, and not withhold my hand in the evening, 
until the grave shall hide me from the world, and leave the event to God. 
My only trouble now was how I could best instruct mourners for God, 
and awaken sinners to come to Christ. Young ministers will, perhaps, 
be at a loss to know how we contrived to study our sermons and travel 
so extensively. God has made provision in my situation. He bestows 
upon us both gifts and graces, and permits us to preach the same sermon 
repeatedly. And I believe this custom will uniformly hold good, and 
will benefit all who will go to church to serve God. But those who serve 
God by going to church perhaps will not be so well suited. Some are un- 
willing to hear it said they preach their sermons twice. But I repeatedly 
used a good sermon or discourse, delivered by some good minister before, 
or preaching it four weeks in succession every day and night as we 
traveled, and, as I thought, to good effect to my hearers. They would 
often travel in company with me, in numbers from ten to thirty, from 
one appointment to another to hear the same discourse repeated, con- 
stantly affirming they could get more meaning and comfort the second 
time of delivery than the first. As we were traveling along on one of 
these occasions, they would ask many questions about religion, heaven, 
hell, the resurrection of the dead and the soul. Among other strange 
questions, a black man asked me where a man got his soul. I thought 
or rather studied while my horse was following out a winding path which 
led me over some lofty hill to some lone hovel in the mountain or 
widerness, to kneel and pray by the bedside of the afflicted or dying, and 
sing and talk to them before their eyes closed in death. If young min- 
isters would thus go from house to house to visit, and imitate Him that 
went about doing good, and expound the scriptures according to primi- 
tive apostolic custom, of taking a book or chapter for a lesson and after 


34 HISTORY OF- TH EPULRESBURG Tas Ne 


a clear exposition enforce its precepts on the mind and conscience of 
their hearers, and pray instead of always preaching from a text in the 
ordinary way of sermonizing, they would doubtless be more useful. The 
faithful minister is not conformed to fashions of men, and is not of this 
world, ‘even as Christ was not of the world’. The first preachers of 
righteousness willingly suffered the loss of all things, and counted them 
but dross, that they might win Christ. They counted not their lives dear 
unto themselves in the fulfilment of their ministry. Many preachers in 
our day are but poorly qualified for the noble and sublime work of the 
ministry, which is in itself the most glorious work to which mortals can 
be called in this life. May the Master give us more of the spirit of 
Luther and Christ than we now possess. Amen. 


The Redstone country improved, and settlers came rapidly until the 
price of land became too high for them. This induced emigrants to go 
west into the wilderness. In 1798 and 1799, vast numbers emigrated to 
the territory of Ohio, which was at that time nearly an impenetrable 
forest. The first settlement in the territory was at Marietta, at the con- 
fluence of the Ohio and Muskingum rivers, in 1788. In A. D. 1799, the 
territory legislators met in Cincinnati, and organized the civil govern- 
ment of the country, and promoted the safety of pioneers by putting a 
check to the hostilities of the Indians. Among the first settlers of the 
territory of Ohio were many pious Germans from beyond the waters and 
eastern states. A large number bore the honorable name of Lutheran. 
Vast numbers of them were baptized and confirmed to membership in 
the Lutheran communion, But, through the neglect of the means of 
grace, some had fallen into rationalism and all manner of sin. Others 
were pious and daily hungering after righteousness, and continued in 
their daily devotions morning and evening in their cabins, kneeling in the 
dust upon their earthen floors, prayed fervently to the Great Shepherd to 
send them spiritual guides, to visit their families, baptize their babes, 
catechize and confirm their children, visit them in their affliction, speak 
comfortable words of promise to them in their dying moments and per- 
form burial services at their graves. I heard their Macedonian call for 
help, and read and understood the clause in my license, ‘Als weiter’, and 
also the command of the Divine Master, ‘Go ye into all the world and 
preach the gospel to every creature’. I had already an extensive field, 
but this evil destitution that prevailed in our church induced me to travel 
in thinly settled parts of Ohio, Kentucky, Western Virginia and Penn- 
sylvania. And this I did for twelve years in succession. ‘The first two I 
traveled 14°0 miles before I returned home. During these visits the 
people would come a long way, and especially the Lutherans, who had 
had the privilege in the east and in Germany to hear the preached Word 
almost every Sabbath, to our meetings, and hear the Word of God with 
deep attention. and after a service would be loath to leave the place. In 
one instance, in the northern part of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, after a 
long service in an open barn, after we had closed the service and pro- 
nounced the benediction, the people sat down and asked for another dis- 
course. We gave them a discourse on keeping the Sabbath Day holy. 
They also embraced these opportunities of having their children baptized. 
We baptized twenty-three children in one day under the green trees 
where we worshipped, with our Great Father’s broad blue canopy 
stretched over our heads to show us how great and good He is. During 
these excursions | was often exposed to great deprivations, inclemency 
of weather and peril of wilderness. Not infrequently the night found 
me in the woods, a long distance from any habitation, my only alternative 
was to tie my horse to a sapling for safe keeping, take my saddle and 
blanket for a bed, and like Jacob of old, who took a stone for a 
pillow, lie down in that place to sleep, so I would resign myself to the 





PASTOR JOHANNES STAUCH 


36 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH. SYNOD 


mercy of the night. And, like him, in the morning I would be re- 
freshed and encouraged by visions of the night, if not like him to 
see the ladder and angelic visions. For any of us would be willing to 
take up with Jacob’s pillow if we might but have Jacob’s dreams. Yet 
I was permitted to appropriate the blessed promise made to him for 
my safety and comfort. For the Lord said, ‘Behold I will be with thee 
and will keep thee in this place and whithersoever thou goest, and bring 
thee again into this land. For I will not leave thee until I do that 
which I have spoken to thee of.’ And like Jacob I was fed and clothed 
and kept, and like him was permitted to live and return to my home in 
safety. For neither myself nor horse were ever sick when duty re- 
quired me to go. And this I considered a special providence, as I was 
compelled to swim waters and climb hills in the new country, to en- 
counter swamps that were often dangerous, so that I might: reach my 
appointments in the settlements 12 to 30 miles distant. In October, 
A. D. 1802, a meeting was held in Jacob’s Church in German township, 
Fayette County, Pa., by the assistance.sof Rev. H. Fremmer and Rev. 
H. Eddinger. During this meeting, which continued for one week, some 
twenty persons fell in their seats, while others left their seats and 
hurried out of the house, some with indignation and others from fear. 

he falling or jerking, as it was called, was a strange phenomenon in- 
deed. Men and women in perfect health were involuntarily and often 
suddenly jerked about like persons afflicted with St. Vitus dance, while 
others fell down and appeared in a state of syncope. This falling work 
had been going on in the Presbyterian church previous to its appearing 
in my church. Kentucky or Tenneseee was the seat or beginning of 
this religious mania, which the Presbyterian clergy called phastia. Be 
this as it may, the results of these exercises and this protracted meeting 
led to painful divisions of the congregations. For a number of persons 
and a number of: the congregations shortly after this separated them- 
selves from the church, and employed a Rev. Kittlebaugh to preach 
at M. G. Riffle’s, in sight of my meeting house, at the same hour that 
I preached in the church. Under these circumstances the friends of 
Rey. Kittlebaugh preferred an accusation against me to the Pennsyl- 
vania Synod, which convened. on the 30th of May, 1804. In this ac- 
cusation, seven charges avere: named against.me (viz) sie baat od 
refused to give the order of the Ministerium when it was demanded. 
2nd. That I had made my father-in-law and brother-in-law deacons of 
the church,.so they could do nothing with me. 3rd. That-I did not 
speak q word of German to my family. 4th. That 1 broke up the 
German schools. 5th. That I had communed with Rev. Fremmer, a 
German Reformed. 6th. That I had also taken the Lord’s Supper with 
the Methodists. 7th. That I had stated from the pulpit that no Lutheran 
should unite in singing at the time of holding the communion, who did 
not at the same time receive the sacrament. The charges were examined 
into, and were considered by the Ministerium unworthy of any notice. 
At this meeting of Synod I was examined and ordained to preach the 
gospel of reconciliation, after having been licensed ten years. In June, 
1806, a meeting was called for the purpose of trying to settle amicably 
the existing difficulty in the congregation: But nothing could be af- 
fected. On the 13th of the next August, I administered the sacrament 
of the Lord’s Supper the twelfth and last time in this congregation. I 
preached to this people in all 15 years, 13 of which I resided in the 
glcbe with my family. In October, I resigned the pastorate, and re- 
moved to Columbiana County, Ohio, with my family. I was the first 
person (that we know of) who carried a Lutheran ministerial seal 
across the Allegheny mountains into the state or territory of Ohio, 
where so many churches are now supplied by the best of preachers, and 
stand as monuments of Lutheranism, to the glory of God. The Lord has 


HISTORY, GF THE PITISBURGH. SYNOD 37 


done great things for us, whereof we are glad. Lutherans emigrated 
to Ohio from all parts of the civilized world, and especially from the 
east of Pennsylvania. They came in vast numbers, and settled sparsely 
in many divisions. The first Lutheran settlement was made in Jeffer- 
son County, in A. D. 1800, by emigrants from Washington County, 
Penn. ‘The first year after my move into Ohio, I organized twelve 
congregations in the counties of Columbiana, Jefferson, Warren, Stark, 
Beaver and Mercer (the last two named in Pennsylvania), and con- 
tinued to preach in Washington County, every four weeks the first 
year, and after every eight weeks, as it was seventy miles distant and 
over bad roads. My heart sickens within me when I behold the wide 
waste of our beloved Zion. Children baptized within the pale of the 
church crying for spiritual food or instruction, and all for want of 
laborers in the harvest field. And many that were truly pious were 
spiritually starving, wandering in the wilderness of sin, and lost to the 
church and to heaven. Men came as far as 30 miles and told me their 
deplorable condition, and bade me come and preach the gospel in their 
houses. In the midst of all eagerness for the word of life, we were op- 
posed and denounced by falsely so-called Lutherans. We preached too 
plainly and practically for their carnal minds. This was the secret of 
their opposition. They thought it right and had no objection for a 
minister to denounce and decry gross violations of God’s commandments, 
but small offenses, they said, might be innocently tolerated. Among 
other things they counted innocent and not sinful were dancing at 
parties of young people, laughing and loud talking in church before and 
after divine service, formal visits on the Sabbath Day and even working 
in harvest, traveling, hunting and fishing, dram drinking among the 
elders and deacons and the whole church at house-raisings. I raised 
not my hand against such nefarious practices, but I did raise my voice 
loud and long against them. We tried to define the term “drunk” ac 
cording to the notions of the people, but never could do it. For one 
thought one thing, and said another, what drunkenness was. One thing 
was evident to me, as long as a drinker could keep up his head he 
would not admit that he was drunk, and when he could no longer reel 
to and fro, but was compelled to lie down and sleep in filth like a 
hog in the sty, he had not sense enough then to know that he was 
drunk. Hence I preached that the only safe way was to refrain from 
it entirely. I taught them to believe, if they would abstain from the 
use of exhilarating drinks, that they might be sure they would never 
be drunk, but without total abstinence it was extremely doubtful. 
But I met with strong opposition from many of my Lutheran mem- 
bers, by opposing and condemning these immoral practices. Lutherans 
also opposed the measures I used in my churches. I often appointed 
meetings in private houses for exhortation, prayer and religious con- 
ference. In these meetings we would speak freely, one to the other, 
of our hopes and fears, joys and sorrows, desires and good resolutions. 
While some of the Lutherans approved these meetings and _ rejoiced 
greatly, praising the Lord for the rich blessing bestowed upon them; 
others considered them adiaphoristic, neither good nor bad, but held 
them unnecessary meetings, while others held them as conventicles, de- 
nouncing them as the rankest kind of diabolical heresy and un-Luth- 
eran in the extreme. Regardless of praise or censure, we pursued the 
even tenor of our way, for it was them and not theirs I was after. I 
have always found these meetings to be true nurseries of a religious 
life among all Christians of every denomination and language. But 
especially are they beneficial among young converts, who hunger and 
thirst after righteousness. It is there they are filled, there they find 
meat the world knoweth not of, and there they drink the water of 
life, the unspeakable delight of their fainting and wearied souls. ‘This 


38 HISTORY “OF *THERP EES Uh oy Nop 


kind of interchange of Christian feelings and sentiments uniformly stimu- 
lates for more exalted spiritual attainment. Peace in the church, charity 
toward all men and firmness in the Christian faith and doctrines are 
the fruits of these conventions. Notwithstanding the ridicule and persecu- 
tion which these meetings have met with, not only from our lay- 
members but from many accomplished clergy who uniformly gave 
their influence against them, I nevertheless feel it my duty to recom- 
mend them most seriously and pressingly to the favorable notice of our 
churches and ministers. And this I did from 50 years experience in 
them, in different states and congregations. I met in Ohio, from time to 
time, pious and respectable and intelligent ministers, Lutheran breth- 
ren, who were congenial spirits to me. Among them was the Rev. 
Steck. He came out in A. D. 1796, and located in Westmoreland County, 
Penn. He was emphatically a Boanerges._ By his thunders. he, has 
made his mark wherever he went, but he has so many living epistles 
both in heaven and on earth, that he needs not my imperfect writing to 
recommend him. He is known and honored by the great Master of 
assemblies, and lives in the hearts of hundreds, who were blessed by his 
indefatigable labors. Rev. Forster came out in 1807, and settled in New 
Lancaster, Fairfield County, Ohio. He was also a man of God, zealous 
and full of good works, and proved himself to be a faithful, diligent 
laborer. We are also strengthened and encouraged by brethren in sis- 
ter churches. Among the number were the Revs. Mannenschmidt and 
Sonnendecker of the German Reformed Church, the first ministers of 
that church who preached the gospel in Ohio. The first meeting of a 
Lutheran Synod, west of the mountains, convened and formed in New 
Philadelphia, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in September, A. D. 1817. Spring, 
summer, autumn and winter continued to follow each other in quick 
succession until the year 1829 had rolled around. The sun, rains and 
winds appeared as they did forty years before, when I first crossed 
the mountains on my way to the wilderness of the Mississippi Valley. 
But all else had greatly changed. The forest disappeared with its num- 
erous inhabitants. The war-whoop, the death-song were no longer 
heard. The hatchet was laid aside, instruments of labor taken up, and 
Indian battlements were used for the oxen and for the treading of 
lesser cattle. The church had undergone many great vicissitudes. Num- 
erous church edifices reared their walls, where innumerable Indian 
cabins had stood in A. D. 1730. The sound of church bells was heard 
to call the inhabitants to the worship of God, instead of the din and 
clangor. of war. Our beloved Zion had undergone many changes for 
the better. We have an able ministry in the western field, who hold 
regular conference and synodical meetings, and are preaching the truth 
and speaking the truth plainly and fervently with the best results. I too 
was greatly changed in body, but not in soul; for my soul was changed 
in youth, long before I crossed the winter mountains. But now my hairs 
are as white as the mountain frosts. My long frame begins to bend 
under the weight of three score and ten years. My once strong step now 
begins to falter. My stentorious voice, that had been my faithful serv- 
ant for many years, began to fail in both speaking and singing. I 
knew this to be a sure presage of my speedy dissolution, and resigned 
my pastorate in Columbiana and adjoining counties in the fall*o£21829. 
and removed to Crawford County, intending to spend the remainder of 
my days in quiet retirement, which is so much coveted by old age, and 
to meditate on the bright and eternal future. But here 1 was not per- 
mitted to remain long until I heard the Macedonian cry for me to come 
over and help to preach. I again consented to preach to some German 
brethren, in connection with the well accomplished and efficient Rev. 
Ruth, who won many souls to the cause of his ascended Master. When 
the English Evan. Lutheran Synod of Ohio and Adjacent States, of which 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 39 


I had been senior for some years, convened in the town of Wooster, 
Wayne County, Ohio, in A. D. 1840, I went to the meeting to take my 
final leave of my brethren of the Synod. At the close of the meeting, 
I arose with an overflowing heart to say farewell to them, for I loved 
them. We took sweet counsel together, and walked to the House of 
God together for many years, but now I expected to see them no more 
until we meet in the mansions of everlasting light, where God and His 
angels dwell. 1 was like God’s ancient servant, Jacob, who could not 
stand only as he leaned on the bed to bestow a father’s blessing upon his 
surviving children. Like him, the time drew near when I must die; and 
like him, I leaned on my staff to take leave of my weeping brethren, 
which | did from my heart and then parted to meet on earth no more. 
I have lived on God’s beautiful earth eighty-one years. More than 
fifty years of my life has been spent in preaching the Gospel. To do 
this, I have travelled more than 100,000 miles and preached in five dif- 
ferent states. I have tried to preach more than 10,000 times, confirmed 
in all 1,516 persons, baptized more than double that many. Married 481 
couples, and attended nearly as many funerals. In all my life God 
caused all things to work together for my good. I never saw a fight 
in my life, nor a quarrel in a meeting. I never held a: church session 
nor excommunicated a church member in all my ministry. Money was 
never my object in preaching, and consequently I was never pressed with 
poverty. I always read political newspapers of all parties, which were 
generally furnished me by editors gratuitously and without solicitation, 
but never voted at an election but twice in my life, neither made known 
my political views. Not one day has passed in. seventy years without 
an acknowledgement to the eternal Jehovah of my sins and the sins 
of others, attended by a prayer for pardon. I have enjoyed a thousand 
pleasures for one pain. I raised a family cf six sons and seven 
daughters to the best of my ability in the nurture and admonition of the 
Lord. One of my sons (Samuel, first born) I consecrated in early life to 
the work of the ministry, but he declined the calling of my choice when 
he came to choose a profession, assigning as a reason that it was a 
choice of a man and not of God. But he chose rather to learn and 
practice the art of healing the body instead of the soul. 1 have often 
mourned over the golden time I lost from school in my youth, which 
has caused me to labor under some disadvantages all my long life, for the 
liberal education which I might have obtained by proper encouragement 
and use of opportunity. My principal books for fifty years have been 
Starke’s Commentary, Spener’s Explanation of Luther’s Five Principles, 
my Catechism, Hymn Book and the Holy Bible. I am now a feeble old 
man, only able to preach once in a great while, and expect to die soon. 
If I have enemies I implore their forgiveness, and tender my fellow- 
creatures my unfeigned thanks for their long and continued friendship, 
and for the many favors and accommodations I have received from them 
in my travels and pursuits in this world. To God’s holy name be all the 
praise for all the good I have been the instrument of doing in all my 
long life in this world. May God, the Father forgive my sins and save 
my soul. May God, the Holy Ghost, save my soul and forgive my sins. 
May God, the Son, save my soul and forgive my sins. Amen.” 


It was the custom of the German pioneers to build a church 
at the earliest opportunity, whether they had a pastor or not. 
The building of a school house was not enough; they wanted a 
place of worship which they could call their church. The old 
Fayette County settlers built a church in 1773, fully eighteen 
years before they secured their first pastor. One of the original 
members of the Jacobs Church was asked before his death why 


4A() HIS LORY Of, THEVPELSSBURGH Von ow 


they wanted a church building without a minister. His answer 
was that the people wanted a sacred place, where they could 
gather on the Lord’s Day, hear the school master read a sermon, 
and listen to Barbara Brandeburg sing. Of necessity, these 
primitive churches were very crude. ‘They were built of logs, 
with puncheon floors, having but one door. The roof was 
made of clapboards; the seats were of split logs with two stout 
legs at either end; the altar was a rude table; the pulpit was 
always of the high wine-glass pattern, and was sometimes placed 
to one side and sometimes against the wall above the altar. Fre- 
quently a gallery was constructed around three sides of the 
building, in imitation of the great churches of the Fatherland. 
The people took great pride “isthe, buiuldine otmtiese snr: 
churches, and selected the logs with such care that they were 
found valuable as heavy timber after forty years of service. 
Another noteworthy fact about these log churches is that they 
were all built in partnership with the Reformed. There was 
a strong bond of fellowship between these two denominations 1n 
the early days, and neither body attempted to build a church 
without the help of the other for nearly half a century after 
the first settlements were made. In some settlements one of 
the denominations might be too weak to give much assist- 
ance in the work of building, but both were given the same 
rights in the church. In one instance there were no Retormed 
people living in the immediate neighborhood of the new church, 
and members of other Reformed congregations were invited to 
come and represent the Reformed in the dedication. For a long 
time the two bodies worked together as one. Their people came 
from the same Fatherland, spoke the same language, observed 
the same. social customs, cherished the same hopes, braved the 
same dangers and endured the same hardships. Lutheran and 
Reformed pastors preached to the same people in the same 
church on alternate Sundays. One of the specifications in some 
of the Bonds of Union, which served as the law of the two 
congregations, required each pastor to baptize, catechize and 
confirm such children as might be presented to him, without 
regard to the church affiliations of their parents. In this way, 
children of Reformed families were sometimes baptized by the 
Lutheran pastor, and vice versa. The popularity of the pastor 
might have much to do with the size of his confirmation class. 
''There is one instance recorded, in which a Reformed pastor 
catechized a number of children and called upon his colleague 
to confirm them in the Lutheran faith. This pastor catechized 
his wife and asked the Lutheran pastor to confirm her. Inter- 
marriage also contributed to the intermingling of the two bodies, 
so that some scarcely knew where they belonged. We cannot 


14—Biography of Rev. Jacob Descombes, in Fathers of the Reformed Church. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 4] 


blame the fathers for this, for they were only following the 
natural promptings of their hearts. The oldest “Article of 
Agreement,” made between the two denominations in western 
Pennsylvania, belongs to the history of the Jacobs Church of 
Fayette County, and bears the date, July 31, 1773. It is now 
preserved in the archives of the Pittsburgh Synod. 


wiyesl As 3. 


The condition of this agreement concerning the Reformed con- 
gregation is that the Lutheran congregation shall have as much right to 
the church and the land as the Reformed congregation. If the con- 
gregation should become too strong, and should dispute arise, then 
both congregations must build another church after this same plan, and 
our Reformed congregation binds itself for fifty pounds, Pennsylvania 
current money: and no minister shall come into the churches to preach 
unless he has a good testimony that he is ordained by other ministers, 
which we acknowledge with our own hands. 


Signed, 
John Ertman, 


Jacob Reich, 
Casper Bohner. 


In the year 1790, this venerable congregation adopted a new 
agreement. which was signed by twenty-five representative men. 
It may be regarded as a typical document of the period, and is 
therefore given in full. 


We, the leading members of the Evangelical Lutheran and Re- 
formed congregations of Jacobs Church, German ‘Township, Fayette 
County, Penn., confess that, as God is a God of order, without which 
no church can exist and be carried on; we do cheerfully resolve to 
make the following rules and regulations as a bond of fellowship and 
love: 

The Lutherans and Reformed shall have the same right to hold 
services and to choose a pastor and will be expected to support the 
building and the services of the church. 


There shall be two deacons elected on each side to gather the alms 
and collections of the congregation, as well.as to render due and proper 
assistance to the pastor. 


There shall be four elders elected on each side, who shall constitute 
the church council. It shall be their duty, annually ,to hold settlement 
with the deacons before the congregation, and to adjust and settle all 
disputes and disorder in the congregation. 


It is further deemed necessary to elect two trustees, one from each 
side, whose duty shall be to receive and account for all moneys col- 
lected in the congregation. The elders and trustees shall be authorized 
to attend to all necessary work of building and repairs. 


It is further unanimously resolved, as all public scandal is a dis- 
grace to the church, and since Christ and his apostles have commanded 
that it shall not be allowed, therefore those who sin publicly must be 
publicly reproved. 


It is further agreed that no minister shall be allowed to preach in 
the church unless he comes properly accredited. The minister shall 
preach the Word, administer the Holy Sacraments, and teach the chil- 
dren and youth. He shall also be properly supported by the congregation.” 





1797 


’ 


EDICATION RECORD OF BETHLEHEM CHURCH 


D 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 43 


The fathers were strong. believers in these union churches, 
and tried their best to make articles of agreement binding 
upon their successors for all time, but very few remain. 
In some cases the stronger body soon absorbed the weaker, 
and a reorganization was affected in order to make the con- 
solidation legal. In other cases a friendly separation was 
effected, and two churches were erected side by side in close 
touch with the cemetery . In one notable instance the union 
held, and the Smithfield Street German Church of. Pittsburgh 
still retains the original unity as an Evangelical congregation. 
Yet this congregation was organized by the same pastor and on 
practically the same basis as the Reformed and Lutheran Church 
of Greensburg. 


The pioneers of our Church in western Pennsylvania were 
noted for their piety. During the long and trying years in which 
they were without a pastor, a few lapsed into infidelity, but the 
great majority retained their faith and held daily morning and 
evening prayers in their homes. They were busy people, but 
always had time plenty of time to pray. There were few log 
cabins without a “little red shelf’’, on which lay a copy of the 
sible and a catechism. Many of them also had a copy of John 
Arndt’s ‘““Wahres Christentum” and a German hymn book. Their 
piety was manifested in the early erection of their churches, in 
the religious training of their children, in the honor accorded 
their pastors, and in their reverent conduct in the House of 
God. The women usually wore plain kerchiefs or little white 
caps on their heads when they attended services; and if any of 
them happened to wear a woolen hat she would always lay it 
to one side before coming to the altar for the sacrament. Their 
singing was congregational and devotional. No matter how 
few their acceSsories of worship may have been, there was a 
deepespirt. of yreverence in all) their services: heir) first’ de- 
votional meetings were in the form of praise services, led by the 
schoolmaster or some other capable person. After a pastor was 
secured, they followed more closely the form of service to 
which they were accustomed in eastern Pennsylvania or the 
Fatherland. None of the early churches of this section was 
highly liturgical. The great majority of the people were origin- 
ally South Germans, with something of a natural antagonism 
toward a liturgical service. Their close affiliation with the 
Reformed was also a great factor in determining their liturgical 
practice. The consequence was that the liturgical development 
of the Lutheran Church in western Pennsylvania, which natur- 
ally followed her increase of strength, created a problem for the 
pastors of many of the congregations. ‘The religious life of the 
Germans was frequently misunderstood, and they were some- 


44 HISTORY OF ‘THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


times called the “unconverted Dutch’, but, long after some otf 
their critics had lost their effervescent religion, these good people 
were still found magnifying the saving grace of the Lord Jesus, 
and serving him in true humility and holiness of life. When 
their first pastors entered the field, their response to the gospel 
was ‘pathetic... Fortyears they had} not heard thes vorcenomea 
minister of Christ, and the coming of Pastors Luetge, Steck, 
and Stauch seemed like a visitation from heaven. Father 
Stauch tells how the people would follow him in groups from 
settlement to settlement in order to hear the same sermon a 
second time. The people were so hungry for the gospel that 
they were willing to travel many miles and endure much in- 
convenience in order to hear it. There were no stoves in the 
first churches, and the congregation sometimes had a_ chilly 
experience. Many of them were opposed to the use of stoves 
in the church, since they argued that people should go to 
church to worship God and not to be “perfectly comfortable”. 
After they had yielded to the majority and accepted the “‘inno- 
vation”, they had no chimneys in their church, and suffered 
more from the smoke than from the cold. Doctor Russell of the 
Reformed Church has given us a quaint description of their 
experiences. 


15“As the smoke had to be passed out somehow, they would perhaps 
run the end of a pipe through a broken window pane or some other 
opening. In one instance, they put the pipes out over the two doors. 
But as, after trial, this was found not to answer the purpose, one was 
then put through the wall on either side of the pulpit. This, it is true, 
gave some comfort to the minister; but, when the wind came from that 
quarter, it put him under a cloud, sometimes greatly to his discomfort. 
According as the wind blew, the house would be filled with smoke, not 
of incense, well nigh suffocating the pastor, and incensing the people to 
tears. Then the pipes were taken at the next trial through the roof, 
but this at one time set the house on fire, so at last the chimney was 
built, and relief was thus obtained.” 


These Germans were as conservative in their religious life 
as they were pious. Their zeal for the customs and traditions 
of their fathers was remarkable. This was shown in their strict 
adherence to the practice of catechetical instruction. If ever 
there was a time in the history of our Church when the discon- 
tinuance of this practice would have been justifiable, it was in 
the days of the pioneers. For thirteen or more years after the 
establishment of the first settlements, there were no Lutheran 
pastors to be found west of the mountains, and the school- 
masters were) cequired, to do* the catechizings i pomenotaiae 
settlers lived from fifteen to twenty miles away from the school, 
but distance was not allowed to interfere with duty. There 
were times when hostile savages lurked in the forest, but still 





15—History of Westmoreland Classis, page 78. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 45 


the children went to “Kinderlehre’. Little Conrad Keck walked 
all the way from Shannondale to Brush Creek in order to be 
taught by Pastor Steck. Before the introduction of church stoves, 
the catechumens were almost frozen at times. On one occasion 
the pastor told the older boys to make a great log fire in front 
of the church, to which the class could adjourn at times to keep 
warm. It was not easy to conduct successful work under these 
conditions, but loyal conservatism made it possible, and much 
of the best religious work of those days may be credited to the 
use of the catechism. ‘The most successful pastors of that day 
were skilled catchists, having the gift of teaching as well as 
preaching. Pastors John Michael Steck, Gabriel Adam Reichert, 
Michael Kuchler and Jonas Mechling were splendid catechists, 
and they were four of the most successful pastors of their 
Church. It is said of these men that they had Luther’s Cate- 
chism at their finger’s end, and that they would work for 
days on some particular point until they could see that it had 
wrought conviction in the hearts of the catechumens. ‘The 
result of such thorough instruction was a generation of Luth- 
erans, who were thoroughly grounded in the faith, and never 
wavered in their allegiance to the Church. The conservatism 
of the people was also manifested in their adherence to the 
German language. Theodore Roosevelt, in the Winning of the 
West, says that the Germans, who settled west of the moun- 
tains, were quickly Americanized. This may have been true of 
the German settlers of Kentucky and Tennessee, but it was not 
true of western Pennsylvania. Some of the German settle- 
ments of this section remained thoroughly German in both 
language and spirit for more than seventy-five years after their 
establishment. Very few farms changed harids, and a close 
community was maintained. Every attempt at change, especi- 
ally in religion, was stoutly resisted by the fathers. ‘The first 
attempt to introduce English preaching into the old Brush Creek 
Lutheran Church was not made until 1848, seventy-five years 
after its organization, and even then the effort met such oppo- 
sition that the English party was compelled to leave the con- 
gregation. The first English Lutheran sermon of western Penn- 
sylvania was. probably preached by the Rev. J. C. F. Heyer in 
1817, when the citizens of Meadville persuaded him to preach 
in their court house. It was the good man’s first attempt, and 
he was by no means flattered by it. The first churches to lay 
aside their German were those of Indiana County, whose pas- 
toral care was relinquished by Rev. G. A. Reichert in 1826, 
solely for the reason that he could not handle both languages 
effectively. His successor, Rev. Nicholas G. Scharretts, organ- 
ized Hebron, Church of Blairsville in 1827, which was an 
Fnglish congregation from the beginning. The First English 


46 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


Lutheran Church of Pittsburgh was not organized until 1837, 
although there were Lutherans living there as early as 1783, 
and perhaps earlier. A pastor of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church, Rev. Cook, believing that a number of English Lu- 
theran congregations could be organized in the vicinity of 
Huntingdon, Pa., applied to the Ministerium of Pennsylvania 
for work in 1815, but the answer of the Ministerium was: 


16“Resolved, That as our Ministerium is a German-speaking Minis- 
terium, we cannot have anything to do with him according to our 
present principles; but as soon as he, according to the declaration of 
his letter, has acquired the German language, so that he can also preach 
in the same, he may apply to us again and expect preferment.” 


About the same time one of the western missionaries ex- 
pressed the conviction that it was impossible for the Evangelical 
Lutheran Church to “compete with the sects” in the English 
language. Such was the sentiment of both pastors and people. 
They clung to the German as though the very existence of 
the Church depended upon it. Rev. W. F. Ulery has this to 
say of the language trial in the old Harold’s Church: 


17“As has been stated, this community was originally thoroughly 
German, and continued so for many years, and no doubt many of the 
old people thought that it would always continue to be so. The people 
were strongly attached to the German language and German church 
services, but in the course of time there came a change. The English 
language came with other changes, and it came to stay, for-it is the 
language of law and commerce, and must necessarily become the 
language of the people. There were not a few among these people, 
who reasoned like a certain German minister, whom we met and with 
whom we discussed the necessity of introducing English into our 
church services, but he demurred and said: ‘Yah, English fuer gescheft, 
aber Duetsch fuer Gottesdienst.’ English for business, but German for 
divine worship. Some of our older pastors hesitated a long time in 
deciding whether or not it was right to give up the German language in 
our church service. It took Dr. Hacke a good while to make up 
his mind, and the same is true of Rev. Mechling. The advocates of 
German had always counted on Rev. Hacke as their strong defense, for 
he was a cultured German, who loved the German language, its litera- 
ture as well as German services, but when he finally discovered that 
the introduction of English in the church services was a necessity, he 
rose above his prejudices and favored the introduction of English. 
When his old German friends heard of this, they were highly. offended 
and no little disgusted and said: ‘Yah, gook, der Hacke will auch ein 
Irisher werde’. The language question has always been a_ burning 
question in our Church, and the opposition of many of the fathers to 
the introduction of English into our church services has cost us many 
members and millions of dollars.” 


The Reformed pastors were generally more deliberate about 
the introduction of English into the services of the church than 
were the Lutheran, and were consequently the greater losers. 


16—Documentary History of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, page 479. 
17—History of the Southern Conference, W. F. Ulery, page 76. 


HISTORY OF FHE PITTSBURGH, SYNOD 47 


Some of the strong Lutheran congregations of Indiana, Arm- 
strong, Westmoreland, Beaver and Butler counties were built 
up largely of young people of the Reformed Church, whose 
pastors stood out against the English language. In other sec- 
tions the Lutherans lost to the Reformed by the reverse pro- 
cess. There was a group of four German churches in Indiana 
County, established by pastors of the Reformed Church, one 
of which had considerable strength, but all were sacrificed to 
the German language. 


In the year 1781 four of the German settlements in west- 
ern Pennsylvania petitioned the Minister1um of Pennsylvania 
for a Lutheran pastor. The statement in the synodical record 
says: “These congregations are situated toward Pittsburgh, Red- 
stone is the chief place. They own 300 acres of good land, but 
they need a man who is strong and can ride much, because they 
are scattered.” The Ministerium had no one to send, but answer- 
ed their communication kindly, and advised them to select a 
good man, who could teach their children, and read for them 
an occasional German sermon. ‘The prayers of the Westmore- 
land settlements were answered unexpectedly in the summer of 
the following year, when Anton Ulrich Luetge appeared in their 
midst, and was persuaded to serve as their minister. He was 
educated, at Elalie*tor the foreign field; -but later decided to 
come to America. He was not an ordained minister, not even 
possessing a catechist’s license, but had the gift of public speech 
and a fair knowledge of the scriptures, and consented to serve 
as their first pastor. It is said that he helped to support him- 
self by practicing medicine. After serving the congregation 
for some time, at the suggestion of the schoolmaster, the con- 
gregation voted that he should be ordained. ‘The service of 
ordination took place in the old log schoolhouse, and the ‘hands 
of the elders” laid upon his head were the hands of 
3altzer Meyer, the pious schoolmaster. In 1785 he made the 
long and dangerous journey over the mountains to Philadelphia, 
where he appeared before the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, and 
asked to be received as a member of that body. The Ministerium, 
however, was afraid to trust his frontier ordination, and decided 
to have nothing to do with him. Three years later he journeyed 
to Reading, and once more appeared before the Munisterium, 
which declared his ordination invalid, and asked him to write 
a sermon outline on the text, “Repent ye and believe the gospel”. 
This outline was regarded satisfactory, and he was given a 
license to preach and baptize on the following conditions: 
“1. That he shall improve his knowledge of Greek. 2. Keep a 
diary of his official acts. 3. Present to the Ministerium testi- 
monials from the elders and deacons of the congregations in 
which he preaches.” The refusal of the Ministerium to recog- 


48 HISTORY OF “THESPE TS BURGH soy NO 


nize the ordination of Pastor Luetge by Baltzer Meyer was 
because is was inexpedient, not because it was un-Lutheran. 
Irresponsible German preachers were springing up like mush- 
rooms on the frontier, and the recognition of Mr. Luetge’s or- 
dination by the schoolmaster might have opened the way for 
many similar ordinations, with disastrous results to the Church. 
It is a remarkable fact that the bad preachers of pioneer days 
were about as numerous as the good ones. Among them were 
some gifted orators, who could preach wonderful sermons, but 
were charged with all sorts of immoralities. It was said of the 
first Lutheran pastor of Crawford County that he could preach 
more good sermons and drink more bad whiskey than any other 
man on the frontier. Of another pioneer pastor of the same 
county it was said that his chief "accomplishment was that of a 
wife-beater. Of two others it was said: . “They scattered the 
people, and leaned secretly to the Methodists”. Another was 
a convert from Rome, who was accepted by the Reformed 
Church on probation, and in this way secured a foothold in 
some vacant Lutheran congregations. This man finally went 
over to the Episcopal Church, and almost succeeded in taking two 
German Lutheran congregations with him. Of a pioneer pastor 
of Armstrong County it was said that “he collected money for 
the building of a new church, put it in his pocket and ran away.” 
Of another man, who preached in the Leechburg district, -it 
was said that he ran around the country, holding singing schools, 
and lost the confidence of the people. Some of the most promis- 
ing churches of western Pennsylvania. were almost destroyed 
by such conduct on the part of their pastors. With such ex- 
amples before them, the leaders of the Ministerium were very 
slow to recognize private ordination under any circumstances. 
We cannot resist. the conviction, however, that the the Minis- 
terium might have done more for these churches of the frontier. 
The system of traveling preachers was not inaugurated until 
1806, thirty-one years after the founding of the first settle- 
ments, and even then the churches of western Pennsylvania 
derived but little benefit from it. 1%The first home missionary 
money was invested by the Ministerium in this field in 1811, 
when Rev. Wilhelm Heinrich Scriba missionated in Crawford 
and Erie counties. Rev. Peter Rupert was paid $25.00 for 
four months’ service in northwestern Pennsylvania in the sum- 
mer of 1814,.and Pastor: Rupert collected $112.00 from the 
congregations in addition. The greater part of the pioneer work 
of the Lutheran Church in this part of the country was done 
by independent preachers, who were not members of any synod. 
The first man to hear and respond to the call-of the settlements 
was Anton Ulrich Luetge, who was not a member of the Minis- 


18—Documentary History of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, page 428. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 49 


terium at that time, but was rejected by that body in 1785, after 
three years of hard service on the frontier. For the first six years 
of his pastorate in western Pennsylvania, he was not a member 
of any synod. The second man to serve as a frontier pastor 
was Johannes Stauch, who was also a “free lance’. The claim 
that he was a pupil of Rev. Paul Henkel of New Market is 
not true; his autobiography indicates that he was a self-edu- 
cated man. He prepared himself for his wonderful missionary 
work in his little log cabin in the Virginia glades. From 1791 
to 1/93 he preached without a license, after which he was re- 
ceived into the fellowship of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania 
as a catechist. In 1794 he was given a candidate’s license, and 
in 1804 was ordained. Pastor John Michael Steck, who suc- 
ceeded Pastor Luetge in the Westmoreland field, was not a 
member of any synod at the time of his first coming to Greens- 
burg. While it is true that he was a pupil of Doctor Helmuth 
of Philadelphia before removing to to Bedford County, there 
is no evidence that he was ever licensed by the Ministerium 
before crossing the mountains for his great life work. The 
records of Harold’s Church show that he became their pastor in 
1791, holding his first communion service there in October of 
that year. His name does not appear upon the record of the 
Ministerium of Pennsylvania until 1796, when he received a 
candidate’s license from that body. ‘This would indicate that 
even this man of God was an independent preacher during the 
first four and a half years of his pastorate in Westmoreland. 
Rev. Johann Gottfried Lamprecht, who reorganized Zion Church 
of Indiana and the venerable Christ Church of the Rupp settle- 
ment, preached for two years in these churches, and was then 
denied admission to the Ministerium in 1815. An examination 
of the accompanying table of pioneer pastors will be helpful in 
determining the sources of ministerial supply in the early years. 





GRAVE STONES OF BETHLEHEM CEMETERY 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 











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54 


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DNOLU VoId dev ICONS 





HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 55 


That the Ohio Synod furnished such a large proportion of 
these early pastors is due to the fact that the Synod was organ- 
ized out of the Western Conference of the Ministerium of 
Pennsylvania in 1818; and that Conference regarded all the 
territory west of the summit of the Allegheny Mountains as 
its proper territory. This also accounts for the difficulty of 
establishing the Ohio state line as the western border of the 
Pittsburgh Synod. When the West Pennsylvania and Alle- 
gheny Synods were organized in 1824 and 1842, their pastors 
competed with the pastors of the Ohio Synod for the present 
territory of the Pittsburgh Synod. The organization of the 
Pittsburgh Synod was an attempt to bring all these pastors and 
churches together in one strong, effective missionary body. 


The first pastors of western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio 
were compelled to undergo many severe hardships. The people 
to whom they ministered had but few comforts, and their pastors 
were always willing to live as did their parishioners. One of them 
lived alone in a log hut for four years, with no companion but 
his faithful horse; another lived in a hastily constructed cabin 
that was such a cold place that he and his family scarcely 
managed to live through the severe winter. In course of time 
many of these primitive discomforts vanished. The people 
learned how to build warmer houses and adjust themselves to 
frontier conditions, but it was a long time before it was possible 
for a Lutheran pastor to do his work in a large and scattered 
parish without suffering many hardships. ‘These early pastors 
were natural missionaries, or they would not have sought the 
frontier as a field of service. Consequently much of their time 
was spent in the saddle, hunting up the scattered Germans in 
their homes, and ministering to them as best they could. Fully 
one-half of the preaching of the first thirty years was done in 
private homes and barns. It is much to be regretted that there 
is so little written of the life and labors of Pastor Luetge. Not 
a scratch of a pen, definitely known to be his, has been pre- 
served. Yet the fact that he spent seven years in the wilder- 
ness of Westmoreland, and returned to Franklin County before 
Pastor Johannes Stauch came to western Pennsylvania, is suf- 
ficient testimony to the hardships he was compelled to undergo. 
Pastor John Michael Steck, who succeeded Pastor Luetge in the 
Westmoreland Parish, was an indefatigable worker. Because 
of his prodigious missionary labors, he was often called the 
“Lutheran Bishop of Western Pennsylvania.” His name ap- 
pears in the record of many of the churches of the 
Pittsburgh Synod, showing that, while he was not their pastor, 
he was ready to minister to them as often as his large parish 
would permit. The field, which he endeavored to supply for a 
number of years, when laborers were few, extended from the 


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AUTOGRAPHS OF PIONEER PASTORS 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 57 


Laurel Ridge on the east to Ohio on the west, and from Clarion 
and Crawford counties on the north to Virginia on the south. 
His regular congregations received services every four weeks, 
but he had almost a score of preaching places, which he aimed 
to visit every four or six months. Probably no other pastor ever 
baptized so many children or comforted so many lonely hearts. 
From 1782 to 1806 there were never more than from one to 
three Lutheran pastors in the entire field of eastern Ohio and 
western Pennsylvania, and these heroic men had to make pro- 
vision for the spiritual care of all. It was a gigantic task that 
only the stoutest hearts could discharge. In answer to re- 
peated appeals from Ohio, the Munisterium of Pennsylvania 
established the traveling missionary system in 1806. Johannes 
Stauch, Andreas Simon, Paul Henkel, and Wilhelm George 
Forster were sent out, and accomplished much in the way of 
organizing the scattered people into congregations. The system 
gave better results in Ohio than in Pennsylvania, for in the 
latter field the missionaries seemed unwilling to stay more than 
three or four months. This inability to secure a permanent 
pastor proved very discouraging to some of the settlements, and 
their last state was worse than the first. The first missionary 
of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania in the western part of the 
state was Rev. Wilhelm Heinrich Scriba, who spent a few months 
in the summer of 1811 in the Meadville district. The next of 
the traveling preachers was Rev. Peter Rupert, who spent the 
summer of 1814 in the same field, and confirmed the first 
catechetical class of Clarion County in old St. John’s Church 
of Sligo Parish. He was succeeded by Rev. Carl Wilhelm 
Colsen in 1815, who was one of the most scholarly men sent 
into the field. This pastor expected to make Meadville the center 
of his parish, and to spend many years on the frontier, but his 
frail body was not equal to the strain, and he died of pneumonia, 
December 29,1816. His body was laid to rest in Greendale 
Cemetery at Meadville, Pa., and a heavy marble slab above his 
erave bears the following inscription: 


TO THE MEMORY OF 
REV, CARE: WILHELM: COLSEN, 

PASTOR OF 4.GERMAN LUTHERAN CONGREGATIONS 
BORN CATSBUCH BERG IN “THE, PROVINCE-OF WESTPHALIA 
WHO CAME, 1810, WITH HIS FAMILY, TO AMERICA 
PADMA PRD TEHIS eLIPE ING PHE.46thxY RA ReObyHisullbE, 
DEC 2Z9 WIIG, 

LOVABLE IN. HIS RELATIONS«WITH HIS FELLOW MEN, 
FAITHFUL IN THE SERVICE OF HIS LORD AND. SAVIOUR, 
HE IS MOURNED BY MANY. 

HONORED BY STRANGERS, MOURNED BY STRANGERS. 
“DES GERECHTEN WIRD NIMMERMEHR VERGESSEN”. 


58 HISTORY OF “LHESE EUs GiGi YIN OD 


He left a wife in such destitute circumstances that Doctor 
Timothy Alden, the first President of Allegheny College, ap- 
pealed to the Ministerium for aid, and also for a successor for 
the Meadville Parish. The appeal was answered in 1817, when 
Rev. Johann Christian Friedrich Heyer, one of the greatest 
missionaries of the Lutheran Church of America, was commis- 
sioned as pastor. A description of his experiences in north- 
western Pennsylvania is found in his autobiography. 


19*At York (1817) I was appointed traveling preacher to visit the 
north western districts of Pennsylvania, and especially to preach in 
Crawford and Erie counties. The appointment was for three months. 
The salary was one hundred dollars. What the traveling preacher 
could not collect was paid from the synodical treasury. At this time, 
when I was on my first missionary journey, there was no longer reason 
to. fear, hostile Indians in* Pennsytvania; eihis 1 well) knew stil bear 
was not quite comfortable when I, altogether unexpectedly, met a number 
of these inhabitants of the forest near the Allegheny river. The sun 
was setting when I reached the eastern side of the river. For a 
distance’ of twenty miles, I had not met a house during the afternoon. 
On the opposite bank of the Allegheny stood a hut, in which the ferry- 
man lived. I called as loudly as I could but received no answer. At 
some distance up the stream I heard people in the bushes, but of them 
also none paid any attention to my cries, and it almost seemed that 
rider and horse must camp uncared for under the open sky. Finally in 
the dusk of evening I saw a boat moving, which, to my astonishment, 
was rowed by two Indians. When we were on the point of pushing 
off from the land, a white man arrived in a boat, sprang into the ferry, 
and with dreadful curses drove the Indians away. ‘The following day 
[ reached Crawford County, where, near the road, I saw one of those 
old block houses, which served the early settlers as placés of refuge 
or forts during hostile attacks of the Indians. The building was of fair 
size, but had only one door and no windows at all, either above or 
below. The upper story was larger than the lower, extending ten 
feet on each side. The extension enabled the men to shoot down upon 
the Indians, who might come near to set fire to the house, or even to 
pour water on a fire already started. My arrival in Meadville was not 
altogether unexpected. They rejoiced, but did not know at first whether 
they could support a pastor, but after I had preached in the congre- 
gations, new life and zeal were manifested. Before my time as 
traveling preacher had expired, they requested me that I should remain, 
and the four congregations unanimously called me as their pastor. In 
the Erie congregation I preached in a schoolhouse; the congregation 
on French Creek built a small frame church; in Meadville we held our 
meetings in the court house; and on Conneaut Lake, John Braun had 
the largest house at that time, and we were kindly welcomed by him, not 
only for Sunday services, but in winter also for holding a school in 
his house. In order to enable them to buy forty acres of land, with 
house and barn, the following plan was devised: The women of the 
four congregations formed a society. Each member obligated herself to 
contribute monthly the value of one pound of butter. The usual price 
was then twelve cents a pound. Since there were at least a hundred 
women in the congregations, the neat sum of $150.00 could in this way 
be collected annually.” 





19—Autobiography of Father Heyer, in the Lutheran Church Review. 


‘ 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH, SYNOD 59 


The scholarship of Pastor Heyer appealed as strongly to 
Doctor Timothy Alden as that of his predecessor, and he too 
was offered the Chair of German and French in Allegheny Col- 
lege, but he was not willing to accept. At the next meeting of 
the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, he was appointed to go to 
Cumberland, Maryland, and the Meadville Parish lost its second 
opportunity to secure a great leader. For the next four years the 
Lutherans of this section appealed in vain to the Ministerium 
for a pastor, and much of the good work of Pastors Colsen 
and Heyer was lost. This was the weakness of the traveling 
missionary system. It raised great hopes in the hearts of the 
people that were not realized. 


A new name appears on the missionary calendar in 1822, 
and from that year some of the strongest Lutheran churches of 
western Pennsylvania date the beginning of their prosperity. It 
is the name of Gabriel Adam Reichert. He was a thorough 
German, devoted to the highest interests of his people, and a 
tireless worker, whose field of labor at times rivaled that of 
Bishop Steck. In his missionary zeal he sought out the scattered 
Germans in their homes, and organized them into congregations, 
which he aimed to supply with the regular means of grace as 
often as possible. His methods of work were those of the 
skilled catechist, who frequently organized congregations out 
of his first catechetical class, and continued to build them up in 
their spiritual life by the soundest of doctrinal sermons. Five 
of his private diaries, preserved in the library of the Historical 
Society in the Gettysburg Seminary, show that he spent a large 
part of his time in the saddle, traveling from settlement to 
settlement in the hope of winning the hearts of the people for 
fei onde mee anltcia, tiles labored ator titee. months: as +a 
traveling missionary of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, and 
then became the regular pastor of Indiana Parish. One of 
the largest catechetical classes was gathered in the Brush Valley 
Church in 1822. It must have been a happy day for the young 
missionary when this class of forty-four members was confirmed, 
January 11, 1823, and made the nucleus of a strong pioneer 
church. One of the members of this class, Miss Lydia Tyson, 
became his bride on the 16th day of September, 1823, and their 
wedding trip was a horseback ride of forty-one miles through 
the woods to Rimersburg, where they were married by Pastor 
Henry Koch of the Reformed Church. In 1827 he removed to 
Kittanning, and made his new home the center of an even larger 
field of operations. His best work was done in Indiana, Clarion, 
and Armstrong counties, where his name is precious. Although 
Pastor Reichert completed a second pastorate in Kittanning, 
1855-1877, he never united with the Pittsburgh Synod. 


60 HISTORY OF THE PIFTSBURGH ‘SYNOD 


What the name of Gabriel Adam Reichert means to the 
churches of his great parish, that the name of Pastor Johann 
Gottlob Christian Schweizerbarth means to the Lutherans of 
Butler County. He first appeared before the Ohio Synod as 
a candidate in 1820, but his examination did not prove satis- 
factory, and he was not licensed to preach until 1821. In the 
last named year he came to Zelienople, where he lived for many 
years, ministering to the Germans of the entire region. While 
his regular parish consisted of the first four congregations or- 
ganized, Zelienople, Stone, Butler, and Bernhard’s, he carried the 
means of grace to at least ten other communities, in each one of 
which an Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized. He was 
a staunch Lutheran, bitterly opposed to the spirit of “new 
measures’, and one of the most influential men of the Ohio 
Synod. His appointments were met at first on foot; later he 
travelled on horseback; and no traveller of those primitive days 
was better known than “Bishop Schweizerbarth”, riding a large 
dapple-gray horse, attended by a sleek mouse-colored hound. 
He was greatly beloved by the children of the parish, for it was 
well known that he always carried a package of peppermint 
drops in the pocket of his robe, from which he dealt out sweets 
in small quantities to the hungry little folks. His invariable 
custom, on parting from a group of children, was to raise his 
hands over them and bestow a blessing. He is described by one 
who knew him in his prime as “a man of noble presence, above 
the average height, broad shouldered, erect, of full and ready 
countenance, having an eye of unusual brightness and power. 
As a preacher, he was possessed of a quick and fervid elo- 
quence, which carried his hearers with him in its irresistible 
flood. His sermons were always doctrinal, often polemic in 
statement, practical and energetic. On one occasion, when 
the Baptists were troubling him and his people in Zelienople, 
he preached a series of seven sermons on the seven devils in the 
visible church, directing his fire against the interlopers to their 
utter discomfiture. On another occasion he was invited by 
Father Steck to preach a certain anniversary sermon in Greens- 
burg. No church in the village would accommodate the multi- 
tude of people who came out to see and hear the renowned 
Bishop (for by that title he designated himself), so the 
sermon was delivered in the.court house. A vast assemblage 
of Baptists, Presbyterians, and Methodists was present, with 
the Lutherans of Father Steck’s congregation. The Bishop took 
his position behind the Judge ’s desk and announced his text: 
Matthew 28:19-20. His theme was baptism. In the course of 
unfolding his theme, he stated that in all scripture he read of 
only three cases of immersion: the Antediluvians, Pharoah and 
his army, and the swine of the Gadarenes. At this the Presby- 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 61 


terians and Methodists smiled. ‘You need not smile,’ he said, 
‘Your doctrine of predestination shuts you out from the true 
Christian hope in baptism. The sacrament brings no grace to 
you if your doctrine of predestination be true. If you be among 
the saved you bring the grace to the sacrament’. Then the Metho- 
dists caught it ‘You Methodists sometimes baptize your chil- 
dren and sometimes you don’t. You let them grow up like 
Colssand thenporeak themmie you. can.,- Yourgetiup an excite- 
ment, get them anxious and then bench them. ‘Then, if you 
forgot to baptize them, you call a meeting to initiate members, 
sprinkle, affuse or immerse them as they may choose, and then 
watch them for six months to see if they are Christians.’ ‘This 
remarkable sermon continued for three hours. When it was 
concluded, Father Steck persuaded the preacher that the back- 
stairs was the shortest way out of the court house, for many of 
the people were infuriated.’ Bishop Schweizerbarth never 
united with the Pittsburgh Synod, although he lived until Aug- 
MePeoyeloOA cad. elle uncer thepcdiscipline OLetue Onio Synod 
mear the close of his life: One of his most faithful friends.in 
life and death was Gottlieb Bassler. 


The pioneer pastor of Mercer County was Rev. Michael 
Kuchler. Pastor Michael Kuchler studied theology under 
Pastor Heinrich Huet, and served as a catechist in the Wolf 
Creek settlement as early as 1826, rendering the most helpful 
service as a religious teacher, and receiving a license to preach 
from the Ohio Synod in 1829. This pastor was the great leader 
of the Germans of Mercer, Frie and Crawford counties for 
many years, and remained a member of the Ohio Synod until 
1865, when he and his large Mercer County Parish were re- 
ceived into the Pittsburgh Synod. The Eastern District Synod 
of Ohio then accused Pastor Kuchler of an “‘un-Lutheran, united 
and even rationalistic standpoint in doctrine and in practice’, 
but the charges could not be sustained, Michael Kuchler was 
Senior of the Ministerium of the Pittsburgh Synod from 1865 
to April 4, 1887, when he was called to his reward at the ripe 
old age of 86 years.. 


The pioneer of eastern Ohio was Pastor Johannes Stauch. 
Three of the first Lutheran congregations of Ohio, organized 
by Pastor Stauch, Good Hope of Osage, Good Hope of. North 
Lima, and Zion of Germano, are still in the fellowship of the 
Pittsburgh Synod. When Pastor Stauch found the field too 
great for himself, and knew that the Ministerium of Pennsyl- 
vania had no more pastors to send, he persuaded three of the 
young men of his congregation to study theology under his 
direction and enter the ministry. ‘These young men had but a 
limited education, and were pressed into service by the dis- 


62 HISTORY: OF THER PLT SBURGH eS YINGD 


tressing need of the people. G. Heinrich Weygandt, who served 
in western Pennsylvania from 1809 to 1829, and closed his long 
ministry in Ohio, was one of the most useful pastors of pioneer 
days. Heinrich Huet, who was baptized by Pastor Stauch in 
Bethlehem Church in Washington County, Pa., also consented 
to serve in the sacred office, and made Good Hope Church 
of North LimatOhiomthe: centersoarehissimimense sparc emt tc 
was the first regular pastor of the Mercer County churches, and 
the preceptor of Pastor Michael Kuchler. 


John Reinhard was one of the founders of the venerable 
Osage Church, the oldest Lutheran Church in Ohio, and served 
long and faithfully in the ministry. The following statement 
of this pastor is quoted from “The Lutheran Standard” of 
January 29, 1851: 


“In the year of our Lord, 1804, I and my family, in connection 
with three other families, moved to Jefferson County in the state of 
Ohio. Upon our arrival here we found five other families which had 
preceded us, and in the next year another family followed us. Having 
no minister to break unto us the bread of life, there being no minister 
of our Church in the whole state, we agreed to meet every Sunday for 
the purpose of mutual edification, by reading, singing and _ prayer. 
Soon after this the Rev. Father Stauch, whose former hearers we were, 
and who may be called the father of the Evangelical Lutheran Church 
in Ohio, visited and encouraged us. He organized us into a congre- 
gation under the name of ‘Good Hope’, and the following brethren 
were elected as officers: Balthaser Kolb, David Reidhauer, Andrew 
Alt and John Reinhard. He then advised us to draw up a petition 
to the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Pennsylvania, (the first petition 
presented to that body from the state of Ohio) which was done by 
the undersigned in the following words: ‘As in the providence of 
God several German families, who grew up under the sound of the 
gospel, have settled in the wilderness in the state of Ohio, where to 
their sincere sorrow they are deprived of the blessings of the gospel, 
they pray to the Reverend Synod of Pennsylvania to send them if 
possible a minister of the gospel. We would be thankful for occasional 
visits from our ministers, but it is our wish that the Rev. J. Stauch 
might become our minister, for our children grow up without religious 
instruction, and we are like sheep without a shepherd.’ Soon after 
this Rev. J. Stauch appeared in our midst, but, living eighty miles from 
here, he could only come once in eight weeks. For this reason Father 
Stauch appointed me to instruct the children in his absence, and also 
urged upon me to dedicate myself to the gospel ministry. ‘At first I 
resisted, but, after prayerful meditation and serious reflection, especially 
on the case of the servant with the one pound (in the parable of 
Luke 19), which caused me much anxiety and uneasiness of mind, I 
consented to devote myself to the ministry until the Church could be 
supplied. with better qualified laborers. In the year 1812, I accom- 
panied the Rev. Mr. Stauch to the Synod held at Carlisle, Pa.acsull 
hoping that I would not be received. At this session, the Rev. H. 
Huet, Rev. J. Liest, Rev. C. Schaffer and myself, were admitted. by 
licensure. The venerable George Ney from Fairfield County, Ohio, was 
also present as a delegate, praying for a minister. The Rev. J. Liest 
was recommended to him, and soon after removed to Ohio. In the 
following year, 1813, the first conference of Evangelical Lutheran 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 63 


ministers in Ohio was held in Israel’s Church, under the care of Rey. 
J. Liest, Fairfield County, at which were present the Rev. Paul Henkel 
from Virginia, Rev. Samuel Mau from Kentucky, Rey. Andrew Simon 
from Montgomery County, Ohio; Rev. J. Stauch from Columbiana 
County,” Ohio; Rey. JO Liest. irom” Fairfield County, Ohio; Révs J. 
Reinhard from Jefferson County, Ohio, and | think Rev. Anthony Weyer 
and Rey. H. Huet. This was the beginning of the Evangelical Lutheran 
Church organized in Ohio. The above brethren penetrated the forests 
and prepared the way, and no one can fully imagine the difficulties 
they encountered. ‘The second Conference was held in Jacob’s Church, 
Columbiana County, and the third in Perry County, Ohio.” 


A similar historic statement, written in the hand of Pastor 
John Reinhard, is found on the fly-leaf of the old German 
record of the Germano Church. 


“To God alone be all the glory. According to the wonderful 
leading and providence of God, in the years of our Lord 1802-1805, large 
numbers of Germans began to settle in this region. It was decided by 
the honorable Mother Synod of the Evangelical Lutherans in Pennsyl- 
Vania to send missionaries to visit and preach the gospel of Christ 
in the western part of the state of Ohio. The Rev. Johannes Stauch 
was the first in the year 1805. He filled his office well. Then followed 
G. Simon and G. Forster as missionaries. After this Rev. Johannes 
Stauch served Zion congregation as settled preacher until the year 
_of our Lord, 1812. Then Johannes Reinhard of the Pennsylvania Synod 
was installed as preacher in this congregation, and served the same from 
1812 to 1819, and is still here. During this time, the Reformed side was 
visited by Rev. Petrus Mahenschmidt, and some were confirmed, and 
it was also visited by Pastors Weis and Sonnendecker.” 


The Lutheran settlements of eastern Ohio and western 
Pennsylvania were established under similar conditions. The 
same type of pastors ministered to the same race of people, 
and the hardships endured in one section were reproduced in the 
other. A glance at the table of pioneer pastors will show that 
the greater part of them were connected with the Ohio Synod. 
Not a few of them were men of sterling character; and many 
ot the churches of the Pittsburgh Synod are still reaping spiritual 
harvests in fields where Ohio Synod pastors first sowed the 
precious seed. 


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CHAPTER II 
THE ORGANIZATION 
1845 


“Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which 1s 
Jesus Christ.” 


ZQ)OR many years before the Pittsburgh Synod was 
organized, the need of such an organization was 
keenly felt. ‘The pastors felt their need of it, that 
they might enjoy a closer fellowship with each 
other, and carry on their missionary work more ef- 
fectively ; the people felt their need of it, that they 
might be supplied more readily with suitable pastors. It was this 
need that led seven Lutheran pastors of Ohio and western 
Pennsylvania to hold a special conference in Mount Zion Church 
of Baidland, Pa., October 17, 1812. When this conference was 
reported to the Ministerium of Pennsylvania in 1813, that body 
expressed its gratification that their brethren on the frontier 
were “so active in the spread of the kingdom of God”, but 
when this conference of 1812 was followed by others in 1813 
and 1814, and members of the conference began to ask for 
themselves privileges which had been regarded as_ special 
privileges of the synod, the leaders of the Ministerium began 
to show decided disapproval. In 1816 the conference requested 
permission of the ‘““Mother Synod” to organize themselves into 
a separate ministerium, but their request was not granted. It 
was not the policy of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania at that 
time to encourage the formation of new synods, and the Ewvan- 
gelical Lutheran Synod of Ohio and Adjacent States was or- 
ganized under protest in 1818. The Ministerium of Pennsyl- 
vania also protested against the organization of the West Penn- 
sylvania Synod in 1825, and the West Pennsylvania Synod in turn 
protested against the organization of the Alleghany Synod in 
1842. And there was more or less protest against the organiza- 
tion of the Pittsburgh Synod in 1845, especially on the part 
of the Ohio Synod. ‘These facts do not all appear upon the 
synodical record, but they are none the less true. 





In 1831 a special conference of the Lutheran pastors of 
western Pennsylvania was held in Greensburg, Pa., to discuss 
the advisability of organizing a new synod on the territory now 
occupied by the Pittsburgh and Alleghany Synods. ‘This con- 
ference was attended by the following pastors: i 


= 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


Rev, Jacob) Krigler,< Berlin i amen at eer ee West Penna. Synod 
Rev. Gabriel A. Reichert; Kittanning, Pa... 2. West Penna. Synod 
Rev. J. C.F) Heyer; Somersttana-eee te eee West Penna. Synod 
Rev. Nicholas G* Scharretts@indiunawba. seer West Penna. Synod 
Rev. John Brown, Washington County, Pa......... West Penna. Synod 
r. Henry David Keyl; Clarion) County, | Pac: West Penna. Synod 

Rey. t Daniel (Heiligy Erie Shane ees ee eee West Penna. Synod 

Rev JoGnCe SchweizerbartheZelienoplemt ante ee Ohio Synod 

Rev)’ Michael] Steck Greensbute. yba eee ee es Ohio Synod 
0: Rev. Jonas Mechling, WestmorelandsCounty, sbase. en Ohio Synod 


ENO COT Out Oo IS 
re 
a 
a 


The opinion of these ten men was that the formation of a 
new synod was highly desirable, and a resolution to this effect 
was adopted. Pastor Schweizerbarth was delegated to lay 
the resolution before the Ohio Synod at its next meeting, and 
this was done. The petition was not approved by the Ohio pas- 
tors, but a reorganization of their synod into district synods 
was effected, in which the district synods were privileged to 
have their own treasuries, with the liberty of spending one-half 
of their benevolent funds in jocal missionary work, and the right 
to license catechists and candidates, while the general body 
retained the right to ordain. 


20" he following year the dividing line between the districts, 
which were called the Eastern and the Western, was to start 
at Cleveland, follow the canal to New Philadelphia, and from 
thence in a straight line to Marietta. And thus the Ohio Synod 
became a Joint Synod of districts, which it has continued to 
be to the present time.” This reorganization plan satisfied the 
Pennsylvania pastors of the Ohio Synod for the time, and the 
first attempt to organize a Pittsburgh Synod failed. When the 
second effort was made in 1845, it was under less hopeful 
conditions. The organization of the Alleghany Synod in 1842 
had taken up the eastern half of the proposed territory of 1831, 
and the Eastern District of the Joint Synod of Ohio was now 
opposed to it. This opposition was due partly to the fact that 
the men of the Ohio Synod regarded the proposed organiza- 
tion as an intrusion upon their territory, and partly to doctrinal 
reasons. Four of the pastors most deeply interested in the for- 
mation of the new synod, W. A. Passavant, Gottlieb Bassler, 
George F. Ehrenfeld, and Samuel D. Witt, were educated at 
Gettysburg, and the Ohio Synod had already begun to show 
decided aversion toward Gettysburg theology. In a ser- 
mon preached to the Eastern District Synod of Ohio in 1843, 
Bishop Schweizerbarth made the following statement: 


21°Those who come from Gettysburg are with few exceptions anti- 
Lutheran. They neither believe the entire catechism nor the entire 





20—History of the Joint Synod of Ohio, C. V. Sheatsley, p. 90. 


21i—Geschichte Der Allgemeinen Ev. JTuth. Synode von Ohio, Schmidt and 
Peters, p. 87. 


Pad ate vere ttle bd | eo atria key CLD, = 67 


Augsburg Confession. Can those who tear down the foundations of the 
Church build up the same? In short, the ministry for the Church, un- 
der the assistance of Almighty God, must come from Columbus.” 


The pastors of the Ohio Synod were especially afraid of 
the new measure spirit of Rev. W. A. Passavant, already 
shown in his Baltimore pastorate, for they believed that his 
personality would dominate the life of the new synod. It was 
a type of religion with which they had no sympathy whatever. 
That this feeling was general is shown in a letter of Pastor 
Michael J. Steck to the Pittsburgh pastor just after he had 
made up his mind to unite with this new organization. 


22“VYours of the 4th inst. came duly to hand. I should have writ- 
ten sooner, but I could hardly come to the conclusion what to do in the 
organization of a synod in the western part of this state. But, inas- 
much as you desire it, I will frankly state my opinion on the subject. 
J have thought and prayed since your visit to me, and especially since 
your letter of the fourth, most sincerely that God might direct me to 
that which would be most conducive to the welfare of the Lutheran 
Church, and especially to the western part of this state; and I cannot 
help telling you that I am firmly of the opinion that we could labor 
to far greater advantage, and do far more good to this section of the 
country in preaching Christ and Him crucified to the world, if we had 
a synod of our own. One thing I know, that I have no more satis- 
faction at our synodical meetings. Until about eight or ten years ago, 
I rejoiced when the time drew near when I should meet my brethren 
in the synod, but now it has become a burden to me, in our eastern 
district especially, and what prospects can we have for the better if 
such men as B. are put*at the helm? Yet it is very painful.for'me to 
separate from the western brethren, whom I love as the apple of my 
eye, with whom I have been united in the same synod for nearly 
thirty years. Dr. Mechling thinks and feels as I do.. I had a long 
conversation with him on this subject, and I think that he will go in 
for it if I do. Yet I am free to confess that I cannot unite with the 
brethren in a synod where new measures are carried to that extent to 
which they are carried in some places. If I do unite with you, and such 
things should take place, I would be under the disagreeable necessity of 
withdrawing from the synod. What shall be the result in the event of 
our uniting in a synod? Shall we have to join the General Synod? 
Will this synod be bound to support the Gettysburg Seminary? or will 
each brother be allowed to support such a seminary as he thinks proper? 
To the first my objections are not very strong, but if I should be com- 
pelled to support the eastern seminary, when I would feel it my duty 
to support that of Columbus,. this would be hard. I do not know 
whether I could.” 


The appeal of the waste places of Zion made such a strong 
appeal to all Lutheran pastors in western Pennsylvania that it 
was confidently expected that many of the Ohio Synod men 
would follow the lead of Pastor M. J. Steck and unite with 
the new synod. In this Rev. W. A. Passavant was greatly 
disappointed. Some of these pastors attended several con- 
ventions of the new synod, but were unwilling to become mem- 


22—Life and Letters of Passavant, G. H. Gerberding, pp. 122-123. 





HOANASLLId “HOUYNHD NVAAHLNT HSITONGA LSYlsa 
NOILYZINVOYO AHL AQ HOYNHD 





HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 69 


bers. One of the more friendly pastors was Rev. Jacob Zimmer- 
man of Leechburg. He made a verbal agreement with Pastor 
M. J. Steck that he would unite with the synod later, provided 
it was not controlled by new measure men. 


The movement for this organization began shortly after 
Rev. Passavant accepted a call to Pittsburgh. While he was the 
youngest pastor on the territory, his influence over other pastors 
was already pronounced. A preliminary meeting was held in 
Butler, Pa., August 27-28, 1844, in the humble log dwelling in 
which Pastor Gottlieb Bassler had an attic room, and was 
attended by Pastors W. A. Passavant, Gottlieb Bassler, Gott- 
lieb Kranz, John Esensee and Elihu Rathbun. Fifteen years 
later Pastor Bassler spoke of it as the meeting of “a few breth- 
ren who wept and prayed over the desolation of our Zion.” All 
these pastors expressed the conviction that the organization of 
a new synod was imperative, but neither Gottlieb Kranz nor 
John Esensee ever united with it. When the Butler meeting 
adjourned, it adjourned to meet at the call of its officers, and 
the called meeting was held in Pittsburgh in January of the 
following year. Notice of the meeting, together with a state- 
ment of its object, was sent to all the pastors and churches of the 
western counties of Pennsylvania; but, when the brethren as- 
sembled in the First English Evangelical Lutheran Church of 
Pittsburgh, Tuesday evening, January 14, 1845, only eight of 
the twenty-nine pastors of the territory were present. Ac- 
companying them were six laymen, as eager as their pastors 
for the organization of a new synod. ‘The next morning the 
following men were enrolled: 


1. Bishop M. J. Steck, Greensburg, Pa.......Eastern Dist. Synod of Ohio 
Pam DISHOpe VW iV wk assavantt itisburgh, Pao. fu. 2 Maryland Synod 
3. Bishop Gottlieb Bassler, Zelienople, Pa...................... West Penna. Synod 
4 Bishop G. Be Ehrenfeld, Clarion; County... bead Alleghany Synod 
5. Bishop Samuel-D. Witt, Shippenville, Pa. ww. Alleghany Synod 
6. Bishop Abraham Weills, Ginger Hill, Pa.......... English Synod of Ohio 
Pemosnepr avin warharts weechburchy Pata. vi ltesa East Ohio Synod 
8. Bishop: Elihu. Rathbun, Mercer Co., Pa.......... English Synod of Ohio 
Vetiiie JacO0 oe DteCK Orc CONSDUTE, Fade cicctintaeonde. Greensburg Parish 
10. apiret lames? Grist, Wlercer;’ Past. kek Mercer County Parish 
LiveoMrsekwedericky,Carstens\Hillsboro, Pag.2.2.)2 Bethlehem Parish 
12a) Me George: Weyman, Pittsburgh,) Pasko Pittsburgh Parish 
Peer wl assavanit,» ZCUCHODIC, ed dseaht ial Butler County Parish 
Peete PISeDIT HOOP mE TeCCDOIbay baat ne ered. Freeport Parish 


The following congregations were represented in the or- 
ganization meeting, either by their pastors or delegates: 


Greensburg, First Church. 5. Marroids,’Zion Church: 
Brush Creek, Salem Church. 6)" Seanors, ot. Paul’s Church. 
Bell Township, St. James Ch. 7. Denmark Manor Church. 
Baron Run, Hope Church. 8. Pittsburgh, First Church. 


netted ae 


70 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


9. Keel Ridge, Amity Church. 18. Hannastown, St. Luke’s Ch. 

10. N. Washington, Mt. Varnum 19. Freeport, St. John’s Church. 
Church. 20. Zelienople, English Church 

ll; Butler County, Mee isean 21. Butler, First Church. 
Church. 22. Center Twp., Rider Church. 


12. Washington Co., Bethlehem Ch. 23. Prospect, Emmanuel Church. 
13. Ginger Hill, Mt. Zion Church. 24. Middle Lancaster, Zion Ch. 
14. Fayette Co., St. Jacob’s Church. 25. Shippenville, Mt. Zion Ch. 


15. Leechburg, Hebron Church. 26. FEryburg, St. John’s Church. 
16. Forks, Zion Church. 27. Beaver, Emmanuel Church. 
17. Buffalo Township, St. Mat- 28. Churchville St: Johnise Che 


thew’s Church. 


The morning session of January 15 was spent in discussing 
the needs of the territory, and a special committee was appoint- 
ed, consisting of Rev. Michael J. Steck, Rev. W. A. Passavant. 
Rev. G. F. Ehrenfeld, Frederick Carstens and James Griffin, 
to prepare and submit a plan of union to the convention. This 
report, unanimously adopted by a yea and nay vote at the 
afternoon session of January 15, was as follows: 


“We, the undersigned ministers and delegates of the Evangelical 
Lutheran churches in the western counties of Pennsylvania, being 
painfully sensible of the great destitution of the preached word and the 
ordinances of the gospel in our midst, and fully persuaded of the neces- 
sity of uniting our efforts for their supply, hereby form ourselves into 
a synodical body, with the express understanding that each minister and 
church, or churches, shall be at perfect liberty to support such literary, 
theological or benevolent institutions, without the limits of our Synod, as 
may best accord with their own views of duty; and also, that as a synod- 
ical body we recognize no such distinctions among us, as those commonly 
known by the terms of old and new measures, the Synod to be known 
Be Be name of ‘The Pittsburgh Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran 

hares 


After the adoption of this plan of union and the consti- 
tution printed in the Hymn Book of the General Synod, the 
following officers were elected: 


Rev: ‘Michael a}. }Steck) Greensbure eh ale. tee ee President 
Rev... William 7A; Passavant=: Pittsbureh, @ Pale eee Secretary 
Mr,. George. Weymane Pittsbutohivs alone eee Treasurer 


Three young men were examined and licensed before, the 
synod adjourned: Michael Schweigert, Hermann Eggers, and 
Henry Esensee. ‘The Ohio Synod pastors were conspicuous 
by their absence. Pastor Gottfried Jensen of Pittsburgh was 
present at one of the sessions, but declined to unite with the 
new synod. Pastors John D. Nunnemacher and John Esensee 
sent letters of greeting, but never united with the organization. 
Pastor Jacob Zimmerman also attended some of the later con- 
ventions, but never became a member. 


One of the quaint features of the minutes of the first con- 
ventions was the use of the term Bishop, as applied to their 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 7] 


pastors. During the first six years of her history, every pastor 
of the Pittsburgh Synod was called Bishop. Even the conserv- 
ative Ohio Synod made use of the same title, and Pastor 
Schweizerbarth, one of her most influential men, was called 
‘Bishop Schweizerbarth” to the day of his death. A_ reso- 
lution of Pastor John McCron, adopted by the Alleghany Synod 
in 1842, will explain the sentiment that led to this practice. 

“Whereas, the term Bishop, in application to the ministers of the 
gospel, is more scriptural than Reverend, more characteristic of the 
office, and may also, if introduced into general use, spread among the 
people more correct views of it’s true import, as well as of the favorite 
views of our Church in reference to the parity of the ministry, there- 
fore, 

Resolved, That we regard it as perfectly correct and proper to sub- 
stitute the word Bishop for Reverend in addressing the ministry of this 
Synod.” 

Many of the pioneer pastors of eastern Ohio and western 
Pennsylvania were well worthy of the title, for their immense 
parishes were true bishoprics. Pastor Johannes Stauch at one 
time served fourteen regular churches, in addition to at least 
a score of preaching stations. Many thousands of miles were 
travelled in the discharge of duty. Pastor Wilhelm George 
Forster, who was sent into Ohio by the Ministerium of Penn- 
sylvania in 1805, had an immense parish, but resented every at- 
tempt of his ministerial brethren to divide it. When he made 
complaint against Pastor Liest for ministerial interferences in 
1813, the synod asked him to define the boundaries of his 
parish, and his reply was: “Die ganze nordwestlichegegend ist 
mein missionsgebiet, und kein anderer soll mir darin ein griffe 
machen.” His brethren thought otherwise, however, and_ his 
bishopric was divided. Pastor John M. Steck was often called 
“The Bishop* of Westmoreland”, and Pastor J: C. F. Heyer 
assumed the title “Episcopos Regionarius”’. Even as late as 
1845, a number of Lutheran pastors were serving six or eight 
congregations, so that the title was by no means ill-bestowed. The 
eight founders of the Pittsburgh Synod exerted an influence in 
this territory far greater than their number would indicate. 
While they reported but 28 of the 106 churches which they aimed 
to serve and unite, they knew there were many more, which 
would eventually look to them for the means of grace. They be- 
lieved they were called of God to do a great work, and issued 
the following appeal to the churches and pastors of western 
Pennsylvania soon after the adjournment of the first convention. 


“To the ministers and members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church: 
Dear Brethren in Christ Jesus: 


With the minutes of the convention held in Pittsburgh, you will 
receive the proceedings of the first and second sessions of the Pitts- 
burgh Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. At that meeting it 


fps HISTORY OF THE PITISBURGH SYNOD 


was made the duty of the undersigned committee to prepare a brief 
statement of the causes which led to its formation. This was done 
from a proper respect to the opinions of our brethren in other parts, 
who may not be acquainted with the spiritual condition of the western 
counties of Pennsylvania, and to prevent, if possible, the imputation of 
any improper motives to the ministers and churches by whom its organ- 
ization was effected. The religious condition of the western sections 
of Pennsylvania, so far at least as it relates to the Lutheran Church, 
was very peculiar. It is a fact not generally known, that while the 
number of churches and members in this part of the state was quite 
numerous, it was neither claimed as the territory of any one synod, or 
provided for as such by any of the ecclesiastical organizations of the 
Lutheran Church. This was not the result of design or an unwilling- 
ness on the part of existing synods to occupy the field, but of the pecu- 
liar relation which several synods bore to this section of the state. 
Until the year 1841, the Synod of West Pennsylvania extended its ter- 
ritorial limits to the Ohio state line; but as its operations were con- 
fined almost exclusively to the eastern counties west of the Susque- 
hanna, the German Synod of Ohio, which was formed about the year 
1818, gradually extended its labors into most of the western counties 
of this State. In addition to these two synods represented on this ter- 
ritory, two others were added by the formation of the English District 
Synod of Ohio and the English Synod of Ohio in connection with the 
General Synod, both of which had several ministers located in western 
Pennsylvania. Neither did the formation of the Alleghany Synod, which 
made the fifth, unite the ministers and churches in the western coun- 
ties of the state into one association; for while this was the case in 
a very pressing degree in the eastern portion of its territory, after the 
lapse of several years from it’s organization, only three of its ministers 
were located, in the spring of 1845, in the counties of Greene, Fayette, 
Westmoreland, Beaver, Butler, Mercer, Allegheny. Washington, Arm- 
strong, Clarion, Crawford, Venango, Warren and Erie, which are com- 
monly known as the western counties of the state. Owing to this 
state of things, in connection with the fact that this large and populous 
territory was not at the center but at the remote limits of the respective 
fields of the operations of each of these synods, the Lutheran Church 
has received an injury in this part of the state, which will require 
‘many years of indefatigable labor to repair. Nay, the injury it has 
received from the ministry of wicked men, who have imposed them- 
selves upon a people hungering for the bread of life and suspecting no 
evil, can never be effectually healed: In many places the disgraceful 
lives of these self-styled and self-created ministers have made the name 
of Lutheran a by-word and a hissing. All this may and must be attrib- 
uted to the want of a proper organization on the ground, which might 
have saved our churches from ruin and our name from disgrace. It is 
painful to speak of the desolations of our Zion, and most humbling is 
the exposure of these details to the eyes of others, but the truth must 
be spoken though it covers us with shame and lay us in the dust. Within 
a circle of thirty miles from Pittsburgh, no less than nine or ten Luth- 
eran churches have been either entirely scattered, or have fallen into 
the hands of other denominations. ‘This, let it be remembered, was not 
of choice on the part of these churches, but of stern necessity. After 
petitioning the different synods from year to year for some one to 
break unto them the bread of life, and finding all their efforts in vain, 
they gradually attached themselves to other communions, or went over 
ina body to some other church. The peculiar location of most of these 
churches, in the midst of an English community, rendered preaching in 
the English language almost necessary to their existence as separate 
churches. And as most of the ministers of the neighboring synods 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 73 


officiated in the German language only, the necessary assistance could 
not be afforded. We allude not to this distressing state of things in a 
spirit of censure. Let those find fault and vent their censures, who 
know not the innumerable and peculiar difficulties under which our 
beloved Zion has labored since her first organization in the land 
until lately, without colleges and seminaries, and under the necessity 
of providing her members with a ministry who could officiate in both 
languages. We look upon this state of things as the natural result of 
the trying circumstances under which our synods have hitherto labored, 
and regard the suffering condition of many of our churches in this sec- 
tion of the state as one of the necessary consequences, resulting from 
the want of one efficient organization on the ground. Indeed so mani- 
fest was the necessity of an organization, which would make this sec- 
tion of the state at once the center and sphere of its labors, that the 
different pastors and churches, who were represented in the convention, 
had but one opinion on the subject. While various difficulties were 
stated in the accomplishment of so desirable an end, and fears were 
entertained concerning its practicability, there was a perfect oneness 
of opinion on the desirableness of such an organization. Nay, so fully 
were the members of the convention impressed with the necessity of 
an organization on this territory, that all minor difficulties were lost 
sight of, and the pastors and churches, which had hitherto been con- 
nected with no less than seven different synods, united in the most 
delightful harmony to organize a new one. Having thus stated the 
causes which led to an organization as a synod, we might mention 
some of the important results which we hope, by the blessing of God 
upon a course of persevering effort, finally to accomplish. These are: © 


1. To unite the hitherto separate congregations of our Church in 
western Pennsylvania in one synod. 


2. To provide for these churches a ministry of holy and able men, 
and secure for our people, in case of vacancy, stated supplies, and as 
soon as possible permanent and devoted pastors. 


3. To build up and reorganize, as far as yet can be done, those 
congregations of our people, which have been scattered or suffered to 
run down in past years. 


4. To carry the gospel of the blessed God and the ordinances of 
religion to the scattered members and destitute settlements of our Zion 
within the bounds of this synod. A commencement has already been 
made in this good work, and an exploring missionary is now laboring in 
this field with much success. Other assistants will be appointed soon. 


5. Finally, we desire and pray that this union of individuals and 
congregational efforts will aid us ere long to send the gospel of salva- 
tion to other destitute places in our own and other lands, thus enabling 
us the better to fulfill the Saviour’s commission to preach his gospel to 
the ends of the earth.” 


The churches to which the appeal was sent, excepting those 
which had become extinct prior to 1845, were the following, 
which are arranged in the order of their organization : 


74 HISTORY, OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


PIONEER LUTHERAN CHURCHES OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA 
JANUARY 15, 1845 





























No. Date of Org. Name of Church Local Names Pastor In 1845 Synod in 1919 
7/7 2et Hempfield Twp., Zion.......... Fat Old compen eee Ma eSteck = ee Gen. Synod 
PAN WHER Brushy -‘Creek#eSalemaee ees tee ses ae eee Me ATaRSteckeees sees Gen. Council 
S773" 179079 | German lwp) acoomes es @ A eSiupplied gem eee Gen. Council 
4|1782**+ RleasaritenWtl Gyano temely atlas Ridge | ‘or " Frey’s S.. Elona sme ech lin games Gen. Council 
5/1784**+ Gréénsburg le Firs tee eee eet eee ar eee IMSS OJ dy SCC Rarer seaee ste Gen. Council 
6) 17848711793" USts onrigs eee oe Kintig’s, Middle ....... Jonas Mechling  ........ Gen. Council 
7|1788**t Indian Head, Good “Hope-2| Back¥ Creek 22> Jonas Mechling ......... Gen. Council 
8 1791*7|Ten Mile, Bethlehem... Duatchs Glonyae Abraham Weills —.... Gen. Council 
9|1791** UpperseenwMilew hrinttyeestell oir: oie eee eee SuUpplied@ne a= ae Extinct 
10] 1792" Doneval Mirae /1onmeeenes Woyepe INKS ARO Le Jonas Mechling 2 2- Gen. Council 
HL 93"" Alvetton, Zions oes seaeee Schwabisie tx pemsacns. Jonas Mechling .......... Gen. Council 
12|1793**+ Pieonier Ot alesse Brand tesmepoee eee Jonas Mechling —_= Gen. Council 
13|1796**+ Sinitatonh eel opem==—==eaa Hoffman’s, Baron Run| Jonas Mechling ......... Gen. Council 
14]1796**+ Bast Salen Sea oe eee orks et Voie. Suppliedsarsseat ae Extinct 
15|1796**+ Baidlands=s Mt. Zionwe == Stecherm si eee! Abraham Weills. ........ Ohio Synod 
16|1796**+/1814* |Alleghany Twp., Salem...... Klingensmilth’s ww. Jacob Zimmerman ....| Extinct 
A711 79687711820" VSardis:— Christ se 4 oe Han he yaswer eee tee Jacob Zimmerman ....| Gen. Synod 
18|1798**+/1813* |Kittanning Twp., Christ...|Rupp’s, Williams ..... JomlieeBernierinim ss Gen. Synod 
1911798***/1811* 4Washington, First s2eeee Weulétis sy to eo Abraham Weills ........ Gen. Council 
RO yk Ass ibavelianng), Akoya oo RGiLS Wy pas eee see es Henry Bishop” 222 Gen. Synod 
21|1800**+ Broughton, NorthicZion. = Wester salen = Supplied= a7. ge. = ees Gen. Synod 
22}1800** + | Washington. Cojs Bethel) Pigeonm® Creek. Abraham Weills ........ Extinct 
23/1800**+ Young stowiseuStes | aimeso- a pee eee eee eee Jonas} Mechling Fase Gen. Council 
24|1800**+/1806* |Brick Church, St. Mich’l’s|Shaeffer’s, Helfrich...... Ja HH. eBernhein 22 Gen. Council 
2511800**+ (Buffalo “Twp. St. Matt eh eisem any cee David -Varhart =. Gen. Council 
26/1803" 7/1816" IM eadville,v cl rinity 1 een eee ete eee eee eee J. D. Nunnemacher.....| Gen. Council 
27/1803" * F186" | Venaneo, 97 ion os ee Kileclenervall uae J. D. Nunnemacher..... Gen. Synod 
28|1805"*- 11828" Mercer? Co... Goods topes) COalasr 11] ee eee aes EAC. sBecker Saeae Gen. Council 
2911806" *7|1821* |Stone: Church, St.. John’s.) buechiesyy- J; Schweizerbarths= Gen. Council 
30|1806**+ Bell Township, St. James] Jacke’s, Yockey’s ...... Mal eo LeCh= aaa Gen. Council 
31]1808** Erie’ Sts] ohn?ise et a eta) | Sa ee ee eee ee Michael Kuchler ........ Gen. Council 
32 1808* | Boquet,) Ste.)) olin sae Denmark Manor............ Mie] mipotee Kae =e Gen. Council 
S31 S1O** 181655 Conneaut. Laker sees eee Bain’ Sites 2 EE | a Re Unk an Extinct 
34|1812**+| Seanois,e ote Paul cae ee Zener Sy a eee Mi) peotecin ass Gen. Council 
3511812**F 11814" |Churchyille. Stiesfohn sue Dickin cesta Guha Ee brenteld=saen Gen. Synod 
36 1813* | Béaver iT wont St, -Paulis | Bestia, mt Cncese cn CoG. actuebgen ee. Gen. Council 
$711313** 11821" |Butler, “Sty, Mark*sse seal 2 eee J. Schweizerbarth ...... Ohio Synod 
38/1816**+|1828" |Saegertown, “12)-Apostleszaibetttens( tes eee J. D. Nunnemacher...... Gen. Council 
39|1818**+ Mercer County. Zion ........ Wolis Creek (aa Gottheb Kyanzea Gen. Council 
40|1820**+|1842* |Gilpin ‘Township, Zion........ Horkswe.s. eee eer lOeavel iDeueloenes 205. Gen. Council 
41 1820* |Shannondale, Zio ee YY Can yee eee ee Jae Ge Olin one eee Gen. Council 
42 1820* |Export, Emmanuel —... Bui se Se Sees Jacob Zimmerman ..| Gen. Council 
43 1821* Zelienoples Ste bail. |e aes Sana IBS fe J. Schweizerbarth ~....| Ohio Synod 
44 11822* |Plum Creek, St. John’s... Mahonin ore seers Henry (Bishop 2s2e4 Gen. Synod 
45 1822* | Brush Valley, EvecL ute Ley) S yee eee Heury e Bishon ge. =. Gen. Synod 
46 11822", |Germany vl wp. Zone cee er ree ree eee Augustus Babb ............ Gen. Synod 
47 1822* |Mercer County, Amity........ Keel Ridzey, ne laa php tiie eee Extinct 
48 1823* |South Bend, St. Jacobs...... Frantz) Whiter 2eos Tacob Zimmerman ....| Gen. Synod 
49 1823" |Shippenville.@)MtiyeZ lot eee) ere ee ee 9.7 DW Et ge ee Gen. Synod 
50 1824* |Limestone, St. Mark’s........ Fair’s. Bethlehem. ...... Cattle) “Kianz ses Gen. Synod 
oll 11824*}|Kittanning, Trinity —......... Absorbed) Sto) Jolin’ s|5Vacanty (2-2. Gen. Council 
52|1824** |Princeton, Jerusalem .......... Herbstsme See John i senseeme Cen. Council 
53 1827" Blairevillesie Hebron sees: ee | eee eee eres eee Augustus Babb ......:.. Gen. Synod 
5411828**+ Gastown Ghristue asses Stu homac ane Jacob Zimmerman ....| Gen. Synod 
55|1828**+ Pulaski, St! (Dantel’s 2) ae eee Theodore Hengist ..... Extinct 
56|1828**+11846* |Mercer. Ev. Luth. ............. UG SCE cee ae Te) VE Vacanti at a Extinct 
57|1829**+ Springfield Twp., Emman’]! Huber’s, Balm _.W. (yorvieb” Kranz sce Ohio Synod 
58|1829**+|1846* |Kellersburg. Salem ............. Keller .2285- ea ae eG ay Ounecr Les, Gen. Synod 
59 11629" 1 Frybure, ote lonn ss ees State, sRoids ees ae SAD Witte aes wee Gen. Synod 
60]1830**+]1835* |Lamartine, Salem _............. ernie tonacme ees Je GS Donmeyver ass Gen. Synod 
61 1830* |West Newton. Christ............ Robbstown a. 22 Tonas Mechling. .......... Gen. Council 
62 1830* |Mosiertown. Christ  ............ IRGIGhGl Spies teers J. D. Nunnemacher.... | Gen. Council 
63]1831**+ Ringoold St. James eit +| Haas ee ee eee TeTGS ey oungl ee: eer Cen, Council 
64) 1832* | Cranberry 3 Lwpee ot. LonnpOtto s;. Dantelicw a 2s ee ee ee Ohio Svnod 
65 11883* | Fairview, vote haul so ieee cece aera ee Gottlieb) Kranz 2225: Absorbed 
66 1833") |Stronestowasle es tme ea tlle cree tite0) Oil nee eee ene Henry Bishop: .1.....<:: Gen. Svnod 
G/IL8332 184 le reeportemes tim a) Oli ys ae meee eee ee eee eee Gas Ba lolinece ae Gen. Council 
68 1833* |Wayne Two., Jerusalem....|Kammerdiener’s ........ Vacant: i et eee Gen. Council 
GI1SS32 loos weasan tam Wt ore eee Patterson’ si pesd Sas |e ee ee Gen. Synod 
/Ul8s52. Thesis Obie bethiehenim as eee 5 crlch'2'115 a ee ee E> Ge WlOtin ooeeee Gen. Council 
PAN ieskelerony Ain SteOnicnn © Guam) nit t yee Siteare Crec aa aaaeens Gottheb "Kranz 222. Extinct 
72|1835**+ Mercere Conia. vee ite ZIG Clenc) See ee eee Vacant wee eee Extinct 
73|1836**+ Bridvewateness #0 eee Beaver tc: 6 bhie Me gee) So fat hee eee eee Absorbed 























HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


PIONEER LUTHERAN CHURCHES OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA 
JANUARY 15, 1845 
































Date of Org. Name of Church Local Names Pastor in 1845 Synod in 1919 
Po: UM ireek, Streeter’ ok... WS 0, cae 2 Michael Kuchler......:_... Gen. Council 
1837* |Pittsburgh, First English.|Grant Street.2.222. 2 W. An Passavant..=: Gen. Council 
OE MAY CR SAV igied cingd bog f V0 a ae ie eel eet EP SMReSIir Ga lede eee ae 6 Gottfried Jensen............ Missouri 
1837* |Wurtemberg, Bethlehem  ~..| Liebendorffer’s_.... John Esensee.................. Absorbed 
1837**7/1843* |Butler County, Ev. Luth.| Rider’ Ss, / Boyer’ si. 2 Gottlieb Bassler............. Gen. Synod 
1837* |Winfield Twp., St. Matt..../Little Germany... Henry FEsensee............. Gen. Counci 
1837* |Mercer Co., St. John’s... fn Bs ian ge ESR A ae Hite Ge Beckeny rats Gen. Council 
1867". |Llatinastown, § ot.n luke S_2) Cooper ge a John Esensee................... Missouri 
1837* |Saxonburg, wie rahe ee &. Baelishits.s8 se Me thre David jharharte.. 2-28 Gen. Council 
1838**+ Jefferson Co., John’s....|Hoch’s, Sprankle’s....... ihe (Ge; WNlefaxe rape eee ee .| Absorbed 
1838* |Rose Peer St Kahne pn A yd ee liao Ge OUNCE Se sae 2 | Gen. Synod 
1Sa4” fot. ot eteraburg, ot. Peter sjAshbaugh’s.2......., C. G. Stuebgen..._....... Gen. Council 
1839**+|1851* |Armstrong Co., Springs ...)Boiling Springs... Jacob Zimmerman....... Gen. Synod 
1840* |Armstrong Co., Emmanue!} Hileman’ s......000.02.. ‘ales Betnk eim= =) Gen. Synod 
edie encanto. stone all sts Ro tiad Vo. se eee re Jc. Gy Donmevyer.i Absorbed 
(rong) HTRIE Te Bad O25) fu ofA: perme Aa RD) Sona RCE ie Coen, Janel. © Dernnein cok Absorbed 
1842* |Middle Lancaster, Zion...... Germans ee See John Esensee............-.----. Ohio Synod 
1842* |Middle Lancaster, Zion...... rated ENS) (te ae aed Care ee Gottlieb Bassler........... Gen. Council 
[S42 Knox Emmanuel, 2252 lo Beaver. Cit ye ees ‘Wala tit set sameeren oc Gen. Synod 
oqo Re eCeChbDUro eh COLOMM antec. (ook. oe ee oe Davidebarhart. 124 c- Gen. Synod 
11842* |Fast Green, St. Paul’s.._ TCHS eee eee ee a Michael Kuchlet............. Evangelical 
liseceMercer. Count yy IDOMAETON wes 11S Clickee eet eee ne ee eas Absorbed 
Miao Ee rOspeets eeEnrTMati Gl oe xcwe| eo ete Gottlieb Bassler... Gen. Council 
CRACKS DUT SoMa leiie seein ns| oe pe Ook es ee ee Henry?) bishOpeaie.. Gen. Synod 
PROCHMIV\CAGMEID we Mrs Laeeenet Mo uel iers Se Nye oe ee Be brim bachemae = Gen. Council 
ISENGS A BRC Rel ocak BRS Gee Saat aS MURS Il Sne AS Pole Ane Ret ee mee eae Gottlieb Bassler............ Gen. Council 
Nites COBO, « Ene Gh tole. oo fi ee ee Gottlieb Bassler... Gen. Council 
1843* JIN. Washington, Ev. Luth.|Mount Varnum........... Sli hiekea th buttesee cess Gen. Synod 
ee Ror Kober Tig? ok wi Date teem Oli SChOtt Siz tees Henry Esensee............... Gen. Council 
1843* |Butler Co., Mt. Pisgah E24 et CL ole ae Sei Pe ch es Eline Rath pues Absorbed 
econ vy Ctitis ey ote vUke oie | er ee C. G. Stuebgen.............. Ohio Synod 
1844* |Dutch Hill, Bethell.............. Ch Petersson 423: Henry Bishop............... .| Gen. Synod 
344" i Frogtown, -oalem _)- 2 EPODIOE. Ga 2 ite eS epccens baud ‘Te have’ OUNCE eed Gen. Synod 
*Regular Organization. **Provisional Organization. +Approximate Date. 


table are given as approximate. 


It is much to be regretted that so many dates in the above 


This is due to the peculiar 


inethod by which all the earlier congregations of the Lutheran 


Church were organized. 


the present time. When the men of the settlement decided 
they should have preaching services, elders and deacons were 
elected, and nothing more in the way of organization 


thought necessary. 


were appointed by both Lutherans and Reformed, so 
the transaction might be legal, but even then the people of the 
settlement often simply accepted the word of the donor of the 
land. Much carelessness prevailed in the keeping of church rec- 
ords, sone congregations being reported to synod a score of years 
before any local record of ministerial acts was kept. For 
reason an approximate date must be assigned to the organization 


of no less than forty-eight of these pioneer churches! 
twenty of them have been disbanded or 
and of all the others all but nine were eventually 


the course of years, 
absorbed ; 


There was no formal organization as at 


that 


Was 


When church property was secured, trustees 


that 


this 


During 


brought into the fellowship of the Pittsburgh Synod. The policy 
of the founders has thus been fully vindicated. 


The organization of the synod was completed at the second 


76 HISTORY. OF VR ERaPr PSBURGHOSY NOD 


convention, held in Mount Zion Church, Shippenville, Pa., June 
5-10, 1845. The name assumed in the constitution of June 10, 
1845, was “The Pittsburgh Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran 
Church”, but this was changed to “Pittsburgh Synod of the 
Evangelical Lutheran Church” in the charter of April 18, 1846. 
The following is a copy of the Act of Assembly, by which the 
charter was secured: 


AN ACT TOINCORPORAT ETH PIETSBURGH SS Yavem 
OF THE EVANGERICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 


Section 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House oi 
Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in Gen- 
eral Assembly met, and it is hereby enacted by the authority 
of the same. That the present members of the Pittsburgh Synod 
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and their successors shall 
be, and hereby are, created and declared to be a body corporate 
by -the name, style and title of the Pittsbursh@oyuodson ie 
Evangelical Lutheran Church’, and by the same name shall 
have perpetual succession, and shall be able and capable in law 
to sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded in courts of law 
or equity, in this State or elsewhere, and to make and have a 
common seal, and the same to break, alter or renew at their 
pleasure, and also to ordain and establish such by-laws and 
ordinances as shall be necessary and proper for the regulating 
of temporal concerns of the Synod for promoting religion in 
it; Provided they be not repugnant to this act or the law of 
the State. 


Section 2. That the said Synod shall consist of a President, 
Secretary, Treasurer and such other officers as may be deemed 
advisable to elect for the time being, together with such minis- 
ters of the gospel and laymen, as they in their wisdom and 
prudence may from time to time admit as members of said 
Synod. 


Section 3. ‘That the said Synod may annually elect a Presi- 
dent, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as may 
be deemed advisable for the time being, who are to comply with 
such rules and regulations as may be adopted by said Synod. 


Section 4. That the said Synod and their successors, by 
the name and style aforesaid, shall be able and capable in law to 
have, purchase, take and receive, and hold lands, tenements, 
results, annuities and other hereditaments, which may be sold, 
devised, or in any other way conveyed to said Synod for their 
use or in trust for them; Provided, that the said corporation 
shall not at any time hold, or possess property, real, personal or 
mixed, exceeding the annual value of four thousand dollars.” 





FOUNDERS OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


David Earhart Gottlieb Bassler 
Michael John Steck Abraham Weills William Alfred Passavant 
George Frederick Ehrenfeld Samuel David Witt Elihu Rathbir 


78 HISTORY OF THEsPrPiSBURGHSSYNGD 


The eight founders of the Pittsburgh Synod were men oi 
exceptional character, and filled an honorable place in the de- 
veloping life of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. 


1. REVEREND SVG Ee WS OETING Ro DOK a curiae 
president of the synod, was born in Greensburg, Pa., May 1, 
1793. He was the son of Pastor John Michael Steck, and inherited 
many of the sterling qualities of his father. From the days of 
childhood he showed an aptitude for the ministry. As a boy 
he would gather his schoolmates about him and preach to them 
from a fallen log. When these performances were reported 
to his father, he was asked whether he would like to be a Luth- 
eran pastor, and very promptly replied in the affirmative. He 
came into the ministry of the Lutheran Church as naturally as 
the rivers flow into the sea. He loved to preach the gospel, 
and this love of it made him a strong and successful preacher. 
He studied theology under his father, and later under Rev. 
Jacob Schnee of Pittsburgh. He was licensed by the Ministerium 
of Pennsylvania in 1816, and became one of the founders of 
the Ohio Synod in 1818. His first parish was Lancaster, 
Ohio, where he served thirteen years, and did a work that is 
yielding fruitage to the present day. When his father grew ill 
he returned to Greensburg in 1829, and upon the death of his 
father, July 14, 1830, became his successor in Westmoreland 
Parish, serving faithfully until the day of his death, September 
1, 1848. These two pastors, father and son, ministered to the 
Lutherans of Westmoreland for fifty-six years, and left a 
spiritual impress that can never be effaced. Pastor Michael J. 
Steck was a humble man, but one of strong convictions and great 
earnestness. Evil doers learned to dread his displeasure. On 
one occasion, when he filled an appointment at Brush Creek, 
he was informed that some of his catechumens had been guilty 
of going to shooting matches and doing other unseemly things 
on the Lord’s Day, and was so indignant that his instruction 
had been so fruitless, that he took off his coat, went into the 
church and preached a sermon that the young men never forgot. 
He was the only one of the leaders of the Ohio Synod to enter 
the organization of the Pittsburgh Synod, but he did it so 
earnestly, and labored so faithfully for its success, that his 
memory is blessed. 


2. REVEREND GEORGE FREDERICK EHRENFELD. 
This pastor was born in Philadelphia, January 20, 1810, and 
was baptized in Zion Lutheran Church by Doctor Helmuth. 
He was the first-born son of Augustus Clemens Ehrenfeld, M. D., 
who was the son of George Frederick, who was the son of 
George Nicolaus, who was the son of John George, who 
was the son of Matthias Bernhard, who was born in 1601. 


Bip LORY te toiieks | SBURGi SYNOD 79 


Certainly three and perhaps more of his ancestors were men ot 
university training. In the line of his paternal grandmother 
were several Lutheran ministers, one of whom was at one 
time pastor of the historic Wittenberg Church, on whose 
door Martin Luther nailed the Ninety-five Theses. He was a 
very precocious boy. On his tenth birthday he made this 
record: “Today I am ten years old, and I have finished my study 
of geometry.’ The Ehrenfeld home was transferred from 
Philadelphia to Mifflin County in 1817, and here in the beauti- 
ful Kishacoquillas Valley, the boy grew to manhood. Such were 
the influences of his home life that he naturally elected to enter 
the ministry. Flis brothers, August Clemens and Charles Lewis, 
soon followed him. He was educated at Mifflinburg Academy 
and Pennsylvania College. Upon his graduation from the Gettys- 
burg Seminary in 1840, he was licensed by the West Pennsyl- 
vania Synod and sent to his first parish in Clarion County. 
During his school days he was a close personal friend of Gott- 
lieb Bassler, and many letters were preserved as tender mem- 
orials of their friendship. He was one of the founders of the 
Alleghany Synod in 1842, and one of the founders of the 
Pittsburgh Synod in 1845. The greatest mistake of his minis- 
terial life, and one that he later acknowledged, was his champ- 
ionship of the “Definite Platform”. He was a great admirer 
of Spener, and believed in holding special meetings for the 
preaching of the gospel, but he was never an emotionalist. His 
enemies have classed him among the advocates of ‘New 
Measures”, but this was only partly true. He regarded the 
mourners bench system as subversive of faith, and frequently 
was outspoken in its condemnation. From 1840 to 1845 he was 
pastor of Clarion County congregations; from 1845 to 1855, he 
served congregations in Armstrong County. He served the 
Brookville Parish during the time of the synodical controversy, 
but his active ministry practically closed in 1855. He fell asleep 
in jesus, ejuly 26,1876, and. his body was laid to rest in’ the 
Forks cemetery. 


3. REVEREND ABRAHAM WEILLS. Pastor Weills 
was born in Randolph County, Va., January 4, 1806. He at- 
tributed his strongest religious impressions to the preaching of 
Father Heyer, but was confirmed by Pastor Martin Kubler in 
the Glade Church in 1824. He early elected the gospel ministry 
as his life work, and gave thirty-five years to active service. He 
left home in 1828 with only eight dollars in his pocket, deter- 
mined in some way to prepare for the ministry. He studied 
theology under Professor Schmidt of Capital University, and was 
the first product of that useful institution. His experiences as 
a student were quite trying. As a cobbler and land clearer, in 
which latter art he excelled, he managed to earn his living and 


80 HISTORY \OF THE (PLE rSBURGH S¥NOD 


finish his studies. As a boy he could speak only English, but by 
persistent study he mastered the German and became an ac- 
ceptable German preacher. After four years of study he was 
licensed by the Ohio Synod, and was ordained by the same body, 
September 18, 1837. “The first four years of his ministerial 
life, 1832-1836, were spent in Ohio. A scourge of fever com- 
pelled him to resign his Ohio field, and in 1836 he came to 
western Pennsylvania, accepting a part of the large Washing- 
ton County Parish of Pastor John Brown. In later years his 
parish was extended until it included congregations in Washing- 
ton, Fayette, Allegheny, Beaver and Westmoreland counties. 
One of his churches was fifteen miles to the west of his home, 
and two others were fourteen miles in the opposite direction. Only 
a strong and vigorous body enabled him to do the work that 
was required j in this immense field. At the time of the organiza- 
tion of the Pittsburgh Synod he was the regular pastor of 
but two churches. He served in Washington County from 
1836-1868, when he removed to LaSalle County, Illinois. There 
his health broke down, and he returned to Washington, where 
he was killed by a Baltimore and Ohio train, July 16, 1886. 
Father Weills was a member of the Pittsburgh Synod of the 
General Synod at the time of his death. 


4- REVEREND DAVID EARHART.? | Pastor Earhart 
was born of German parents on an Indiana County farm, Feb- 
ruary 28, 1818. Before the public school system was estab- 
lished, he received his primary education in subscription schools, 
held in log buildings, poorly lighted and rudely furnished. The 
teachers of those days were often selected for their ability to 
use hickory rods as well as text books; and Pastor Earhart, even 
as late as his eighty-fifth year, confessed a vivid personal recol- 
lection of their discipline. He attended the Indiana Academy, 
and later studied theology at Wooster, Ohio, under Doctor Ezra 
Keller and Rev. George Leiter. He was married to Miss Mary 
Wells Patton in Somerset, Pa., November 16,1841. In Septem- 
ber of the same year he was licensed to preach by the East 
Ohio Synod. <A few weeks later he visited Leechburg, and 
was invited to preach for the Lutherans of that town. His 
services were so acceptable that he entered at once into an 
arrangement to preach for them, and continued as their pastor 
until 1853. He served Hebron, Zion, St. Matthew’s and St. 
Luke’s, and also organized the Bethel and Clinton churches of 
Armstrong County and Bethesda of Westmoreland County. 
Two months after he had located here came the call for the 
organization of the Pittsburgh Synod, and Pastor Earhart was 
one of the youngest of the eight pastors who responded. He 
was serving four congregations at the time, and brought them 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 81 


all into the fellowship of the new organization. He was al- 
Ways a conservative pastor, and but little effected by the “new 
measures” of his day. He was one of the hardest working 
pastors of the synod, and his accessions to the church were 
exceptionally large. In the spring of 1860 he removed to Sum- 
ner, Kansas, a small town about three miles south of Atchison. 
Here he organized a congregation, but a severe wind storm 
wrecked the town, and the Area pation was ruined. For thirteen 
years he remained in Kansas, preaching in many places from 
fifteen to fifty miles distant from his home. He organized 
congregations at East Norway, Vinland, Pardee, Valley Falls, 
Brown. County, Brush Creek and Stranger Creek. The two 
last named are now extinct. He withdrew from the Pittsburgh 
Synod in 1868, and united with the newly formed Kansas Synod. 
From 1873 to 1876 he served Lavansville Parish of the 
Alleghany Synod, and then returned to the Pittsburgh Synod, 
in connection with the General Council, and in whose 
fellowship he died, August 14, 1903. He spent his ministerial 
life among both General Synod and General Council associates 
and loved them all, but his deepest sympathies were with the 
latter. Only a few months before his death, the historian of 
the General Synod received a long letter from him in which 
much of the vigor of a young man was manifest. He was the 
last survivor of the founders of the synod. 


Ome veo Roe CE BUEN, | Vergslittle asiknown:,of 
the life of this venerable founder of the synod, for he left few 
records. He was born September 8, 1794, and died in Viola, 
Illinois, at the ripe old age of ninety-five years. He was a 
tailor of Saegertown, Pa., when he was taught theology by 
Rev. Wilhelm Schulze of Meadville and persuaded to enter the 
ministry. He was licensed by the Ohio Synod in 1830, and 
served as the English pastor of Crawford County churches for 
twelve years. His great weakness as a Lutheran pastor was his 
inability to serve in German. The history of the Crawford 
County churches would be very different had he been able to 
use both languages. At the time of the organization of the 
Pittsburgh Synod, he was pastor of churches in Mercer and 
Butler counties, and was brought into its fellowship largely 
through the influence of Gottlieb Bassler. He was strongly in- 
clined to “new measures”, and created a great commotion when 
he introduced them into the Venango congregation. He was not 
a well educated man, but filled an honorable place among his 
brethren. In April, 1854, he wrote to the president of the 
Pittsburgh Synod, requesting an “honorable dismissal from 
synod to unite with some other denomination, or stand inde- 
pendent, as might suit.” This peculiar request was laid before 
the synod, which waived all rules of order, in view of his 


82 HISTORY? OF eT HEE EES bOR GSN NOD 


position as one of the founders, and granted the petition. It is 
said that he afterwards united with the Presbyterians, but this 
has never been established. 


6. REVEREND WILLIAM ALFRED PASSAVANT. 
This great church leader was born in Zelienople, Pa., October 
9, 1821. His parents were Charles Louis Passavant and Zelie 
Basse Passavant, who came to America in 1807. He graduated 
from Jefferson College at the early age of nineteen, and studied 
theology at Gettysburg. Licensed by the Synod of Maryland, 
October 17, 1842, he began his ministry in a small mission church 
of one of the suburbs of Baltimore. Here he proved himself an 
ardent disciple of new measures, and conducted revivals of the 
most emotional type. Doctor John G. Morris of Baltimore had 
great difficulty in persuading him that there was genuine piety 
in the Lutheran Church, even if her people did not go to the 
mourner’s bench for their religion. He accepted a call to the 
First English Lutheran Church of Pittsburgh in the spring of 
1844, where he soon abandoned his new measures for conserva- 
tive Lutheran methods and usages. Scarcely had he become 
settled in his new parish than he began to agitate for the or- 
ganization of a new synod, and accomplished his purpose in 
less than a year. His visit to the Fatherland in 1847, where 
he was given an opportunity to study the work of Theodore 
Fliedner, made a profound impression upon his religious life 
and turned his energies into the great field of the Inner Mis- 
sion. ‘To him belongs the credit of bringing the first deaconesses 
to America, of consecrating the first American deaconess, of 
founding the first Protestant orphanage and the first Protest- 
ant hospital of this country. Nature dealt generously with him, 
endowing him with an engaging personality, intellectual powers 
of the highest order, winsome address and many choice graces 
of the heart. While yet a mere youth, he was welcome to all 
the leading pulpits of the Lutheran Church, and regarded as 
a coming leader of men. His rich eloquence attracted many 
strangers to his church services; and he would doubtless have 
become one of the great preachers of his day had he remained 
in the work of the parish. His intense missionary spirit, which 
sought outlets for its ceaseless activities in the home field and 
all parts of the habitable globe, was imparted to the synod, which 
in turn became an instrument for the furtherance of his wide- 
reaching plans. The Missionary and The Workman, founded 
by him, were helpful factors in developing Lutheran resources 
and promoting the vital work of the Church. He founded 
the Institution of Protestant Deaconesses, through which he 
founded many institutions of mercy and gathered large sums of 
money. It is said that more than a million dollars flowed 
through his hands in the furtherance of many charities. In 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH. SYNOD 83 


all this work he was much engaged in prayer, and many happy 
experiences of his life deepened the conviction that “the ef- 
fectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” On 
one occasion he was walking along one of the streets of Pitts- 
burgh in company with Doctor Kemerer, expressing the prayer 
as he went that the good Lord would fill up the empty larder 
of the Infirmary, when they were met by a stranger who told 
them that he had just~sent a large load of supplies to the 
institution. Further inquiry revealed the fact that they were 
the very things the Doctor had said were most needed. Such 
examples could be almost indefinitely multiplied. In the edu- 
cational field, he provided the institutions in which men of his 
choice were placed to teach. Thiel College and Chicago Seminary 
are monuments of his zeal: for the spread of truth. There 
were scarcely any limits to his resourcefulness. He made many 
bitter enemies during the synodical controversy; but he also 
made hosts of friends. His death occurred in Pittsburgh, June 
3, 1894. Doctor Charles Porterfield Krauth once said of him: 
“Doctor Passavant is often severely criticized by some most 
closely connected with him. But after he has passed away, all 
these points of criticism will gradually disappear as the years 
recede, and his name will live as one of the few great men 
whom the Church has produced.” 


(ee Vik ENG OWE ELE By.BASS LER | This) pastor 
was born in Langenthal, Canton Berne, Switzerland, December 
10, 1813, and came to Butler County with his parents when 
CUI Cala Oldt alles. wae sapptenticed stow a. Greensbure 
printer at the age of thirteen, and later worked at this trade 
in Washington, D. C. In 1836 he began to study for the 
ministry, receiving his education in the Gettysburg institutions. 
Such was the rigid economy practiced during school days, that 
stern self-mastery became one of the marked traits of his 
character. Licensed by the West Pennsylvania Synod in 1842, he 
remained in the fellowship of that body until the founding of 
the Pittsburgh Synod. His first and only parish was in Butler 
County, where he became the English Associate of Bishop 
Schweizerbarth, and organized churches at Zelienople, Butler, 
Middle lancaster, Riders and Prospect: His salary was “a 
mere pittance, but his wants were few and no one ever heard 
him utter a word of complaint. He was a persistent student, 
and was often found by his friends at his desk, his head 
swathed in cooling bandages, studying some deep theological 
question or planning for the care of the orphan children. 
Amiuable in disposition, courteous in manner, kindly of heart, 
he won many loyal friends. He was a great lover of the 
Bible, and all his sermons were rich in biblical truth. Noted 
for his parliamentary skill, he was three times elected president 


S4 HISPORY OF TH ESPL EE SSURGLE iY NOD 


of his synod, and was chosen for the same reason as the 
first president of the General Council. As the first director of 
the Zelienople Orphans’ Home and Farm School, he proved 
a strict disciplinarian and a strong teacher. He was the intimate 
and faithful friend of William A. Passavant, supplementing the 
tireless energies of the great leader with a well balanced judg- 
ment that was of the highest value to the Church. His love 
for the Pittsburgh Synod was a passion, and his last words 
a prayer to’\God"'on “her behalt) His) death occurredmitienie 
home of Doctor Passavant, October 3, 1868, and the entire 
Church mourned. Despite the feelings engendered by the 
controversy of the times, the Pittsburgh Synod of the General 
Synod took the following action: 


Inasmuch as our Heavenly Father has been pleased to remove from 
this scene of toil and care to the realms of glory our dearly beloved 
brother, Rev. Gottlieb Bassler, and 


Whereas, he has so long, so earnestly, and so successfully been 
laboring in the Master’s cause in our midst; and, as the righteous are 
ever to be held in reverent remembrance, therefore, 


Resolved 1. That our departed brother, by his unassuming piety, 
Christian courtesy, conscientious devotion to principle, and self-deny- 
ing labors for Christ, has endeared himself to us all. 


Resolved 2. That he was a faithful man and feared God above 
many; that we feel thankful to God for his example, and will ever hold 
in grateful remembrance his virtues, and will strive to profit by them: 


Resolved 3. That by his death we are again admonished to re- 
newed diligence and faithfulness in our holy work. 


Resolved 4. That we tender our sincere sympathies to the afflicted 
family, and pray that our kind Father may, by his comforting grace; 
sustain them in their heavy bereavement.” 


Few men are remembered so long and tenderly among the 
Lutherans of western Pennsylvania as Gottlieb Bassler, the 
Man of God. 


8. REVEREND SAMUEL DAVID WITT was born in 
Dauphin County, Pa., October 7, 1813. It was the desire of 
his father that he should enter the field of politics, but the 
young man elected the ministry. He laid down the editorship 
of his Somerset County paper in 1842, and completed a course 
in the Gettysburg Seminary in 1844. In the fall of that year he 
was licensed by the Alleghany Synod, and began his ministerial 
work in Clarion County. He and Rev. G. F. Ehrenfeld were 
the two Clarion County pastors, who entered the Pittsburgh 
Synod at the time of the organization. He was ordained in 
Salem Church, August 10, 1845, by a special committee of 
the Pittsburgh Synod. Earnest in all his work, he filled a suc- 
cessful place in the ministry during the seven years he was 
permitted to serve. Much of his time was given to the ex- 


HISTORY .OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 85 


ploration of the unoccupied territory of the synod; and his 
dying words were: “Dear brethren, do your utmost for the mis- 
sions.” He was on a visit to Ohio, August 27, 1851, when he took 
sick and died. He was the president of the synod at the time 
of his death; and his sorrowing brethren in convention assembled 
paid a high tribute to “his Christian character, his zeal in the 
Master’s cause, his integrity in all his relations, his ardent and 
self-denying piety, and his willingness to spend and be spent in 
the upbuilding of Christ’s kingdom.” 


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CHAPTER II 
EARLY DEVELOPMENT 
1845-1867 


“Behold how good and how pleasant 1t is for brethren to dwell 
together in unity.” 


ANTENSE enthusiasm characterized all the earlier 
conventions of the young synod. ‘Their heart and 
brain was William A. Passavant, who possessed 
the gift of inspiring others with the fervor of his 
convictions and organizing them for service. While 
nearly all the pastors of the Ohio Synod declined to 
unite with them, believing that the new organization was a “‘dis- 
orderly intrusion”, there was an intensity of purpose in their con- 
ventions ever prophetic of greater things to come. The first con- 
vention after the organization meeting was held in Mt. Zion 
Church ohippenville Pas. June 5-10), 1845) at’ which. all 
pastors were present and eager for service. Three additional 
pastors were admitted, Henry Ziegler, J. G. Donmeyer and 
Solomon Weills, giving them an active force of fourteen. ‘The 
Sunday services were attended by nearly two thousand people, 
and a large overflow meeting was held in the adjoining grove. 
A synodical constitution was adopted on the last day of the 
convention, and a committee appointed to draft a model 
constitution for congregations. The synod was incorporated 
under the laws of Pennsylvania, the Act of Assembly being 
approved by Governor Francis R. Shunk, April 18, 1846. The 
chief concern of the synod at Shippenville was the supply of 
vacant and neglected congregations with the ministry of the 
word. For this purpose their organization had been effected; 
and it was given first place in their deliberations. In addition 
to the large number of vacancies reported by the pastors, there 
was the great terra incognita of the northwestern part of the 
state that demanded immediate attention. A letter from Rev. 
Henry Ziegler, expressing regret for his inability to attend the 
sessions of the synod, was read, and the following action taken: 





“Resolved, That, in view of the great spiritual destitution among 
our people in the western counties of Pennsylvania, and in humble 
reliance upon the help of God, we hereby engage the services of Rev. 
Henry Ziegler for one year, to act as missionary of the synod within 
our bounds, under the direction of the officers of the synod as an ex- 
ecutive committee.” 


In this manner the office of missionary president (super- 


88 HISTORY, OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 
intendent) was established, and the great work of home: mis- 
sions begun. While the churches were weak in numbers as 
well as in wealth, they were determined that this work should be 
neglected no longer. The problem of financial support was 
solved by the laymen, who pledged $203 toward the salary of 
the missionary president at Shippenville, and $229 for the 
same cause at the next convention. With such hearty cooper- 
ation on the part of all the great missionary task was made 
easier. Rev. Henry Ziegler was sent out at once into’ the 
destitute field of northwestern Pennsylvania, where he labored 
until May 24, 1850, preaching 450 English and 180 German 
sermons, travelling 11,074 miles, usually on horseback, re-or- 
ganizing seven churches and adding 220 persons to the mem- 
bership of the congregations. He was reared in that section 
of the state, understood the needs of the people, and proved 
himself a strong and capable missionary. While the salary 
was only $300, Pastor Ziegler ttad been trained in the school 
of hardship and knew how to make every dollar count. In his 
private diary he has this to say of his compulsory economy in 
college days: 


“Often my meals consisted of bread, salt and water. The salt was 
my butter, and the water was my coffee. Sometimes I had cold mush 
and apple butter; meat I never had any. I boarded myself for about 
fifty cents a week. I had not sufficient bedding to keep me warm. On 
some occasions I had to sleep in all my clothes and overcoat, and then 
I suffered from the cold. But I never thought of hardship.. I had been 
inured to it from childhood. Besides clearing land, mauling rails, etc., 
I worked in the blacksmith shop on rainy days when others could rest.” 


After his conversion at the age of seventeen he determined 
to enter the ministry; and walked the entire distance from 
Venango County to Gettysburg, “without so much as receiving 
an invitation to ride a single mile by a passing traveller”. With 
such a training, Pastor Ziegler was well prepared to meet the 
hardships ‘of missionary work in northwestern Pennsylvania. 
Moreover, he was a man of strong intellectual gifts, and these, 
supplemented by a natural piety and a deep love for his Church, 
made him a model missionary president. ‘The credit for securing 
him for this work must be given to Rev. W. A. Passavant. The 
young man had already made up his mind to begin his minis- 
terial life on the territory of Wittenberg College, and had ar- 
ranged for a conference with Doctor Ezra Keller at the ap- 
proaching convention of the General Synod in Philadelphia; 
but W. A. Passavant chanced to be present at that conference, 
and pressed the claims of the Pittsburgh Synod with such 
fervor that both men agreed that young Ziegler was needed 
most in northwestern Pennsylvania. After a horseback ride 
of more than two hundred miles he arrived in Pittsburgh, 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 89 


August 1, 1845, and was commissioned at once for his work. 
Ilis business was to seek out the scattered Lutherans of his 
lerritory, reencourage them in their faith, and organize them into 
congregations wherever possible. The unhappy experiences of 
the people with wicked imposters, who had pretended to be 
Lutheran pastors and were not, made his work doubly diffi- 
cult. Many visits were necessary before he could persuade the 
people that he was neither an imposter nor a traveller, and 
that he had come to be their loyal pastor. In his private 
diary he laments their indifference to the gospel and speaks of 
some as “a hard, unfeeling, ungrateful people, unconverted to 
God, self-righteous and self-important.” Years of neglect 
had made them such. But the missionary, with a zeal and 
patience that were noteworthy, toiled on at his task; and, when 
the next convention of synod was held at Greensburg, May 28, 
1846, he was prepared to add his practical experience to the 
organizing talent of Rev. W. A. Passavant, for the preparation 
of a missionary constitution that was then adopted. 


Miah Ye CONSITLULION OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 
Adopted, June 2, 1846 


ARTICUE. I: 


“Sec. 1. At the annual election of synodical officers, the Synod 
shall also hold an election for a Missionary President, who shall be 
chosen from among the Bishops regularly belonging to the Synod, in 
the manner specified in Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution. The 
Same person may, however, be annually re-elected for any number of 
successive years. , 


Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of the Missionary Superintendent: 

a. To superintend the whole missionary work not otherwise pro- 
vided for within the bounds of Synod, taking the oversight thereof, and 
co-operating with the Mission Committee in the management of the 
same. 


b. He shall present a written report at the meeting of every Synod 
of the state of the missions under his supervision, which shall embrace 
all items of interest connected with the missionary work, and such sug- 
Sankar as, in his judgment, are calculated to advance the cause of 

hrist. 


c. He shall have the appointment of all the missionaries (whose 
appointments, however, shall be confirmed by the Mission Committee. 
unless in cases where particular appointments are left by them in his 
hands), and, with the President of Synod, shall counsel and advise with 
the missionaries in relation to their official duties, admonish them to 
faithfulness and holiness of life, and warn every brother who errs in 
doctrine or practice. 

d. He shall diligently employ all the time, in which he is not en- 
gaged in superintending the missionary work, in supplying his own dis- 
trict, in exploring the destitute territory of Synod and setting in order 
new fields of labor. 

Sec. 3. In case the Missionary President remove out of the bounds 
of this Synod, resign his office or depart this life, then the Mission 
Committee shall make such provisions for the continuation of the work 


90 HISTORY Ol vlHEsPEETSBURGHsSY NOD 


until the next meeting of the Synod as, in their judgment, shall best 
promote the interests of the Redeemer’s Kingdom. 


ARAL Bali 


Sec. 1. At the annual meeting of Synod a committee shall be ap- 
pointed, consisting of one ordained minister from each Conference who 
shall be styled the Mission Committee, which committee may be an- 
nually re-appointed for any number of successive years. 


Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of this committee to co-operate with 
the Missionary President by consulting and advising with him concern- 
ing the missions and vacancies in their respective districts, confirming 
or annulling the appointment of miussionaries,,determining the salary 
of the Missionary President and the appropriations from the treasury 
to the different missions, and attending to all those duties in the mis- 
sionary work not otherwise provided for. 


Sec. 3. This committee, in connection with the Missionary Presi- 
dent, shall have power to draw up a table of instructions for the mis- 
sionaries under their care, require from them quarterly and annual re- 
ports, and may publish such extracts from their correspondence as 
would be interesting to the Church. 


Sec. 4. Should any vacancies occur in the Mission Committee in 
the interval of Synod, by death, removal or otherwise, the remaining 
members, in connection with the Missionary President shall fill the 
vacancy from the Conference in which the vacancy occurred, and such 
person or persons shall remain in office until the next annual convention 
of Synod.” 

Under this missionary constitution, which was not greatly 
changed in later years, the Pittsburgh Synod achieved remark- 
able successes. The first committee consisted of Rev. Sv. 
Witt, Rev. Gottlieb Bassler and Rev. W. A. Passavant. While 
the name of W. A. Passavant was given last, he was the mis- 
sionary genius of the synod. His wide acquaintance and evan- 
gelical spirit made him a natural missionary, whose leadership 
others were glad to follow. He was the second missionary 
president of the synod, 1849-1856, and made the mission work 
the commanding interest of the body. The publication of THE 
MISSIONARY was a great factor in the success of the work, 
since it kept the Church informed. Large contributions were 
received from Lutherans, who were in no way connected with 
the synod. From 1845 to 1867, aid was given to no less than 
123 churches. Some of these were only preaching points, but 
others developed into great and influential congregations. Some 
of the largest churches of the Middle West owe their origin to 
the missionary spirit of this synod. The total cost of twelve 
years was only $15,868, but salaries and appropriations were 
low. 


According to a well authenticated tradition, Adam Keffer of 
Canada, while on a foot journey to the States in 1849, stopped 
at Klecknerville over night and learned that the Pittsburgh 
Synod was there in session. A visit to the synod created a 
large interest in the scattered Lutherans of Canada, and led 


HISTORY. OF SPHE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 91 


the sending of Pastor Bassler on a special mission to the pro- 
vince in the following year. On his return a narrative of the 
journey was published in THE MISSIONARY, which led to 
the sending os missionaries and the founding of the Canada 
Synod, July 1861. The missionary leaders of the synod 
alw ays pate the plea of Father Keffer as an act of Provi- 
dence, and felt that they were under obligations to provide the 
means of grace for the Canadians. ‘The seven pastors, who 
founded the Synod of Canada, were members of the Pittsburgh 
Synod at the time. Three of them were missionaries, and their 
missionary appropriations were generously continued until their 
parishes became self-supporting. 


In the early part of 1850, Rev. Casper’ Braun of New 
Castle was sent to Texas as a missionary; and the Evangelical 
Lutheran Synod of Texas was organized, May 20, 1852, with 
Pastor Braun as the first president. The chief credit for the 
founding of the Texas Synod, however, is due to Father Spitt- 
ler of Basle, a deeply pious layman, whose devotion to the scat- 
tered German Lutherans of the Lone Star State can never be 
forgotten. ‘The missionary eyes of the Pittsburgh Synod were 
upon every part of the land; and the pastors were always willing 
to lend a helping hand to any faithful missionary, who could 
show that he had a worthy field. One-half of the appropriations 
to home mission work in 1853 was given to churches outside 
the boundaries of the synod. ‘The Scandinavians of the North- 
west owe more to Rev. W. A. Passavant for his interest and 
helpful care during their pioneer experiences than to any other 
man in America. He gave wide publicity to their work in the 
columns of THE MISSIONARY, plead their cause before the 
conventions of the Church at every opportunity, and check- 
mated the wholesale proselyting campaigns of the sects. At the 
meeting of the synod in 1857, Pastor David Earhart was re- 
quested to do mission work in Kansas; Rev. W. P. Ruthrauff was 
asked to establish a mission in Nebraska; and the missionary 
president was authorized to commission a man for work in 
Minnesota. In more than one instance, work at home was 
sacrificed in order that the needy fields of the growing West 
might be cared for. Such was the spirit that earned for this 
synod the honored title of “Missionary Synod of the Evangelical 
lutheran Church: 


While this work of missions was being pressed with much 
vigor, the missionary leaders recognized the fact that educa- 
tional institutions were needed to provide the missionaries. 
Accordingly, it was decided at Shippenville in 1845 that an 
academy should be opened at Zelienople, with Pastor Gottlieb 
Bassler as principal. This meant the laying of a heavy burden 


92 HISTORY OF WH PIP SBURGCH SYNOD 


upon the shoulders of a man already overloaded with a large 
parish of five churches, but he accepted the task at an annual 
salary of $100 and rendered excellent service. The first session 
of the Zelienople Academy continued from November 3, 1845 to 
May 13, 1846, and was attended by Asa H. Waters, Lewis M. 
Kuhns, John Scott and John B. Horn. In 1846 propositions were 
received from Leechburg, Uniontown, and Greensburg, offering 
a permanent site for the academy, and the synod found much 
difficulty in reaching a satisfactory decision. The academy was 
hnally transferred to Greensburg in 1848, opening under the 
name of ‘‘Muhlenberg Collegiate Institute” with Rev.. W. P. 
Ruthrauff as acting principal. At the close of the second year 
of work this promising institution was closed, largely because of 
the death of Pastor Michael J. Steck, and the consequent with- 
drawal of the churches of Westmoreland Parish from the 
Pittsburgh Synod. Had the life of Pastor Steck been prolonged 
a few move yenrs, all the educational interests of the synod 
would doubtless have been centered in Greensburg. For a num- 
ber of years a successful academy was conducted at Leechburg 
under the principalship of Professor David McKee. ‘This was 
sold in 1887, and Hebron Church now stands on the academy 
ground. Another similar school was opened in Worthington 
by Pastor A. C. Ehrenfeld, but this too was soon abandoned. 


In the year 1865, A. Louis Thiel-of Pittsburgh placed a 
sum of money in the hands of Rev. W. A. Passavant, which 
was used for the purchase of a sanitarium at Phillipsburg, now 
called Monaca, in 1866. . The buildings were remodelled for 
educational work, and reopened as Thiel Hall in September of 
the same year. The gifted. yotng Henry Eyster Jacobs 
served in this school. Among the boys who matriculated 
in this new school were Hiram Peters, Julius A. J. Zahn, George 
W.».Critchlow, Theophilusy-B). Roth, 3D ioathen@ kh othgue we 
Lemcke, Hugo L.- McMurray, J. C.-Kunzmanny Dettmarais 
Passavant, William A. Passavant, Jr., Robert M. Zimmerman, 
John Wesley Myers, and G. C. Berkemeier. The courses offered 
included those of a preparatory school and the freshman and 
sophomore grade of college. The salary of the professors was 
fixed at $1,000, and that of vrincival of the preparatory school 
at $800. Thiel Hall developed into Thiel College, which was 
incorporated by Act of Assembly, April 14, 1870. Thiel College ° 
was opened in Thiel Hall, September 1, 1870, but was removed 
to Greenville, Pa., September 7, 1871. The history of this in- 
stitution, therefore belongs to a later period. The first bene- 
ficiary of the synod was Rev. Augustus Clemens Ehrenfeld, a 
brother of one of the founders, who applied for aid at the 
Shippenville convention. The synod had not yet established a 





DOCTOR HENRY EYSTER JACOBS 


94 HISTORY -O be Pee els bag Emo ae) 


fund for ministerial education, so the young man was referred 
to the conferences, and = $50 ‘secured’ for him), He spent 
many years in the ministry of the General Synod. From 1845 
to 1867, the synod raised $7,851 for the education of students 
for the ministry, and the following young men received aid: 


Aughey, Samuel Ehrenfeld, Charles L. Potts Gay be 
Bethinynouele Haengerer, Charles C. Richards, Frank 
Blyholder, To Kee Haengerer, John Adam Roth, John D. 
Brecht, Carl F. W. Horn, John B. Sarver, Jonathan 
Cohn, M. Knapp, G. Steck, Mosheim 
Colver, Michael Kuss, Alexander Trautman, Lewis 
Debendarfer, Dat: Lawson, Samuel S. Waters, James Q. 
Delo, Reuben S. Maesche, Albert Waters, Asa Harris 
Ehrenfeld, ASC Ostrem, O. 


One of the most interesting features of this period of 
synodical history was the care exercised in ordination. The 
fathers adhered strictly to the apostolic injunction: “Lay hands 
suddenly on no man.” ‘This caution was inherited from the 
older synods, which had many unpleasant experiences with 
upstarts and pretenders. Their chief protection was a rigid 
system of probation for all candidates. Every Lutheran synod 
in America was compelled for a time to adopt the licensure 
system, and licensed and relicensed candidates until they had 
demonstrated their fitness for the ministry. Pastor John M. 
Steck, who began to preach in Westmoreland County in 1791, 
was not ordained until 1806. Pastor Anton Ulrich Luetge, who 
preached at Harold’s from 1782 to 1789, was licensed by the 
Ministerium of Pennsylvania in 1788, but died without receiving 
the coveted ordination. Instances of this kind might be 
multiplied to show the methods of that day. At the time of the 
organization of the Pittsburgh Synod, this rigorous system of 
probation had been greatly modified, but licensure was still 
practiced; and the synod in 1846 resolved to ordain no man 
“unless he had served three years as a licensed candidate.” Pas- 
tor Michael Schweigert was licensed in 1845, but not ordained 
until 1853. This good brother could have been ordained in 1851, 
however, had he been willing to accept it. Pastor David Ear- 
hart was licensed by the East Ohio Synod in 1844, but not 
ordained until 1848. Pastor Gottlieb Bassler, good man as he 
was, also served four years as a candidate. The examining 
committees of the synod treated each case on its merits, and 
never spared the feelings of the candidates. in their reports. 
Pastor David Earhart was taken to task in his own church for 
poor spelling; Pastor Solomon Weills was rebuked for 
carelessness in keeping his journal; and Pastor G. B. Holmes 
paper on regeneration was criticized as bearing marks of hur- 
red preparation. The result of this policy was the creation of 
a body of faithful ministers, to whom all the vacant churches of 
this section could turn with confidence for the ministry of 


Poison Nee ide rl SBURGHE SYNOD 95 


the Word. In 1865, the following deliverance on the licensure 
system, prepared by Doctor C. P. Krauth, was adopted by the 
synod. 


“1. The duty of having some system of probation for candidates 
for the ministry rests not only on the self-evident necessity for guarding 
with solicitous care the purity and efficiency of the sacred office, but 
rests also on the positive command, ‘Lay hands suddenly on no man’, 
and on the Apostolic requisition that a bishop shall not be a ‘novice’, but 
shall ‘first be proved’. 


2. The right of the Church to secure this probation by a system 
of licensure is derived from the freedom which Christ has given her 
of arranging, according to her judgment, all things necessary for her 
security, order and well being, so far as neither the letter nor spirit of 
God’s Word is violated thereby. 


3. The object of licensure is that the Church may know thoroughly 
before by ordination she acknowledges him finally and in the most 
solemn manner as one of her ministers; and that the licentiate may 
know himself, may attest the fixedness of his resolution to devote his 
life to the ministry, and his capacity for performing its duties, and may, 
during the period of comparative inexperience, have the benefit of a fra- 
ternal guardianship. 


4. The proper applicants for licensure are those who believe them- 
selves called of God to preach the gospel, and believe themselves pre- 
pared to enter on the work, especially where their judgment is con- 
firmed by that of sober-minded and judicious ministers and Christian 
friends. 


5. The proper subjects for licensure are those who, in the judg- 
ment of the Church, are called of God to preach the gospel, and who 
have given evidence that they are prepared for the work. 


6. The proper medium, through which the Church expresses this 
her belief, is the Ministerium, or body of ordained ministers connected 
with the particular Synod within which the application is made. 


7. The.proper time to apply for licensure is during a. meeting, 
either regular or special, of the Ministerium. Ad interim licenses 
should not be granted ,except at a special meeting of the Ministerium, 
called by its officers. Each Ministerium may determine what ratio of 
its members shall constitute a quorum for the purpose. 


8. All licenses shall cease to be valid with the close of the synod- 
ical year. 


9. No man shall be ordained until he has passed through two years 
of probation as a licentiate, except in a case declared by a vote of two- 
thirds of the Ministerium to be such as to justify a departure from a 
general rule. Any licentiate may have the period of his probation ex- 
tended beyond two years by the vote of a majority. 


10. The powers of a licensed minister do not differ essentially 
from those of an ordained minister. He is fully authorized not only 
to preach the gospel but also to administer the sacraments, since the 
administration of the sacraments involves no higher responsibility, and 
is not more essentially a ministerial act, than the official preaching of 
the gospel. The restrictions peculiar to the position of a licentiate are 
not those of the powers of the ministry, but simply of the place in 
which, and the time during which, and the direction under which, they 
shall be exercised. 

11. As the character of our ordained ministry is vitally connected 
with that of the licentiate, the constitutional directions in regard to 
the examination of licentiates should be carefully framed and sacredly 


96 AES TORY (OH nn eP rr Pa BURCH SMN OD 


followed. The principles involved should not be relaxed from merely 
personal considerations of any kind, but should be maintained with sole 
reference to the glory of Christ, the welfare of his Church, and the 
solemn judgment of the last day.” 


One might naturally suppose that such a select body of men 
would command large salaries, but the truth is that they were 
dishearteningly underpaid. The talented Henry Ziegler received 
a salary of $300 a year; the noble Bassler received but $50 a 
year from his Butler congregation, and probably equally as 
small an amount from thee other congregations of his parish; 
the faithful, hard-working Earhart never received more than 
$400 a year from his well-to-do congregations in Armstrong 
County; and Jacob H. Wright had great difficulty in collecting 
the $350 that was promised him by_his parish. Rev. W. F. Ulery 
has this to say of Pastor Michael Schweigert: 


23“After he was licensed, he was sent out by synod as a missionary 
to minister to the poor Germans in Beaver, Butler and Allegheny coun- 
ties, who had recently come to this country. His salary was very small 
—a mere pittance. He said that the first year he received only a few 
dollars. He endured much fatigue, for he traveled long distances on 
foot to the several stations. Some friend advised him to get a horse, 
for the long journeys would wear him out, but, he asked, ‘How can | . 
get money enough to buy a horse’? He was told that he could buy a 
horse very cheap at the Pittsburgh horse market, some times as low as 
$10 or even $5. Said he, ‘So I goes to Pittsburgh and looks around in 
that market, and finds some horses that were cheap, and I sees the 
men who are going to buy a horse go up and look into his mouth and 
examine his teeth.; I’ tink I go too and look for ‘myself...1sees-a 
horse that was offered very cheap, and I looks into his mouth and sees 
that he has fine long teeth, so I agrees to take him for $5, for I tink 
he must be a good horse for he has good long teeth. I tink how longer 
de teeth, how better de horse’. But the poor man hada sad experience 
with that horse. He soon found that he was worse off than when he 
had no horse. He continued to labor on with earnestness and fidelity, 
and by and by he fared a little better.” 


Many other pastors were compelled to practice rigid econo- 
my in order to live within their means, and yet there were but 
few who abandoned their work to seek larger compensation. 
With the consciousness that they had been called of God, they 
were satisfied with what their people were able in their eom- 
parative poverty to provide. It was during this period of the 
history of the synod that the civil war occurred. While it 
had a depressing effect upon church life, the members of the 
synod were intensely loyal to the federal government at all 
tumes. When the synod met in Canton, Ohio, May 29, 1861, the 
following resolutions were adopted by a unanimous vote. 


“Whereas, There exists a wide-spread and dangerous armed re- 
bellion against the Government of the United States, which has already 
paralyzed the prosperity of the country and seriously affected the in- 


23—History of the Southern Conference, W. F. Ulery, p. 21. 















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ORDINATION CERTIFICATE OF 1864 


98 His LORY. OF GLEE VETTEL S BURGHES YN GHD) 


terests of the Church, which is leading to fratricidal war, bloodshed and 
desolation, and threatening the very foundation of the noble fabric of 
constitutional liberty and equal rights, which was reared by the toils 
and baptized with the blood of our fathers; and 


Whereas, The Government has summoned to its aid an army of 
loyal, brave and patriotic men, and has signified its unalterable deter- 
mination to repel force by force in its own defense; and 


Whereas, The commands of the Bible, and especially the precepts 
of Christ and his apostles, teach loyalty and obedience to the properly 
constituted authorities, as the powers that are ordained of God; there- 
fore 

Resolved, 1. That the unanimous conviction of this synod is that 
it is the duty of the Church to bring to the aid of the Government not 
only her effectual fervent prayers to Him who appointed the powers 
that be, but also the moral force of an outspoken declaration. 


Resolved, 2. That we recognize *in the policy of the General Gov- 
ernment toward those in rebellion a just and righteous war. 


Resolved, 3. That we will neither cease our prayers, nor withhold 
our aid from any measure, until the venerated symbol of our nationality 
is again peacefully recognized as the protection of liberty and the 
shield of religion throughout the length and breadth of this land, which 
may God grant for his mercy’s sake, Amen.” 


Such was the attitude of the synod; and such was the 
attitude of the overwhelming majority of its people. Many of 
the congregations, like Zion of Wheeling and Hebron of Leech- 
burg, sent nearly all of their able-bodied men to the front. Of 
the latter is was said: “More than fifty of our best young 
men went into the army, and but few ever got back. Most of 
them were in the Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserves, and were 
engaged in many severe battles’ Pastor.” A. Delo of Apalia 

was the chaplain of his regiment; Pastor J. H. W. Stuckenberg 
was chaplain of the 145th Pennsylvania Volunteers. Some of 
the pastors who remained at home were compelled to endure 
no little hardship as the price of their loyalty. Rev. Michael 
Schweigert of Armstrong County lost no opportunity to assert 
his loyalty to the government, and on a certain occasion the 
bad boys of the congregation put bandana handkerchiefs on 
sticks, and marched around through the church in order to 
break up the service.. When they succeeded in their efforts, he 
turned the congregation over to the care of Pastor J. H. Wright. 
Pastor Wright was noted for his loyalty, and was made the 
object of many threats by members of “The Golden Circle’, an 
oath-bound organization of southern sympathizers. After a 
certain sermon. by the fearless Beane they threatened to 
white-cap him, but when they came to his house to carry out 
their threat, they found him on guard, and were afraid to enter 
the door. One of the elders of his church said to him one day: 
“There is war along the Potomac now, but there will soon be 
war at home; and the first people to get killed will be the Luth- 
eran preachers, for they are nothing but a set of ————aboli- 





HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 99 


tionists.” Pastor James Manning of Ohio was another war 
patriot. Having lost a son in the battle of Missionary Ridge, 
he became exceedingly bitter, and for a long time closed nearly 
all his sermons with a peroration on the ° ‘rebels and copperheads” 
During the time of Morgan’s raid, his friends feared that his 
enemies would take advantage of their opportunity to have him 
killed, but the bravest man in the parish was Pastor Manning. 
During the last two years of the war period, the work of sus- 
taining the Church rested heavily upon the older men, the women 
and children, but the records show that steady progress was 
made. 

Early in the history ot the Pittsburgh Synod, the founda- 
tions of those great institutions of mercy, now under the 
management and control of the Institution of Protestant Dea- 
conesses, were laid. ‘They were conceived and born in the 
heart of William A. Passavant. While on a visit to Europe in 
1846, during his stay in London, a heavy rain compelled him 
to seek shelter near an orphanage, on whose walls he noticed 
a tablet with the inscription, “Within the orphan shall find 
compassion”. An impression was then and there made upon his 
sensitive heart that meant much to the Lutheran Church of 
America. At Kaiserswerth in the Fatherland he studied the 
developing work of the Inner Mission under the care of Pastor 
Theodore Fliedner, and resolved to establish similar colonies of 
mercy in his own country. After his return to Pittsburgh, he 
at once began to make his plans for the care of the sick and help- 
less of the city. In the spring of 1848 he rented a house on 
the North Side, but this was not opened for patients until Janu- 
ary of the following year. When a boatload of wounded soldiers, 
returning from the Mexican War, were landed at the Pittsburgh 
wharf, he sought them out in company with Asa H. Waters, 
took them 1n a carriage to his North Side building, cleansed them 
Pimicit une ands vermin, sand pave them, medical carey) In 
this manner his great institutional work was begun. When the 
cholera plague broke out in the city during that summer, so 
many died of the disease that the people were thrown into a 
state of panic. It soon became known that cholera patients 
were being received at the Passavant Infirmary, and a mob 
threatened to storm the building if they were not removed at 
once. ‘The city authorities gave notice that they could offer no 
protection to the institution. Hear the story of this experience 
acuciven by, Woctor Gs Ha Gerberdine in Iuife ‘arid Letters -of 
Passavant. 

24°What was to be done? First of all, as was the wont of Mr. Passa- 
vant, he told his trouble to God. Most earnestly did he cry for light 
and pe ESS The convalescents, who were able to leave, were sadly 





4—Life and Letters of Passavant, G. H. Gerberding, p. 186. 


100 HISDORY ‘OF *THE *P Lei sSBURGH SYNOD 


dismissed with prayer from their refuge and asylum. ‘There were sev- 
eral who were unable to leave their beds. These were loaded into a 
wagon on their beds, and their driver was started for he knows not 
where. Mr. Passavant had often looked upon the hills of Lacyville as 
a desirable place for a hospital. Thither the wagon was directed with 
its precious load. Mr. Passavant walked ahead, praying as he went. 
The Lacyville road led over a high hill, on which stood a spacious 
building occupied by Rev. Dr. Lacy and his female seminary. The 
building stood alone, with no other house near it. Mr. Passavant had 
previously negotiated for the purchase of this property. He had tried 
to interest others in it, but up to this time his success had been small. 
He had not concluded the purchase. The building was empty just now, 
as it. was the time of the sumimer vacation, except that Dr. Lacy occu 
pied a room in one corner. Mr. Passavant went in, obtained an option 
on it, and got permission to unload his patients. Mr. Waters took 
charge of them, and so the hospital had a local habitation and a name 
in Pittsburgh, across the street from where it now stands.” 


Friends were soon interested, who raised the $5,500 needed 
to pay for the property. Pastor Theodore Fliedner then arrived 
from Kaiserwerth, bringing with him four deaconesses; and the 
building was formally operied and dedicated as the first Protes- 
tent hospital of America, July 13, 1849. While St. Luke’s- Hos- 
pital of New York has an older charter, the Passavant Hospital 
of Pittsburgh is several months older in point of actual service. 
It was then known as the “Pittsburgh Infirmary”, but this name 
was later changed to “Passavant Hospital’. Within a few 
years the work developed so rapidly that four acres of 
ground adjoining the Infirmary, were bought for $12,000, 
On this ground the present Passavant Hospital stands. 
For’ the “furtherance ot | this swork orm imnerey sat caer 
stitution of Protestant -Deaconesses” was organized, and 
incorporated under the laws of Pennsylvania, May 3, 1850. The 
edministration of the legal affairs of the corporation was com- 
nitted to a bosrd of managers, while the technical work was 
pl-ced.in.the hands of the sisters-and a, medical staff. Two 
little orphen girls were placed in the Infirmary in 1852, and the 
number was sradua lv increased until it became apparent that a 
separate building was a necessity. In September of 1852 a farm 
on the outskirts of Zelienople was bought from Joseph Ziegler, 
and the Orphans’ Home and Farm School established. The 
first building erected was the director’s home, which ‘is still 
standing near the main entrance to the grounds. This was 
built in 1853. The first main building was erected in 1854, to 
which the orphan boys of the Infirmary. were transferred. 
This orphanage holds the distinction of being the first Protes- 
tant orphanege of America. The first director was Rev. Gott- 
lieb Bassler, and the first matron was Sister Louisa Martens. 
Sister Louisa was a member of the First Church, Pittsburgh, 
end was the first deaconess consecrated in America. Doctor 
Passavant was deeply disappointed in not being able to persuade 


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AUVWAIANI HOUNESLLId AHL 





102 HISTORY TOR SEE Ee Pils Wak bi aN 0010 


larger numbers of the young women of the Church to enter the 
diaconate, and the Milwaukee Motherhouse was not organized 
until 1893. An orphanage for the girls was opened on a farm 
near Rochester in 1863, with Rev. Henry Reck as the first 
director. When the girls were taken to Zelienople Home in 
1895, the Rochester institution was converted into a Home for 
Epileptics. While these institutions were not the property of the 
synod, but under the control of the Institution of Protestant 
Deaconesses, the churches of the synod recognized their Luth- 
eran character and gave them regular and generous support. 


During the first twenty-two years of her history, in spite 
of many differences on questions of faith and practice, the 
Pittsburgh Synod developed into a strong body of 67 pastors 
and 10,483 members. This development is shown in the follow- 
ing table: 


TABLE OR SY NODIGAIMPROGRESS 























1845-1867 
s © 

oS 5 E 

v SS ae 

yo |S) ol oon ae ee es pk eag 

5 5 ras 1.2 xs as) iy ihe ee San Fe 

a D = 5 i xz 5 eo a i s = 

cB) iss) ae ose Ot So ° pay ee 

> al 1S) S wS] Ot fy YM EO 

1845 8 26 222505 | 

1846 16 64 4,162 | 245 6 197 10,082.28 
1847 fee 58 4,335 308 14 136 7,389.01 
1848 20 66 4,537 296 is 130 10,400.57 
1849 22 80 4,499 403 17 _ 209 5,992.13 
1850 Ze 89 oy | 476 19 146 4,813.00 
1851 28 90 5,197 507 16 Lig 6,539.27 
1852 30 101 5,122 694 29 | 65 14,687.27 
1853 30 89 5,629 848 28 60 1 8,391.38 
1854 BZ 85 5270 wal 522 39 247 1 13,317.86 
1855 39 92 6,016 | 762 30 398 2 10,533.72 
1856 37 101 7,473 | 305 25 202 12,072:02 
1857 39 106 7,898 330 Zh 229 4 13,387.82 
1858 42 110 7,366. 4} ~ 685 18 327 6 7,403.97 
1859 48 | 106 7,624 470 11 282 5 8,566.14 
1860 51 ish 7,507 Sid iS 310 vs 16,071.58 
1861 eh 105 9,009 596 18 353 8 14,236.57 
1862 AS 109 9,298 918 Ves 678 5 9,923.82 
1863 48 1200 g14 °<8,895 1,063 | 29 679 5 19,887.69 
1864 53 97 \- 8,659 1,106 22 Tie 5 23,426.71 
1865* 52 99 |: 7,869. | 2,046 | 16 silane) 063 4 62,334.95 
1866 62 1007 Pe 8)27 68 oe 13267 2seu) 640 3 27,769.65 
1867 | 67 | 136} 10,483-)1" 1,501 - |: 30849) 626 bo. 4a e4Gea 














*Two meetings were held in 1865. 


CEA BALERS IV: 
AB els a ORAM EAD 
1867 


“To your tents, O Israel; now see to thine own house, David.” 


ZAIHE, Pittsburgh Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran 
See Church was organized as an independent body; and 
AWA each pastor and congregation was accorded the 
Fae Vie right to support “such literary, theological or benev- 
eke olent institutions, without the limits of synod, as 
might best accord with their own views of duty.” 
The missionary funds of the synod were raised on her own terri- 
tory and administered by her officers. Early provision was made 
for the establishment of such academic institutions as would 
enable them to prepare candidates for the ministry. Representa- 
tives of many synods were at work on her territory; and an 





independent body seemed the best solution of the problem of 
gathering them into one synod. The doctrinal basis of the 
synod, as set forth in the preamble of the first constitution, 
adopted at Shippenville, June 5-10, 1845, was strangely vague 
and indefinite : 


“We, the bishops and lay-delegates of the Evangelical Lutheran 
Churches in the western counties of Pennsylvania and adjacent parts, 
acknowledging Jesus Christ as the Supreme and only Head of the 
Church, and the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the suf- 
ficient and only rule of faith and practice, and trusting in the protection 
of Almighty God and guidance of the Holy Spirit, do, in convention 
assembled at Shippenville, Clarion County, Pennsylvania, June 10, 1845, 
ordain and establish for our government as a Synod the following con- 
stitution.” 


When the time came for the adoption of a “Form of Con- 
stitution for the Government and Discipline of Churches’, at 
a special session in Brush Creek, October 14-18, 1847, the doc- 
trinal ambiguity of 1845 was corrected. The preamble of this 
“Form of Constitution”, recommended to the congregations, 
reads as follows: 


“We, whose names are undersigned, believing that the objects for 
which the Church was established by Jesus Christ, its Divine Founder 
and Head, can be secured only in an associate capacity, hereby solemnly 
form ourselves into a Christian Church. In doing this we receive the 
Augsburg Confession, the great Symbol of the Reformation, as the 
bond of union; but we acknowledge above all human creeds the Holy 
Scriptures as the only infallible and sufficient rule of faith and practice, 
and hereby pledge ourselves to God and to each other to be governed 
by the following constitution and discipline.” 


104 HISTORY OF Dito Pili bs pW RCs wa) 


At this Brush Creek meeting, a resolution to unite with the 
General Synod was discussed for several hours and finally 
tabled. Some of the pastors were not favorable to the propo- 
sition ; and it was the earnest desire of all to preserve the unity 
of the synod.. Four years later, at a meeting in the North 
Washington Church, the motion to unite with the General 
Synod was renewed, but failed of adoption. A special com- 
mittee, appointed for the purpose of preparing a suitable minute 
of this action, reported as follows: 

“Your committee, upon whom was imposed the difficult and impor- 
tant task of setting forth the reasons which led to the rejection of the 


resolution to unite itself with the General Synod, would respectfully and 
briefly report as follows: 


1. The objection on the ground of the General Synod’s doctrinal 
basis was waived by those who had previously objected on this account, 
as they conceive, after the time they have had for consideration, that 
such a union did not really commit the synod or themselves to any 
basis which it may have proposed, or which might not be adopted by 
this synod, and against which under any circumstances they could pro- 
ESE. 

2. It was urged that it would cause distractions and divisions in 
some of our churches, and it would likewise shut us out to a large extent 
from exerting an influence on a large class of our population, and on 
a portion of the Church which it is our duty and desire to bless. 


3. The objection, however, mainly urged was that the General 
Synod was identified with slavery; that delegates, being slaveholders, 
are admitted as members, and that we by uniting become implicated in 
the sin of slavery. This postion, though strenuously opposed even to 
the last, finally having excited the minds of some, influenced them to 
cast ee votes against the union, hence the resolution for the motion 
was lost.” 


The two parties in the Pittsburgh Synod, for and against 
union with the General Synod, were so evenly divided that 
the question was likely to be renewed at any time. It was the 
most urgent question in the synod of that day. Every new 
pastor was soon required to show his colors, and take one side 
or the other. * When; Rey. Michael Eyster was callédtow. 100 
Church, Greensburg, his influence was eagerly sought by both 
parties. He was a debater of exceptional ability, and each side 
wanted to know how his influence and vote would be cast. His 
position was revealed at the Prospect convention, June. 1, 1852, 
in a manner highly pleasing to the friends of the General Synod. 
The convention was nearing a close; a number of pastors and 
delegates had gone home; the synod was discussing some resolu- 
tions of Doctor W. A. Passavant, relating to “union and coop- 
eration in the benevolent enterprises of the Church, and the 
reorganization of the Parent Education and Home Missionary 
Societies”, when Pastor Michael FEyster arose and offered the 
following amendments : 


“Resolved 1. That, in view of the wants of union and co- operation 
in the benevolent enterprises of the Church under existing circum- 


HISTORY OFTHE: PITTSBURGH (SYNOD 105 


stances, it is the sense of this synod, that the Parent Education and 
Home Misionary Societies, which hold their meetings at the time and 
place of the General Synod, should be reorganized on such a basis and 
carried on upon such principles as would be equally satisfactory to all 
parts of the Church in the United States; thus uniting all our synods, 
if possible, in the support of these societies, as well as those which are 
not in connection with the General Synod as those which are; and that, 
whereas we most heartily desire such a union on such a basis, we at the 
same time make the necessary arrangements to unite, as a synod, with 
the General Synod at its next meeting in May, 1853. 


Resolved, 2. That we are prepared to unite with said Parent Edu- 
cation and Home Missionary Societies, so soon as they shall be organ- 
ized upon a basis which will be satisfactory to this body, and we can feel 
assured that they will aim earnestly and efficiently to undertake the 
work of beneficiary education and church extension in the Evangelical 
Lutheran Church in the United States.” 


On the adoption of these resolutions, the following vote was 
taken by “yeas” and “nays” 

YHAS, 17. Clergy: Michael Eyster, George F..Ehrenfeld, 
A. C. Ehrenfeld, William S$. Emery, Solomon Weills, Joseph 
Welker, Eli Fair, Frederick Zimmerman, W. P. Ruthrauff, L. M. 
Kuhns. Laymen: John Kuhns, H. Wanamaker, $. Brocht, 
George Groom, John Piper, F. Kaylor, John Metzger. 

Neat apie Clereye Win (Passavant. “Gottheb iBassler, 
David Earhart, Jeremiah Fishburn, Herman Manz, Thomas 
steck, Michael Schweigert, H. C: Kaehler, William Berkemeier. 
Waymen: ‘Henry Muntz) J. Helfrich; F..W. Tuerk. 

In order to guard against any misunderstanding of the 
doctrinal significance of this action, as well as any misunder- 
standing of the position of the synod on the question of slavery, 
the following resolutions were then adopted: 

“Resolved, That whereas, the General Synod, according to the third 
section of the third article of its-const tution, does not arrogate to itselt 
the power to introduce any alteration in matters pertaining to the faith 
of the Church, the above action be in no wise regarded as an approval 
of the construction which has been put upon any of its writings, recom- 


mendations or acts, as though it had rejected any parts of the faith of 
the Church, as contained in the Augsburg Confession. 


Resolved, That, by uniting with the General Synod, we do not 
change our relations or position in regard to slavery, as defined in our 
printed minutes.” 


the tirst .delepates to the.General Synod, elected. by the 
Pittsburgh Synod, were the following: Clergy: Ceorge F. 
Fhrenfeld, William 5. Emery, Joseph Welker; Laymen: Henry 
Muntz, John Kuhns, Henry Graff. 

Two years after the Pittsburgh Synod became identified 
with the General Synod, Doctor Samuei S$. Schmucker of the 
Gettysburg Seminary prepared and ‘broadcasted the “Definite 
Platform”, recommended as an American substitute for the 
Augsburg Confession. This document charged the Augsburg 
Confession with five specific errors, and created a furor through- 


106 HISTORY, OF *EEita Eo tales ik GE ee van c).) 


out the entire Church. Doctor Schmucker personally advised 
that it be discussed in conferences before being presented to 
synods for adoption. His leutenant in the Pittsburgh Synod 
was Pastor George F. Ehrenfeld, who laid the document before 
the Middle Conference at Worthington, but the ensuing dis- 
cussion degenerated into a wrangle, in which some of the pastors 
refused to participate. At the fall meeting of the Middle 
Conference in Bethel Church, the document was again presented 
for adoption, but a tie vote was the best that its advocates could 
secure. The action of the Middle Conference was brought to 
the attention of the Pittsburgh Synod at the Zelienople con- 
vention, May 22-28, 1856, when Doctor Charles Porterfield 
Krauth presented his memorable “Testimony of the Pittsburgh 
Synod”. The reading of this “TeStimony” created a profound 
impression upon all the members of the synod, one of the ad- 
vocates of the “Definite Platform” breaking down in tears 
as he listened to its heart-searching words. Only one pastor 
declined to vote for its adoption, Rev. Samuel B. Lawson not 
concurring with ~the latter part of the third “resolmion. seem: 
defeated the “Definite Platform’ on the territory of the Pitts- 
burgh Synod, and is generally regarded as one of the finest 
contributions to the doctrinal controversy of that day. 


TESTIMONY .OF THE SYNODSORSPET To B@E Gr 


“Whereas, Our Church has been agitated by proposed changes in 
the Augsburg Confession—changes whose necessity has been predicated 
upon alleged errors in that Confession; and 


Whereas, These changes and the charges connected with them, 
though set forth by individual authority, have been endorsed by some 
Synods of the Lutheran Church, are urged upon others for approval, 
and have been noticed by most of the Synods which have met since 
they have been brought before the Church; and 


Whereas, Amid conflicting statements, many who are sincerely de- 
sirous of knowing the truth are distracted, knowing not what to believe, 
and the danger of internal conflict and of schism is incurred; and 


Whereas, Our Synods are the source whence an official declaration 
in regard to things disputed in the Church may naturally and justly be 
looked for; we, therefore, in Synod assembled, in the presence of the 
searcher of hearts, desire to declare to our ‘churches and before the 
world our judgment in regard to these changes and these charges, and 
the alienation among brethren which may arise from them. 


Resolved, 1. That by the Augsburg Confession we mean that docu- 
ment which was framed by Melancthon, with the advice, aid and con- 
currence of Luther and the other great evangelical theologians, and 
presented by the Protestant Princes and Free Cities of Germany at the 
Diet of Augsburg in 1530. 

Resolved, 2. That while the basis of our General Synod has allowed 
of diversity in regard to some parts of the Augsburg Confession, that 
basis never was designed to imply the right to alter, amend or curtail 
the Confession itself. 

Resolved, 3. That while this Synod, resting on the Word of God 
as the sole authority in matters of faith, on its infallible warrant rejects 
the Romish doctrine of the real presence, or Transubstantiation, and 





DOCTOR CHARLES PORTERFIELD KRAUTH 


108 HISTORY OF “TH ERee LES BURGH esy NOD 


with it the doctrine of Consubstantiation, rejects the Mass and all cere- 
monies distinctive of the Mass, denies any power in sacraments as an 
opus operatum, or that the blessings of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper 
can be received without faith, rejects Auricular Confessions and priestly 
Absolution, holds that there is no priesthood on earth except that of all 
believers, and that God only can forgive sins, and maintains the sacred 
obligation of the Lord’s Day; and while we would with our whole heart 
reject any part of any Confession which taught doctrines in i 
with this our Testimony; nevertheless, before God and his Church, 
declare that in our judgment the Augsburg Confession, properly eee: 
preted, is in perfect consistence with this our testimony, and. with the 
Holy Scriptures, as regards the errors specified. 


Resolved, 4. That while we do not wish to conceal the fact that 
some parts of the doctrine of our Confession, in regard to the sacra- 
ments, are received in different degrees by different brethren, yet that 
even in those points wherein we as brethren in Christ agree to differ 
till the Holy Ghost shall make us to see eye to eye, the differences are 
not such as to destroy the foundation of faith, our unity in labor, our 
mutual confidence and our tender love. 


Resolved, 5. That, now as we have ever done, we regard the Augs- 
burg Confession lovingly and reverently as the ‘good Confession’ of our 
fathers, witnessed before heaven, earth and hell. 


Resolved, 6. That if we have indulged harsh thoughts and ground- 
less suspicions; if we have without reason criminated or recriminated, 
we here humbly confess our faults before our adorable Redeemer, be- 
seeching pardon of him and of each other, and covenant anew ‘with 
him and with each other to know nothing among men but Jesus Christ 
and him crucified, acknowleding him as our only Master, and regard- 
ing all who are in the living unity of the faith with him as brethren. 

Resolved, 7. That we will resist all efforts to sow dissensions 
among us on the ground of minor differences, all efforts on the one 
hand to restrict the liberty which Christ has given us, or on the other 
to impair the purity of ‘the faith once delivered to the saints’, and that 
with new ardor we will devote ourselves to the work of the gospel, to 
repairing the waste places of Zion, to building up one another in holi- 
ness, and in pointing a lost world to the ‘Lamb of God’.. And that this 
our covenant with Christ and with each other is made in singleness of 
heart, without personal implication, duplicity of meaning, or mental res- 
ervation, we appeal to him before whose judgment bar we shall stand, 
and through whose grace alone we have hope of heaven.” 


This “Testimony” was received with great favor by the 
entire Church, and parts of it were adopted verbatim by the 
General Synod, when that body revised its doctrinal basis at 
York, Pa., May 12, 1864. During the time that Doctor Krauth 
was a pastor of the Pittsburgh Synod, 1856-1860, he did much 
to establish its doctrinal unity, and made many friends among 
both liberal and conservative churchmen. His article on The 
General Synod in “The Missionary” of April 30, 1857, was 
widely approved, but later made the basis of sharp attacks 
against the “Fundamental Principles of Faith and Polity’, pre- 
pared by him as the doctrinal basis of the General Council. There 
are many who regard the scholarship of Doctor Krauth as the 
most potent factor in the development of the life of the Pitts- 
burgh Synod. Other men exerted powerful influences, but 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 109 


along other lines. ‘The influence of Doctor William A. Passa- 
vant can never be questioned. Through his journalistic and 
institutional work, he was in constant touch with all parts of 
the Church, within and without the General Synod. His wide 
acquaintance in the German and Scandinavian synods helped 
to create an atmosphere of Lutheran catholicity in the synod, 
so that the spirit of the body became steadily more cunserva- 
tive in both doctrine and practice. ‘The admission of twenty- 
nine German pastors to the synod, during the twelve years im- 
mediately preceding the rupture, gave strong support to this 
conservative movement. While there were many Lutheran 
congregations within the bounds of the Pittsburgh Synod at that 
time, which demanded a liberal type of pastor, the general trend 
of events was conservative. When the Franckean Synod was 
admitted to the General Synod in 1864, without first having 
adopted the Augsburg Confession, the Pittsburgh Synod dele- 
gation voted against the action. When President Samuel Sprech- 
er ruled against the immediate seating of the delegates of the 
Ministerium of Pennsylvania at Fort Wayne, May 17, 1866, the 
delegates of the Pittsburgh Synod united with a number of 
others in protesting the action. When the Ministerium of Penn- 
sylvania issued “An Address to All Evangelical Lutheran Synods, 
Ministers and Churches in the United States and Canada, Which 
Confess the Unaltered Augsburg Confession’, August 10, 1866, 
it found many sympathetic friends in western Pennsylvania. It 
was laid before the Pittsburgh Synod at Rochester, Pa., in 1866, 
in company with a counter address issued by the East Pennsyl- 
vania and West Pennsylvania Synods. Both papers, together 
with the report of the delegates to the Fort Wayne convention of 
the General Synod, were placed in the hands of a special com- 
mittee of the synod, which brought in the following resolutions: 


“Resolved, 1. ‘That, in excluding the Pennsylvania Synod’s delega- 
tion from the organization of the Fort Wayne Convention, the action of 
the General Synod was injudicious, unjust and unconstitutional. 


Resolved, 2. That, under the circumstances, the subsequent course 
of the delegation of the Pennsylvania Synod was right and proper. 


Resolved, 3. That we cordially accept the invitation extended 
through the ‘fraternal address’ of the Synod of Pennsylvania, and dur- 
ing the present convention elect delegates to represent this body in the 
proposed convention. 


Resolved, 4. That we adopt the report, and Aeacitly approve the 
action of our delegation to the General Synod. 


Resolved, 5. And, inasmuch as a trial of thirteen years fully satis- 
fies us that the objects sought in our connection with the General Synod 
have not been and cannot be accomplished through organization; and 
inasmuch as your committee is firmly persuaded that the General 
Synod, by its recent and previous actions, has shown itself unfaithful 
both to its own constitution and also to the Confession of the Church 
of Our Fathers; 


110 Hist ORYeOFR Vi Eee ii dis BURG rigs YN.) 


That the action, which in 1852 resulted in our connection with the 
General Synod, be and hereby is revoked.” 


These resolutions were separately adopted by the following 
vote: Resolution 1, 54 yeas and 10 nays; Resolution 2, viva voce ; 
Resolution 3, 45 yeas to 26 nays; Resolution 4, viva voce; 
Resolution 75, SO yeas towZounays.) A SauInority= TéepoLmy 45 
presented by Pastor Victor Miller and Joseph R. Titzel, which 
was ordered spread upon the minutes. The following delegates 
were elected to represent the synod in the proposed convention : 
Clergy: Gottlieb Bassler, W. A. Passavant, G. A. Wenzel, Henry 
W: "Roth; ibaymen tlenry evluntz,, Lous Thiel + Vionagwean 
Lane, P. F. McClarren. This convention met in Trinity Church, 
Reading, Pa., December 11-14, 1866. Pastor Gottlieb Bassler 
was elected president before he had arrived in the city. Professor 
Loy of the Joint Synod of Ohio preached the opening sermon. 
Sixteen synods were represented in this convention, which 
adopted the ‘Fundamental Principles of Faith and Church 
Polity”, prepared by Doctor Charles Porterfield Krauth, and 
appointed a committee to draft a constitution. This constitu- 
tion, which embodied the “Fundamental Principles”, was laid 
before the Pittsburgh Synod at the Greenville convention, Octo- 
ber 10-17, 1867, and there the last hard battle was fought by the 
contending narties to the bitter end. The chief interest centered 
in the adoption of the ““Fundamental Principles of Faith’’, which 
are given herewith in full: 


FUNDAMENTAL, PRINCIPLE RSSORS HALLE 


“1. There must be and abide through all time one holy Christian 
Church, which is the assembly of all believers, among whom the gospel 
is purely preached, and the holy sacraments are administered as the 
gospel demands. To the true unity of the Church, it is sufficient that 
there be agreement touching the doctrine of the gospel, that it be 
preached in one accord, in its pure sense, and that the sacraments be 
administered conformably to God’s Word. 


2. The true unity of a particular Church, in virtue of which men 
are truly members of one and the same Church, and by which any 
Church abides in real identity, and is entitled to a continuation of her 
name, is unity in doctrine and faith and in the sacraments ,to wit: That 
she continues to teach and to set forth, and that her true members em- 
brace from the heart, and use, the articles of faith and the sacraments 
as they were held and administered when the Church came into dis- 
tinctive being and received a distinctive name. . 


3. The unity of the Church is witnessed to, and made manifest in, 
the solemn, public and official Confessions which are set forth, to wit: 
the generic unity of the Christian Church in the general Creeds, and 
the specified unity of pure parts of the Christian Church in their specific 
Creeds; one chief object of both classes of which Creeds is that Chris= 
tians who are in the unity of the faith may know each other as such, 
and may have a visible bond of fellowship. 

4. That Confessions may be such a testimony of unity and bond 
of union, they must be accepted in every statement of doctrine, in their 


Hin tORY OF Lok PrrosSBuRGH ‘SYNOD 111 


own true, native, original and only sense. Those who set them forth 
and subscribe them must not only agree to use the same words, but 
must use and understand those words in one and the same sense. 


5. The unity of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, as a portion of 
the holy Christian Church, depends upon her abiding in one and the 
same faith, in confessing which she obtained her distinctive being and 
name, her political recognition and her history. 


6. The Unaltered Augsburg Confession is by preeminence the Con- 
fession of that faith. The acceptance of its doctrines, and the avowal of 
them without equivocation or mental reservation, make, mark and 
identify that Church, which alone, in the true, original, historical and 
honest sense of the term, is the Evangelical Lutheran Church. 


7. The only Churches, therefore, of any land, which are properly 
in the unity of that communion, and by consequence entitled to its 
name, Evangelical Lutheran, are those which sincerely hold and truth- 
fully confess the doctrines of the Unaltered Augsburg Confession. 


8. We accept and acknowledge the doctrines of the Unaltered 
Augsburg Confession, in its original sense, as throughout in conformity 
with the pure truth of which God’s Word ts the only rule. We accept its 
statements of truth as in perfect accordance with the Canonical Scrip- 
tures, reject the errors it condemns, and believe that all which it com- 
mits to the liberty of the Church of right belongs to that liberty. 


9. In thus formally accepting and acknowledging the Unaltered 
Augsburg Confession, we declare our conviction that the other Con- 
fessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, inasmuch as they set forth 
none other than its system of doctrine and articles of faith, are of neces- 
sity pure and scriptural. Preeminent among such accordant, pure and 
scriptural statements of doctrine, by their intrinsic excellence, by the 
great and necessary ends for which they were prepared, by their his- 
torical position, and by the general judgment of the Church, are these: 
The Apology of the Augsburg Confession, the Smalkald Articles, the 
Catechisms of Luther, and the Formula of Concord, all of which are, 
with the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, in the perfect harmony of 
one and the same scriptural faith.” 


On the adoption of Principle ee the yea and nay vote stood 
as follows: 


pia Ose Cleeve Vlichael Kichler G. An Wenzel WA. 
Passavant, Gottlieb Bassler, David Earhart, otorime Soe te 
Michael Schweigert, William Berkemeier, J. K. Melhorn, George 
Gaumer, fens Reck, John Welfley, 5. W. Swingle, W. a 
Ulery, J. S. Lawson, J. J. Kucher, Henry Acker, Herman Gil- 
bert, ane Brenneman, C. F. Boehner, Carl Weck a ails lritz, 
iia elemcke eV ..©. Walsony JuGy Prubl-renry W, Roth, 
Jeleeonith Du NVeeKemerer, Jonathan arver, Henry E,. Jacobs, 
G. W. Frederick, G. Bachmann, J. A. Kunkelman, Samuel Laird, 
Franklin Richards, Lewis Hippee, and J. D. English. Laymen 
H. Derr, A. Louis Thiel, John McKee, George Karl, Samuel 
Zimmerman, H. VanDyke, Martin J. ‘Winkler, Jacob Trax, 
Henry Shaffer, G. D. Kughler, Herbert Otto, Samuel Eslin, 
Jacob Bowers, A. Treser, ~Philip Steiner, S. Mowl, Joseph 
Ramsey, Henry Jareckt, William Sherred, James A. Moorhead, 


hiz HISTORY OF STH Berl CPS BURGH Sx NOL 


Isaac Kelly, John Young, D. A. Foulke, J. N. Eckert, Frederick 
Donhouse, and Emanuel J. Schmauk. 


NAYS 2b7) tslerov. Gob ee brenreta-| re Wiareh ies eae 
W.. Stuckenberg, A). S$, MirWéry WE. Crebs,, Henrys Gathers, 
John A. Earnest) -David McKee, Victor Miller, Samueler: 
Barnitz, J. G. Goettman, A. M. Strauss, and S. F. Breckenridge. 
Laymen: David ‘Gibsen, Jacob Hahn, Isaac C. Smith, P: F: 
McClarren, George Kribbs, R. J. Eberhart, Henry K. Amsler, 
and John L. Remaley. 


The minority party thereupon prepared and presented to the 
synod the following protest and request: 


“Whereas, the majority of this Convention of the Pittsburgh Synod 
have adopted the ‘Fundamental Principles of Faith’, proposed by the 
convention held at Reading, December 12, 13 and 14, 1866, which prin- 
ciples we believe to be in conflict with the doctrinal position of this 
Synod, as stated in the Preamble of the Constitution; with the ‘Testi- 
mony of the Pittsburgh Synod’, adopted at Zelienople; with the great 
principles of liberty respecting all human authority in matters of faith, 
as established by Luther and the great Réformation of the Sixteenth 
Century; with the true spirit of the Lutheran Church; and with the 
Constitution of this Synod (Artiats, Dece2 ee Rheretore we, the under- 
signed, adhering to the original doctrinal position and Constitution of 
this Synod, impelled by the fear of God and by an imperative conviction 
of duty, respectfully beg leave to withdraw from this Convention of 
Synod, leaving it to the guidance of our Heavenly Father to determine 
in the future what course to pursue.” 


CLERGY LAYMEN 
pie ooasakiiia H. K. Amsler 
AA >, Maller David Gibson 
A.M. Strauss Isaac como 
S. F. Breckenridge Jacob Hahn 
A es AS tes ahi John S. Remaley 
J]. G. Goettman Peter Graff 
Nat ie Cress * George Kribbs 
J. H.W: Stuckenberg 
H. Gathers 


CoM ee hrenrerd 


‘This paper was referred to a special committee of the synod, 
which returned the following answer: 


“Your committee, to whom was referred the paper presented to 
Synod during the morning session, signed by a number of members, 
both clerical and lay, who had voted with the minority in the various 
questions relating to the ‘Principles of Faith’, would respectfully report 
as follows 

1. The paper is drawn up in very respectful language, and demands 
of us the most kind and fraternal consideration and answer. 

2. It contains a request to be permitted to ‘withdraw from this 
convention of Synod, leaving it to the guidance of our Heavenly Father 
to determine in the future what course to pursue’, with the reason for 
such request, viz: 

_ That, believing the action of this body to be in conflict with its doc- 
trinal postion, as stated in the Preamble of the Constitution, with the 





CHURCH OF THE RUPTURE 
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, GREENVILLE, PA. 


114 HISTORY OF “PHRF e TS BURGE Sy NOD 


‘Testimony’ of the synod adopted at Zelienople, with the principles of 
liberty respecting all human authority in matters pf faith, as established 
by Luther and the great Reformation of the 16th century, with the true 
spirit of the Lutheran Church, and with the Constitution of this Synod 
CATUN Le Secarzy) 


For want of time your committee could not possibly enter into an 
argument to show the erroneousness of the positions taken by the 
signers of the petition. Only two need be referred to: 


1. That it is against the doctrinal position as set forth in the Pre- 
amble. This cannot be, because in the very confessional writings re- 
ferred to in the ‘Principles of Faith’, the principles laid down in the Pre- 
amble of our Constitution are most emphatically stated and acknowl- 
edged. 

2. But, if this be correct, then the last reason, that it is in conflict 
with Art. 13, Sec. 2, of the Constitution, must fall to the ground, as 
there is no change of the Constitution. The other reasons the com- 
mittee must declare of no force, but cannot possibly take time to argue, 
especially as we think that their fallacy has been abundantly shown dur- 
ing the discussion of the questions referred to. 

Your committee would, therefore, propose the following, viz: 

Resolved, That for the reasons above given, it is impossible for this 
body to grant the request of the petitioners.” 

The original report of this committee contained a recom- 
mendation that the petitioners be given the privilege to with- 
draw, but an amendment was offered from the floor, inserting 
the negative. While this amendment was being debated, Pastor 
John G. Goettman, the true leader of the minority, walked down 
the aisle of the church and asked for the original protest. This 
being granted, the petitioners held a short conference, and re- 
turned the protest with the words “beg leave to” stricken out. 
The entire minority party then withdrew and held a meeting in 
the office of Doctor Martin. Upon the invitation of Rev. J. W. 
Schwartz, then pastor of the Worthington Parish but still a 
member of the Alleghany Synod, it was resolved to meet in the 
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Worthington, December 4, 
1867. Eleven pastors and ten laymen composed the Worthing- 
ton convention, which adopted the following resolution: 


“Whereas, it is our firm conviction that the action taken by us at 
Greenville, Pa., was right, therefore 


Resolved, That we hereby confirm that action, and are in duty 
bound to regard ourselves as the Pittsburgh Synod, and will continue 
the same, with its original doctrinal position, constitution and name.” 


The following officers were chosen under the old constitu- 
tion: Rev. George F. Ehrenfeld, president; Rev. Samuel B. 
Barnitz, secretary; Rev. John G. Goettman, missionary presi- 
dent; and Christian Yeager, treasurer. While they were never 
in possession of the a aha charter, and knew that they had for- 
feited their charter rights by withdrawal and reorganization, 
they firmly believed that they had certain moral and historic 
rights to the name, and held fast to it through many years. 


Big tORy OPC THE: Pit rspORGH SYNOD te 


Kev. J. H. W. Stuckenberg was elected to represent them in the 
(*eneral Synod convention at Harrisburg, Pa., May 7-14, 1868, 
and he was seated as the delegate of the “Original Pittsburgh 
Svnod”. Before the Worthington convention adjourned, a com- 
mittee was appointed to prepare and broadcast a “Pastoral 
Letter’, setting forth the position of the minority body on the 
issues of the day. Inasmuch as this document is a fair state- 
ment of the General Synod position of that time, it is given 
in full. 
PASTORAL ADDRES. 


“Christian brethren: ‘Grace be unto you and peace, from God our 
Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ’. 


The ‘unity of the Spirit’ in our Zion is violently disturbed, and ‘the 
bond of peace’ broken. Schism has divided the Lutheran household of 
faith. The cause of this rupture may be traced back to the early his- 
tory of our Church. Then, as now, a class of men existed who essayed 
to define Lutheranism with all possible strictness, and endeavored to 
deprive Christians of freedom of conscience—the very life-principle of 
the Reformation. Luther himself, never favoring the binding authority 
of creeds, did not unite with these extremists, but advocated toleration 
and evangelical liberty. After his death the symbolical tendency became 
more general and powerful, and in 1577 the Symbolists succeded in 
securing the adoption of the Form of Concord by a considerable part of 
the Lutheran Church. This stringent adherence to the symbols soon 
resulted in a dead orthodoxy and a sterile theology of words. About the 
middle of the 17th century, Spener, followed by Franke and others, 
returned to the Scriptures as the living source of all saving knowledge, 
and taught that true Lutheranism consisted not in the confession of a 
dead orthodoxy, but in ‘an inner living theology of the heart and a dem- 
onstration thereof in true piety of life’. Therefore, while devout Chris- 
tian men loved the Lutheran Church, they had no sympathy with ex- 
treme symbolists, by whom they were bitterly persecuted and ridiculed 
as Pietists. Educated at Halle, the university of the Pietists, and in- 
spired by the spirit of liberty, zeal and piety of these godly men, Dr. 
Muhlenberg and other Lutheran ministers came to this country and 
founded the Lutheran Church—not upon the basis of rigid symbolism, 
but upon the liberal and evangelical principles of the Reformation. 
This was the prominent and characteristic feature of the American 
Lutheran Church. Upon these great principles the General Synod was 
organized in 1821. Almighty God favored and prospered this blessed 
organization, so that, previous to the rebellion, it had become by far 
the largest and most influential Lutheran body that ever existed in this 
country. In 1853, the Pennsylvania Ministerium, after a separation of 
thirty years, again united with the General Synod; but it soon proved 
a discordant element in the organization, and at the late convention 
in Fort Wayne, Indiana, want of harmony resulted in an open rupture. 
The decision of the President at this convention was ‘only the occasion’ 
of this rupture, ‘the real cause’ was dissatisfaction on the part of the 
Pennsylvania Ministerium with the doctrinal basis of the General 
Synod. Soon after the separation, the former body took the initiatory 
steps to form a new general organization, and, at a convention held in 
Reading, Pa., certain ‘Fundamental Principles of Faith’ were proposed 
to district Synods, by which all who adopt them agree: 

1. “To embrace from the heart, and use the articles of faith and 
sacraments as they were held and administered, when the (Lutheran) 
Church came into distinctive being and received a distinctive name’. 


116 HISTORY OF Pree iia BURG ries YIN OD 


2. To accept the confessions in every statement of doctrine ‘in 
their own true, native, original and only sense’, agreeing to use not only 
the same words, but to use them in one and the same sense. 


3. To receive not only the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, but also 
all the other symbolical books, as in perfect harmony with the Con- 
fession ‘of one and the same scriptural faith’. 


These ‘Fundamental Principles of Faith’ were considered and finally 
adopted by a majority of the convention of the Pittsburgh Synod, held 
at Greenville, Pa. 


This action of the majority was in direct conflict with the Con- 
stitution of the Synod, which does not give binding authority to the 
symbols of the Church, but acknowledges the Scriptures of the Old and 
New Testaments as the sufficient and only infallible rule of faith and 
practice. 

This action of the majority is in conflict with the ‘Testimony of the 
Pittsburgh Synod’; adopted at Zelienople, Pa., in 1856, by which ‘Testi- 
mony’ the Synod confirmed the liberal doctrinal basis of the Preamble 
of its Constitution, which is in perfect harmony with the liberal and 
evangelical basis of the General Synod. 


This action of the majority is in direct conflict with the spirit and 
design of the founders of the Pittsburgh Synod—with the great prin- 
ciples of liberty, respecting all human authority in matters of faith, as 
established by Luther and developed in this land of civil and religious 
freedom. 

And finally, this action of the majority is a direct violation of the 
Constitution, Art. XIII, Sec. 2, which provides that any alteration made 
must ‘ be set forth in writing at an annual meeting of Synod, in the 
precise words which are to be altered, added or omitted, and be incor- 
porated in the minutes: and provided, that at the next annual meeting 
of the Synod three-fourths of all the members present agree to the pro- 
posed change’. 

In view of these facts,.we,'though in the minority, claim to be the 
Pittsburgh Synod—for we have resolved, by the help of God, to con- 
tinue its existence under the original Constitution and doctrinal basis, 
both of which have been violated and abandoned by the majority, who, 
consequently, cannot be regarded as the Pittsburgh Synod. Until re- 
cently, the history of our Synod has been marked with peace, unity and 
prosperity. There were no ‘contentions’ nor ‘divisions’ among us. Ac- 
cording to the ‘Testimony’, proposed by Doctor Krauth and adopted un- 
der the most impressive circumstances, ‘though some parts of our noble 
Confession were received in different degrees by different brethren, even 
in those points wherein we as brethren in Christ agreed to differ, till 
the Holy Ghost should make us see eye to eye; the differences were 
not such as to destroy the foundation of faith, our unity in labor, our 
mutual confidence, and our tender love.’ We resisted all efforts to sow 
dissensions among us on the ground of these minor differences—all 
efforts, on the one hand, to restrict the liberty which Christ has given 
us, or,,on the other, to. impair the purity of the faith once delivered to 
the saints. We devoted ourselves to the work of the Gospel, to repair- 
ing the waste places of Zion, to building up one another in holiness, and 
in pointing a lost world to ‘the Lamb of God’. But prominent members 
of our Synod, having been estranged from this liberal and Christian 
spirit of forebearance, urged and finally secured the adoption of princi- 
ples of faith, which demand the most unqualified adherence to all the 
symbolical books. Although we, the minority, were willing to abide 
by the above liberal prinicples, which did not prevent the strict adhe- 
rence of our brethren to the symbols, they, on the contrary, notwith- 
standing our most earnest entreaties and protestations, adopted princi- 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 117 


ples in direct conflict with the Constitution and doctrinal basis of Synod 
—principles so illiberal as to exclude us from all fraternal relations with 
them in the same synodical body. We have made no change, and de- 
sire none. We simply ask that the Pittsburgh Synod shall continue 
what it has been. But these brethren, yielding to the influence of sym- 
bolism, have become dissatisfied with their former position, and, as they 
are no longer with us, have gone out from our midst—forsaken us who 
remain faithful to the spirit of liberty and toleration in which our Synod 
was originally organized, and through which, by the blessing of God, we 
have enjoyed for many years the highest degree of peace, unity and 
prosperity. 

Christian brethren, having called your attention to these facts, we 
entreat you to consider seriously and prayerfully the cause and nature 
of this lamentable schism, and to decide, in the fear of God, your future 
relations as members of the Lutheran Church. We have become two 
bands. There is no middle ground. He that is not with us is against 
us. The questions at issue are before you. They are questions of 
truth, right and liberty—questions of the most vital importance to our 
beloved Church. Will you cast in your influence with those who are 
endeavoring to force the Church back to rigid symbolism; to a stringent 
and unqualified adherence to all the symbolical books; to that phase 
of Lutheranism which prevailed in the Missouri and similar Synods? 
Or will you continue in connection with that porton of the Evangelical 
Lutheran Church, which accepts the Augsburg Confession reverently, 
as the ‘good Confession’ of our fathers, but does not burden the con- 
sciences of brethren by requiring unqualified adherence, in every par- 
ticular word and statement of non-fundamental doctrines? Will you 
labor and pray with that portion of our Church which God has so abun- 
dantly favored and blessed; which has nurtured vital orthodoxy, 
preached the simple gospel of Christ as the power of God unto salva- 
tion, encouraged prayer meetings and special seasons of grace, and 
abounded in every good work and word for the Lord? Let no man 
deceive you in these things. As members of the Lutheran Church, we 
have been reinstated into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 
We are in bondage to no man. One 1s our Master, even Christ. This 
principle of liberty 1s one of the strongest bonds of union in our Church. 
When men violently lay hold of this bond, the body of Christ is rent; 
discord, contention and division follow. They declare war against the 
very life-principles of the Reformation. They seek to wrest from us 
that precious liberty which inspired Luther at the Diet of Worms, 
where he declared that he would not, and could not, retract what he 
had written, unless it was proven from the Scriptures that he was in 
error, concluding with the noble declaration, ‘Here I stand; I cannot 
do otherwise; God help me, Amen’. Let us stand fast in the possession 
and defense of this inestimable inheritance. Let us walk worthy of the 
vocation wherewith we are called, ‘with all lowliness and meekness, 
with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep 
the unity of the spirit in the bonds of peace’. ‘Stand fast, therefore, in 
the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled 
again with the yoke of bondage. Amen.” 


Along the line of this pastoral letter the battle of the two 
synods was pitched. In many communities it was a daily battle, 
prolonged through many bitter years. The men of the General 
Council were as fully persuaded of the justice of their cause as 
were the men of the General Synod; and many things were said 
and done on both sides that should never have been encouraged 
or permitted. The heaviest burden of this unseemly strife fell 


118 HISTORY*OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


upon the congregations of Armstrong County, where the two 
parties were about equally divided. In some instances the weak- 
er party was soon crushed or absorbed by the stronger, but in 
others the congregations were hopelessly divided, and carried 
their troubles into the civil courts. Harsh invective was the 
order of the day. Enmities were established that closed only in 
death. One General Council pastor was burned in effigy before 
the parsonage door by a group of angry parishioners. Doctor 
Henry Hi tHallshas left the following statement of his experi- 
ences as a Leechburg pastor: 


“T remember very well how we regarded the opposite side as 
fanatics and errorists, misguided and blind, and when we met them 
looked at them askance. We thought they were a set of usurpers, 
and did not deserve our confidence. We were sure that they were in 
the wrong, and we meant to show them. Those were wonderful times, 
and, as in Revolutionary days, even the boys at school were either 
Whigs or Tories in the stoutest fashion, so we were all Synod or Coun- 
cilwatheall ourehearts.- 


Rev. Lewis M. Kuhns, a former pastor of Hebron Church, 
Leechburg, returned from Ohio to the Kiskiminetas Valley to 
help fight the battles of the General Synod. Many of his ex- 
periences have also been preserved in writing, and give us a 
graphic picture of the church life of that period. 


25“Being familiar with the territory and the churches, I was left free 
to operate it in my own way. Whenever opportunity offered and neces- 
sity seemed to require, I went, supplying vacancies, discussing the ques- 
tions at issue, etc. I put in three months of hard and trying work, trav- 
elling over a large part of the Pittsburgh Synod’s territory. Some- 
times I was called upon to attend conference meetings, held by the 
opposite party in vacant congregations, to defend the General Synod 
when assailed, but in such cases I was generally ruled out from any 
part in the discussion, and had to have my say after the conference ad- 
journed. A meeting of this kind was appointed to be held in the church 
at Maysville. The council of the church notified me of it, and gave me 
a special invitation to attend -and defend the General Synod when as- 
sailed and misrepresented. I heard that they were having Rev. H. W. 
Rcth, of Pittsburgh, attend as one of the speakers, so I got Rev. J. A. 
Earnest, of Kittanning, and Prof. S$. F. Breckenridge, then of Leech- 
burg, to go with me. We were there in time for the opening of the 
conference in the morning. The only item of business transacted was 
the adoption of a resolution, prohibiting our party from any participa- 
tion whatever in the proceedings. Then the discussion commenced, the 
speakers being Roth, McKee and Sarver. Our party, upon consultation, 
agreed that we would not interfere in any way, but would have our say 
when they adjourned. Then we sat there quietly through the day, lis- 
tening. In the evening, when they adjourned, the speakers hurried to 
get out, but before they had time to do so I rose and stated to the con- 
gregation that we had come there at the request of the officers of the 
church to defend the General Synod in the conference, but not being 
allowed to do so we had sat in silence and now would make our reply 


—For complete letter of Rev. L. M. Kuhns see Historical Collections of the 
Piicburen Synod in the library of the Historical Society, Gettysburg, Pa. 


His TORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 119 


and defense in the evening, and that all who wished to hear the other 
side of the questions discussed should come out at seven-thirty o’clock. 
When we got to the church at the appointed hour in the evening, we 
found it full. The whole community round about seemed to be there, 
making a much larger attendance than our antagonists had had during 
the day. We did not get through with our say until about twelve o'clock 
at night, and every one stayed to hear us through to the finish. I will 
narrate one more incident of my three months of mission work on the 
territory of the Pittsburgh Synod. This occurred shortly before my 
time was up, and I was about to return to my peaceful field in Ohio. 
What was known as the Forks Church, about four miles from Leech- 
burg, was without a pastor. It was somewhat divided but the majority 
ot the people were on our side, while the majority of the church council 
trained with the other side. I was invited by a large number of the 
members to preach there, and I accordingly made an appointment for a 
certain Sunday. My rule was never to discuss these disputed questions 
at the Sunday appointments, except under extraordinary circumstances. 
I went to the appointment, expecting to preach a plain gospel sermon. 
I got there early and went into the Sunday School. The superintendent 
requested me to address the school and conduct the closing exercises. 
At the close of my address, and when about to close the school, a mem- 
ber of the council stepped up and handed me a paper. I glanced over 
it and found it to be an officially signed document, forbidding me to 
preach in the church, and threatening to use forcible means to prevent 
it if I persisted in doing so. A large congregation had in the meantime 
assembled, the weather being delightful. I read the paper to the con- 
gregation, and then stated that the clause threatening me with forcible 
ejectment was entirely unnecessary; that, while it did not alarm me in 
the least, I was a law-abiding citizen, and as this paper was an official 
notice, served on me not to occupy the pulpit, whatever view I might 
have as to its wisdom, I would not disregard it, but at the close of the 
Sunday School would peaceably retire to the highway in front of the 
church, and, in the great temple which God had provided, would hold 
services. I also stated that I had come there intending to preach a plain 
gospel sermon, without any direct allusion to the question at issue be- 
tween the parties, but, as I was denied this privilege in the church by a 
few, who for the time being held the reins of official authority, I would 
change my purpose and take up these dividing questions for discus- 
sion, and that those so desiring could withdraw with me. By the time 
I got out I found the fences and grass covered with people. The offi- 
cers, who had denied me the use of the church building went around 
fastening the window shutters and doors and then hurried away. Every- 
one else remained. We opened the service in the usual way. I an- 
nounced some old familiar hymns which the people sang with a will. 
Then I took this passage for my text: “This I confess to: you, that, after 
the way they call heresv, so worship I the God of my fathers’. I went 
right into the discussion, speaking for nearly two hours, receiving a 
shower of congratulations which amounted to an ovation, many express- 
ing regret that I had not spoken longer, and others surprised that I 
had let the fellows off so easy who had forbidden me the church.” 


These statements of Pastors H. H. Hall and L. M. Kuhns, 
deleted of much of their partisanism, still plainly indicate the in- 
tense feeling that prevailed in many Lutheran communities for 
several years after the rupture at Greenville. It would be a false 
history, unworthy of acceptance by future generations, that did 
not make this fact plain. It was a dark cloud that hung over the 
churches of the Pittsburgh Synod in 1868, but still there was a 


120 HISTORY‘ OF Vibe PIT PSBURGHeS YN) 


light in the cloud. ‘The results of this bitter controversy were 
not unmitigated evil. In many communities, the holy Scriptures 
and the catechisms of Luther were studied as never before. 
‘Tradition says that questions relating to the history of Lutheran 
dogmatics were discussed in many village stores, and that some 
of the more intelligent laymen could quote Luther, Melanchthon, 
Gerhard, and Chemnitz as freely as the average Christian can 
quote St. Paul. It not only produced an intelligent constituency, 
which made a strong development of the Church of the Refor- 
mation possible, but also showed the leaders of the Church what 
things are to be avoided in settling the differences that arise 
among Lutherans. While the synodical bodies were severely 
estranged for nearly half-a-century, they cultivated their com- 
mon field with an intensity of purpose that might not have been 
so marked had they been united in one communion. 


CHAPTER V 
THE GENERAL COUNCIL STREAM 


1868-1919 


“The glory of this latter house shall be greater than the former.” 


=H E first convention of the Pittsburgh Synod after 
the Greenville rupture was held in Erie, September 
30-October 5, 1868. Despite the withdrawal of the 
General Synod forces, it enrolled 60 pastors, 104 
churches and 8,507 members. The following table 
represents their strength: 























| | 

an toes 

Pastor Parish reas Ve ice 

SA'S 

Pvc haeie Wolters fete. Altooiartot jAine@s sche eee 1| 109 
Py Odie Welle yee aca cte ona PTO LLG ee ee ie Wd ah, Bree eee 3} 80 
SiVVal er aSSavVallt. crete t. Dadehieatacts taeda een co eee ks eval ds Is 
POPP VV Mey Wilt lon etost ant mes rantonvillern. Wik Vide i} ol boll) 
enue Ler Gable te ek ees Betaletiem ye eet ee ee Leu 20 
ie) RCL ah pm ee Sa Bh be ae ae ited er eee |e PLH (ath bot Auimeal Oat Cp eater Fy a ne ae Bln BO 
POA HAN Oo ATVELY Wis. cee Ase Leechburg _......... eel a Sc naebee, 3° Peron 10 
Sieore@e. GaumMen yj crete aarmand Meditiant.O higwan2 4. oes Se ee Pal AeLO3 
AD i Eslanal S158 9 eG Selaker ys Oa” Geena be erm! Pittsburgh? cum Reter:s ee. G yrolt, al ZO 
ATA [PROBES eka ie meet ¢ eee ve Se ene oe Brie pene itstise bs cel tee wanes bel 1} 6180 
River tae Denner: ceo ca meee a, Ierieiaas tak O01 Si)2t oc het e | 1] 400 
PRE etcy VN CKEL oc2 cet ane eee YE ere | nye ppniae’) T OI nee WEY ais (seo. 170 
PSC ASHTICT. Dalian cAtciccueiia, Fort, Wayne, St. John’s.2.4...... | 1} »:500 
14|Samuel Wagenhals 00... Barts Waynes rity) petks. wes fae ier 35 
ele tae CLNOF Ne hc tan hae PLeCepOLewani am ct tee Lea, | 3] 284 
iM ag ASG EAT a eR Be aac (SOPCN SOULS ete nas ee tie ie acl 290 
TPM CLOT DOL so dntoteoneiemen TN iatiaee Wier yates ae eet te PELs Ol) 
PST Om EL Ti bDSs label ee erase Kittanning ote: john’ sis.o2. eit tay 0 
ROG eA Reicher tic east satin Kigtinninets britity, ues cand VET be OO 
Oi Mschael pRuChlere ee WET COT OUI Yate even in an cee Pa oie 203 
PPnsaaom Drenneman casket Whbstertawiin ils ate hes eel oo 
Pei ara accwel pic isi Cee NeVariGa Stleniiaias dcr eas RY AT AGT ots! 
Ba ree me temabachves. 92.10 wo Rochester, German occccccccecce Opis | a vn 
Pap aiiitel Mitnhird See welche Hitisbtireli sab insti tenet. eins 1| 250 
ONE VV ETZEL oe eld eee eee Piteburehy Geran ia. tek. 1| 140 
BO} SIia AW LLID DCE tees crete le POS DCC terest tee ee ig ol 3| 248 
BT oe De eLzerinn,t so at A oe . Redesivani lem eee. cob. bts te 5} 245 
Po TV EOE WON OOKe tied) ied ete Mochesterv Grace Alisdeds cele: Ve 
ADAG OT ek O e T kt nt pieeeleae ae Rested. Sad! Delimonrern wiemeesate. eels 3| 495 
BO ohne) panhle. seek oe es Steubenville, German. ...........-.+ 1| 140 
TIT Ae Ley POs | Re ol a SUID DET vill ee Bee Sia WiLL 5| 324 
a2ikierman Gilberts oe Prandise cae ke ke, ARO 3| 207 

















122 HisloORYsOr THE SRULSbURGH RO YNOD 
































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57. JacoDe. ela wWsOlleeee eee ING Batiste ate ee ee 

530). David SM ckcerin emer IN OP arish "cn, tans eee ne | 

59) Wilham “Ov “Wiksonseaa eee INGas Parish ppicaay oie eee eae | 

60)Gr UW. Predérichin.22 eee NO SRariSh vx. eae ened here 

Oli: Vacant) 2202 pe ae Hranklin, Graces.) oa pees AG my 742) 

OZ Viacan tig -4ebaeee cee eee Knoxville SGerman: 25 Liat 

GSI Vacant: 20 Wee ee ee ee Pinencreek, “ote Olan Sie arares pace 

G4) Vi aican bie ce ae ee cian ae Donegal 2 aoe or ease SS Shee 

OS) Vacant - te Ree ee ae ete Charters, OW tat Cal vat vane eee Lit 

OOLN aeart es ee on eae Forks Zi0tl (eee ees lis izs 
; 104|8,507 

















Three churches of Apollo Parish and three of Shippenville 
Parish withdrew soon after to unite with the General Synod, 
so that the actual strength of the synod was represented in 
ninety-eight churches. The actual number of pastors was fifty- 
eight, since Pastor Abraham Weills withdrew to unite with the 
General Synod, and Pastor G. A. Reichert retained his mem- 
bership in the Ministerium of Pennsylvania. Sharp language 
was used in this convention concerning the work of the minority 
synod, for men were deeply stirred by the bitter controversy 
of the times. ‘The general spirit of the body is shown in the 
following report of the Committee on Absentees : 


“The paper placed in the hands of the committee is that part of the 
President’s report, referring to the formation of an ecclesiastical body 
at Worthington, Pennsylvania, December 4-7, 1867, within the bounds of 
this synod. It will be recollected that, at the convention of the Pitts- 
burgh Synod held at Greenville, October 10-17, 1867, a paper was pre- 
sented, signed by ten ministers and seven laymen, in which, and for 
reasons assigned therein, they ‘respectfully beg leave to withdraw from 
this convention of synod’. The fallacy of their reasoning was shown 
by the committee to whom the paper was referred, and the request of 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 123 


the petitioners was denied by the synod. Subsequently, the same per- 
sons again presented the same document to synod, only so altering it 
that, instead of saying they ‘respectfully beg leave to withdraw,’ they 
state that they ‘respectfully withdraw from this convention of the 
Pittsburgh Synod’. In the following December, these same ministers, 
together with a few others, and a number of laymen, met at Worthing- 
ton, Pa., and united in organizing a body which they style ‘The Pitts- 
burgh Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church’, a name which, by 
the authority of an act of incorporation, belongs only to this synod. It 
is also well known that some of the signers of the document above re- 
ferred to, together with others consorting with them, have gone among 
our congregations and endeavored to distract and divide them by mis- 
representation and trickery, assailing our Confessions and wantonly 
slandering our ministers, thereby causing great sorrow and trouble in 
the Church of Christ. Especially is it to be regretted that men, for- 
merly in connection with us and acting with us, should place themselves 
before the Church in such a false position as that which they have 
assumed, in taking the name and therewith claiming the corporate rights 
and privileges of the Pittsburgh Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran 
Church, a name, rights and privileges thereto pertaining, which they have 
publicly acknowledged belongs not to them but to us. This acknowl- 
ment they have made in the following acts: 


a. At the convention at Greenville, they united in the election and 
recognized the authority of the officers of the synod, who continued in 
office after the withdrawal of the petitioners, and until the election of 
their successors at the present convention. 


b. The former secretary of this synod, who was one of those who 
withdrew and united in the convention at Worthington, some time after 
the formation of that body, gave up the corporate seal of the Pitts- 
burgh Synod into the hands of our present English Secretary, thereby 
acknowledging ‘that it is the property of this synod and not of their 
organization. 

c. In the paper which they presented upon their withdrawal at 
Greenville, and to which they signed their names, they recognized this 
body as the Pittsburgh Synod by speaking of ‘this. convention of the 
Pittsburgh Synod’, ‘the constitution of this synod’, and stating that they 
‘withdraw from this convention of the synod’. 


In taking a name, therefore, which they thus publicly have ac- 
knowledged of right to belong to us, they have placed themselves in a 
position which is absurdly false and deceptive, and they thereby brand 
themselves as imposters. Such action is lawless and sinful, and, unless 
rebuked and corrected, will lead to additional trouble and evil to the 
Church. It is incumbent on this synod to vindicate her claims and 
mantain her right, so that her churches suffer no loss, and the cause 
of Christ be not hindered. Your committee therefore recommend the 
following action: 


Resolved, Inasmuch as the, following ministers, towit: S. B. Barn- 
itz, A. S. Miller, A. M. Strauss, S. F. Breckenridge, J. Wright, J. G. 
Goettman, G. F. Ehrenfeld, W. E. Crebs, J. H. W. Stuckenberg, H. 
Gathers and J. A. Earnest, assembled at the meeting held at Worthing- 
ton, December 4 to 7, 1867, and then and there assumed the corporate 
title of this synod, that their names be stricken from our roll. 


Resolved, That the officers of the synod be a committee to take 
proper steps to enjoin the men meeting at Worthington from using the 
corporate title of the Pittsburgh Synod, if necessary prosecuting the 
case before the civil courts, and that they be authorized to call upon 
the treasurer for all funds required to meet their expenses”. 





PRESIDENTS OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD, GENERAL COUNCIL, 1868-1890 


1. George Anton Wenzel 2. Henry Warren Roth 3. Samuel Laird 
4. William Frederick Ulery 5. William Alfred Passavant §. Edmund Belfour 
7. John Kauforth Melhorn 8. John Alleman Kunkleman 


HLiSTORY OF THe PITTSBURGH SYNOD 125 


In spite of this strong action, the fact remains that neither 
of the two synods ever spent any money vindicating its position 
before a civil court. ‘The plaintiffs and defendants of all the 
church cases of western Pennsylvania were the contending 
parties of the divided congregations; and the final verdict in 
every instance was rendered according to legal and not ecclesi- 
astical standards. 


One great advantage of the majority body was found in 
the sympathetic interest of a large number of conservative 
churches of the Joint Synod of Ohio occupying the same 
territory. It will be recalled that the four strong churches ot 
the Greensburg Parish, which united with Pastor Michael J. 
Steck in the formation of the Pittsburgh Synod, were taken 
into the fellowship of the Ohio Synod by Pastor Jonas Mechling. 
After the death of Pastor Mechling in 1868, all of the West- 
moreland County congregations of the Ohio Synod began to 
look toward the Pittsburgh Synod for their future ministers. 
The first break in their ranks came in 1875, when Brush Creek, 
Manor and Hill’s-were transferred. First Church of Greens- 
burg came in 1882; Ligonier, Latrobe, Youngstown, Derry and 
Trauger in 1883; Harold’s in 1884; Mount Pleasant, Alverton 
and St. John’s in 1885. While the accession of these thirteen 
churches, with their 2,216 members, gave great encouragement 
to the Pittsburgh Synod, considerable irritation was caused in 
the Ohio Synod. The result was a meeting of representatives 
of the two bodies at Pittsburgh, August 20, 1885, when the 
following agreement was reached. 


“1. That neither shall induce, solicit, or even encourage ministers, 
congregations, or individual members of congregations, to leave their 
synod and unite with the other. 


2. That neither pastors, nor congregations, nor individual members 
of congregations, shall be received without having first obtained regular 
and honorable dismissal. 


3. That, should cases arise in which such dismissal is believed to be 
withheld unjustly or without sufficient reason, conference shall be had, 
and the facts ascertained by a committee of each synod: before final 
action shall be taken.” 


During the course of the period, 1867-1919, a number of 
other Ohio Synod congregations, some in Ohio and others in 
Pennsylvania, were transferred to the Pittsburgh Synod. ‘Three 
Pittsburgh Synod congregations were transferred to the Ohio 
Synod during the same time. In only two instances did these 
transfers lead to civil suits: Meadville and Drakes Mills, where 
contending factions took their troubles to the court of Crawford 
County. In the latter case, the Joint Synod party attempted to 
show that the Pittsburgh Synod was not a true Lutheran Synod. 


126 Hh EQRY—O PEERS isL beliss Usk Gr Glan Von Ci) 


The court appointed J. Newton McCloskey as master in evt 
dence, who rendered the following report, January 13, 1873. 


“There does not appear to be an appreciable distinction between 
the religious tenets and doctrinal basis adopted and taught by both the 
Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio and the Evangelical Luth- 
eran Synod of Pittsburgh. In fact, their faith and worship are identi- 
cal. We can therefore, from all the evidence cited in this case, discover 
no radical change of faith and doctrine by the respondents, who com- 
pose a majority of the original congregation, or ‘succession of owners’, 
and have not by their acts, professions, practices, charter of incorpora- 
tion, ceased to be a Lutheran Congregation and become alienated and 
estranged from the ancient faith, discipline, usages and customs of the 
founders of the Evangelical Lutheran St. Paul’s Church, and moreover, 
that the respondents by uniting or connecting in any way, for the spirit- 
ual and temporal welfare of the congregation, with the Evangelical 
Lutheran Pittsburgh Synod—a genuine Lutheran Synod of the same 
Church denomination, have not thereby forfeited their right to the 
possession and control of the church property. The conclusion to which 
we have arrived, from an application of the principles enunciated in the 
foregoing authorities to the evidence in this case, is that there has not 
been such a departure by the respondents from the faith, discipline and 
worship of the genuine Lutheran Church, as to work a forfeiture of the 
title and possession of the church property, granted to the Evangelical 
Lutheran St.*Paul’s: Churchjfin trustsiom saidsCnureh = putetiatesonrcm 
as the right of the property is concerned, they are the legitimate, con- 
tinuous church organization, whose possession of the property ought not 
to be disturbed, and that therefore the complainants’ bill be dismissed.” 


In the Meadville case, the point turned on a peculiar state- 
ment of the charter, namely, ‘ ‘This church acknowledges itself 
to be a member of, and to belong to, the Evangelical Lutheran 
Joint Synod of Ohio and Adjacent States, and of the General 
Council of the. Evangelical Lutheran Church. of* the United 
States”. It was written by Pastor G. A. Bruegel at a time when 
he confidently believed that the Joint Synod of Ohio would unite 
with the General Council. Inasmuch as the General Council 
party was the majority party in the congregation, the court 
awarded them the property. 


When the “English Synod of Ohio” disbanded in 1873, 
Pastors J. A. Roof, A. N. Bartholomew, and J. W. Myers, with 
the Fairview, Leesville and Stone Creek parishes, applied for 
admission to the Pittsburgh Synod, declaring that they would 
stand independent rather than unite with the English District 
Svnod of Ohio, then in connection with the General Council. 
This mernt the addition of eleven Ohio congregations with 
675 members. Other Ohio congregations applied for member- 
ship at different times and were cordially received. Among 
them w7s the Good Hope Church of Osage, recognized as the 
oldest Fvangelical Lutheran Church in one Apotie: of the 
venerable nioneer congregations of Ohio was the Good Hope 
Church of North Lima, which was admitted to the synod with 
the M-honing Perish in 1884. . Several attempts were made 


PislLOR YY! Obi Ee PULLS BURGE 5 YN OD 127 


by the English District Synod of Ohio, acting through the 
General Council, to secure the state line as the western border 
of the Pittsburgh Synod; but no undue pressure was brought 
to bear upon the individual parishes, so that 24 Ohio congre- 
gations with 3,349 members were found in the fellowship of the 
Pittsburgh Synod in 1919. 


Another practical advantage of the majority synod was 
furnished by her German pastors, who were able to minister ac- 
ceptably to large independent German congregations and es- 
tablish them upon a sound Lutheran basis. Some of the strong- 
est parishes of the synod were won by these devoted Germans 
Among these were St. John’s of Erie and Zion of Johnstown. 
In order to safeguard her doctrinal standards in this important 
work, the synod in 1875 made a distinction in independent 
churches, and warned her pastors that they could not serve 
churches, which interfered in any way with the preaching of 
a pure gospel and right administration of the sacraments. 


The greatest advantage of the majority Synod, however, 
was found in the fact that she possessed the prestige of the orig- 
inal organization, constitution and charter, and needed but little 
readjustment in order to press the work of home missions. ‘The 
missionary spirit of the fathers was never dissipated. While the 
local field was never neglected, the eyes of her leaders were 
open to the needs of the whole Church, and the synod was ever 
ready to share her mission funds with those who were destitute 
of the means of grace. Many of the strongest churches of the 
Middle West were once her beneficiaries; and in 1879 a fund of 
$967 and “twelve sheep” were pledged to the support of a trav- 
eling missionary for Kansas and Nebraska. ‘The spirit of the 
body was indicated in the report of Missionary Superintendent 
Kemerer in 1889. 


“The scope of her missionary operations will be seen when it is 
known that along the Allegheny River, from its outlet to its head- 
waters in Potter County—along the romantic Monongahela and its_trib- 
utary, the Youghiogheny, from their sources in the mountains to Pitts- 
burgh—along the majestic Ohio to Wheeling—up the beautiful Beaver 
and Shenango valleys to Erie, there is not a Lutheran congregation 
which does not owe its existence, directly or indirectly, to the Pitts- 
burgh Synod. By far the largest ‘portion of her present household are 
her own children; she has received but few by adoption. What is spec- 
ially to be noticed is that the contributions have kept pace with the in- 
crease in membership, and that the synod has never wearied of the 
work in which she has been engaged. The first decade was the period 
of formation, poverty and intense activity; the second, third and fourth 
witnessed an advance in the means provided, and what is particularly 
gratifying is that the contributions for the last four years are larger than 
those of the first twenty years combined, while those of the last year are 
twice greater than the entire amount received during the first decade. 
Who can consider these results and not feel profoundly grateful to 


PRESIDENTS OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD, GENERAL COUNCIL, 1891-1919 


Ls 


James Quigley Waters 
Alonzo Leroy Yount 
William Jacob Miller 


George Jonas Gongaware 





Jacob Christopher Kunzmann 
David Harrison Geissinger 
Charies Theodore Benze 
George Franklin Gehr 


HIS LOR YAO SEE EP ih ap URGiL to Y.NOD 129 


Almighty God for good that he had enabled the synod to do? She has 
well earned her title, The Missionary Synod. Truly, a little one has be- 
come a thousand, and a small one a great nation. God has wrought it 
in his own time.” 


In the early part of 1873 a communication was received by 
Doctor W. A. Passavant from St. Paul’s Church of Bridgewater, 
Nova Scotia, asking for assistance in securing an English pastor. 
The result was a visitation of the Nova Scotia Church by Doc- 
tor Henry W. Roth, President of the Pittsburgh Synod, in the 
summer of 1873, and the admission of Pastor Carl Ernst Coss- 
man and the Rridgewater, Mahone Bay and Lunenberg parishes 
to this synod during the same year. To Pastor Cossman be- 
longs the credit of the most remarkable pastorate in the history 
of the Pittsburgh Synod. Arriving in Lunenberg, January 17, 
1835, he served this parish as pastor, or pastor emeritus, until 
death, September 22, 1897, completing in his 92nd year a pastor- 
Piemeteaimos(.0o myedicoo mt aston) |r Lia tiunton “was: -/sent | to 
Bridgewater Parish in 1874, followed by other devoted min- 
isters, who maintained the work of the Nova Scotia Conference 
in connection with the Pittsburgh Synod until July 10, 1903, 
when the Nova Scotia Synod was formed. The strength of the 
Nova Scotia Conference in 1902 was tabluated as follows: 





Pastor Parish Churches Members 
CRB PIN tweed) 15 Sececte ecesdosidoce BriIdGewatet hacen 5 468 
WARN te VVC AVER eras sencrcevane MunenbDetcpe «ate ae 2 652 
CGM Deck ek ate asi! Wahones Dav uenwelns. 3 386 
Tarp cOreerye oer ick vice IMO Valle re ee ere ne tayo s.cs. 4 393 
Creer itt level ate aen mcrae INéWa erinany a siete 5 185 
Jacob NPAT Coe Beat ie eee eee IOS ENS a Vipin de uhir ewan eek 3 328 

22 2.413 





The task of shepherding the scattered South-European Luth- 
eran immigrants of western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio 
rested chiefly upon this synod. The Hungarian-Slovak work 
began in 1890, when a layman of Woods Run Parish held serv- 
ices for both nationalities in First Church, Pittsburgh. This 
union effort failed; but the Reformed Church provided a pastor 
for the Hungarians, while the Lutheran Slovaks bought a church 
in Braddock for $6,000, and called Rev. Ludwig Novomesky of 
the Ministerium of Pennsylvania as their pastor. The new con- 
gregation and their pastor united with the Pittsburgh Synod in 
1891, and were granted a missionary appropriation of $200. Rev. 
John Michetek was ordained to work among the Hungarians and 
Slovaks of Pittsburgh in 1891, but was expelled in 1895. The 
successor of Pastor Novomesky was Pastor Drahotin Kvacala, 
who united with the synod in 1898 and served as missionary at 
large. His regular appointments were Braddock, Pittsburgh, 





PASTOR CARL ERNST COSSMANN 


HIS BOR WORSE PITTSBURGH SY NOD 131 


Dillonvale, and Youngstown, Ohio, but he also held services at 
Homestead, Beaver Falls, Monarch, Fayette City, Sharon, La- 
trobe, Windber, Houtzdale and other points. Half the offerings 
were given to the missionary, and half to the Braddock Church. 
Other pastors of the oheee uf ministered to the Slovaks be- 
fore 1919, were Ludwig Havel, Julius Czernecky, C. V. Molnar, 
Charles Salva, John Body, ne Martin Slabej. Their parishes 
centered in Pittsburgh, Braddock, Johnstown, Martins Ferry, 
Charleroi, Farrell, and Irwin, but they ministered to thousands 
of their scattered countrymen throughout the coal and iron re- 
gion. In 1910 there was an estimated Slovak population of 140,- 
000 i in America, of whom 30,000 were said to be Lutherans. After 
the year 1905, the work was administered by the Slovak-Hun- 
garian Board of the General Council, and but few detailed re- 
ports are found on the records of the Pittsburgh Synod. The 
purely Hungarian work was begun by Pastor Julius Czernecky 
in 1907, when the St. Peter ana St. Paul Church of Martins 
Ferry and the First Hungarian Church of Cleveland were or- 
ganized. His successors were Pastors Stephen and Ladislaus 
Ruzsa, who built up a strong parish in Cleveland and began work 
in Akron and Pittsburgh. Pastor Joseph Korntheuer was called to 
Martins Ferry, where he served the Zion Hungarian-English 
Churchmer hess tinst, siebenburger.. axons came; to,. Amer- 
ica from Transylvania in 1885. Within the next ten years many 
others followed, settling chiefly in Salem, Alliance, Youngstown, 
Cleveland, Lorain, Erie, Farrell, Ellwood City, Monaca, and 
New Castle. Since they regarded their sojourn in America as 
temporary, no attempt was made to organize them into congre- 
gations for several years. The first organization was effected in 
Ellwood ityeions! U2 A puteseveraleciorts i Cleveland: fatled. 
Pastor George Schuster was ordained as their missionary in 
1910, and organized the Johann Honterus Church of Youngs- 
town,O., July 3, 1910. The congregations in Cleveland and yee del 
were not organized until after the merger year. Ab cen all 
the Siebenburger work in America was done by the Pittsburgh 
Synod. No mission work was done among the Italians, since 
General Synod workers had taken up that bianeh of the service. 
3y far the greater part of the missionary work of the synod 
was confined to its English and German-English missions. Scores 
of such missions were founded during the period, 1867-1919, 
many of which developed into strong, self-sustaining parishes. 
From 1867 to 1873, the work was managed by a committee of 
six pastors; from 1873 to* 1895, by a committee consisting of a 
pastor and layman from each conference; from 1892 to 1913, by 
the executive committee of the synod; vain Sa top oO io ebyed 
committee, consisting of the president of the synod and_ the 
presidents of conferences, assistted by local committees of the 


132 HISTORY, OF, THE PITiSBURGH SYNOD 
conferences. On November 1, 1915, after several years of spir- 
ited debate on the question of unification, the English missions 
were transferred to the General Council Board, where they re- 
mained until the year of the organization of the United Lutheran 
Church. The Cerman Missions were retained by the synod. 
When the care of the English missions was transferred to the 
General Council Board, a legal contract was signed by both par- 
ties, in which the said Board agreed to assume full responsibility 
for all “notes, bonds, mortgages, and other obligations or evi- 
dences of indebtedness of the missions,” and a descriptive list of 
all these obligations was appended to and made part of the con- 
tract. With the exception of the last five years of the period, 
missionary superintendents were employed as follows: 





Rev. J. Ke) Melhorne233 1871-18745 ae@Rev Jacob Ash arensae: 1894-1896 
Rev. William F. Ulery ....1867-1869 Rev. F. W. Kohler ....:u... 1896-1899 
Revopaniuel laird 1867-1871 Rev. F. C. E.. Lemcke......1899-1900 
Rev. William F. Ulery ....1874-1875 Rey, «Gin. Ocallallemecee 1900-1902 
Revi eke) Melhornva aa 1875-1885 2Rev. G. J. Gongaware..:.1903-1904 
Revit Wei shanoranas 1885-1867 Rey. C.. H: Hemsathiy 1904-1907 
2Rev. D..M. Kemerer ....1887-1893 2Rev. R. G. Rosenbaum....1907-1912 
Rev. James Q. Waters ....1893-1894 Rev. Charles A. Dennig....1919-1919 





In all the diversified work of the synod, no cause appealed 
more strongly than that of missions; and no less than 225 dif- 
ferent pastors served as missionaries. From 1890 to 1915, there 
were frequent clashes with the missionary interests of the Gen- 
eral Synod; but this was almost inevitable where two aggressive 
bodies attempted to cover the same field. A detailed statement of 
the home mission work of the period is appended: 


TABLE OF HOME MISSION WORK 


OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 






























































1867-1919 
FI 
Raieyriees ED 
—_ ° aR 

9 | &| ga] Sa | gs 

Mission Boards Assisting = # oF ie mu 

we Oi ein 1-60 = 8 

1/Greenoch, Trinity Synodical a Cele ei Ne AE hs |German 
2|\Fairview, Salem . Svnodical eet Rieay? | Pater a | tenes lGer. -Eng. 

3|N. Lebanon, Mt. Synodical ASP Met Wolke At AA wal !English 

4| Dem se ytO wir ie eee, eee Synodical Lege C Malena | went English 

5|LeneuVitlewecdsninit yan ee ee eee Si Od1ca ae ae ee aay. Dig dee ota English 

6|Pigeon Creek, Bethel. ............ Synodical@c seston. Eps EC tel Oe sy or) NOES Ged English 

7|Grafton-Newberg, W. Va...sn........ Sy nocica laa seers UUIEYE Piatt (aes cece | Caer oa eae German 

SiAkron OP irinityatsc se eee SVt1OC1Ca le creer oe Fadl i ey Woe Se ie ae ce English 
3| Deckers TRU eee ees eee es Syjrodical s,4. eee AG D.u|eteeee teal vee tee Eng.-Ger. 

s¢) Chicago, ElolyanDnainit yee een SV HOCICa lp aaseeeen nanan al Thy eens vt a eee: [English 
Cla ranse Wi Via tare ut ee titer eet Synodica liane mcm ER iy Waser es Rea Eng.-Ger. 
1D) eels wees Danish tetera Synodica ie wank eee, Eta sl alegtl ly aed aah, SER Eng.-Ger. 

Vi; NNahoneD ayaa niches errs Siynodical went ae Hp Sates foe havea id ee aay {Eng.-Ger. - 

{4 unenberom sbanish meee ee eee Siytlodicalineess ees Att 1) Tewonbdaeeee -Ger. 
15| TrentonwiOm uote late Sane we SyOd1¢a'lepen eee Ah Ar Re ey) ont Be l\Eng.-Ger. 

16| Kittanning ,'s Priniby (spt cscs: SJALOCICalipnec eos ene eee Cpa es aa een eR INI Be pt German 

17, Yellow Creek; Bethel 4......0...0c008. Sy. NOdiCa] ewes eens SED Zed eels cee English 

































































His TORY OF THE ProrsBURGH SYNOD 133 
I8i Wetzel Co., Mt. Hope ou... Swysavoyabicoe yl es Big Ae Oil esiuk aayeces lst toc ta English 
IGIV CHaneowelOl meee ss. wee eee Sivodicale tee ere S CU WA eee eee eras English 
AN & bel tread pablo aremirbe toe en a tern ee Shaatofebkecdl PPR ke Le TSGOTMON este eee leo, loo German 
Zi Bellaire, ORSAY A ay aly ee me (hae ity Be SVMOCICa meen wane ead ans 1869 Ny pair ae eb ala cee. German 
Val nipOmuim. eZ1onh ts wre hois Spcteiehtecul oF aye eS TSA] ab iuetentee felt brews Ger.-Eng. 
Zo bikers Hills Boon Mitvesiess.... SAOCICa laeueee aoeennn yt L874 Diath erent ce | Mertee kee English 
feed 78 (altel ik Wt Ree ees TR Et ALO ae ee Sraaxorebkor ll PE SP coh oka e IRV lig oye | eee nee || eee, oe Eng.-Ger. 
PONV LIC OX tee Mos oe es ne a ha a SiO ica leeens ate L789 I Ease rset a| aoe German 
PoVNaLnnowm Run, sChrist me eee. Sy Mocdicad lime eens ICY PA IMA ONIN) Picco | his cates German 
BAe a rivet wi CHriStieme ta ak dee coc Siiasvotalivery! aaa. oles es 1878! bide dattoct Bees English 
ESiA\ancemm Ge cL Trinity mee: weer SyHodicalieeses es ee ee US 7D toh: Ween as ale eae English 
ay (chicagonh Wicker! Park? 2250..5.2: Srimatete beer hy Se te TSS9i i lhe ee am | = ee English 
BUM Zeltonwm Kansasuessa iene eens e SV DOC1Ca Beater eae TSS6 lesbos katie eb Beet. English 
SO rMinaae teen) Oise. t ever Baye SV 1l0G1Calaeetaae seeds UIE 28 PA oh ON VO eT ae English 
oz Olimcteadames ttt = eth oe bee Sy nodica lene wee seat LESAOL lie eee celts Eng.-Ger. 
33);Port Allegheny, Emmanuel ......... Sy1lOd1Ca lee cee es, 1SSOn Ae tee ey Uc eee. German 
34|Wilkinsburg, St. Andrews. .............. SyOG1Calameweceett anes TSSSi RC eee miler rere German 
SriJeannettes Christ... ccmtagectyens liners Sy nodal oy cai es Ss) MRR dd al OE on tle cl RSE German 
BOlOtALVEaT Ves here T.. Saeenk WE ART os SaaveyelKersll «hen Ver Pee TSO Re igs pete es le eae ce Ger.-Fing. 
BALE tatcdockns taba cuss aenes a Synodicalee, =e ae AESKON GN Ly ec Cee OE Se Slovak 
38 Dennison, Merge atl S Skies bee. Synodical) = devesa dean, BO LT Git teases tne Wa eco Ger.-Eng 
39!Avonmore, St. Andrew’s on... Synodical—General........ 1 ESS 8A 9 Oe eg a ee English 
40|Wheeling, Elm Grove wv. Sy MOdICal+ sof 2 enadeen TSOSN | ate tase Westoe eae English 
41|Ehrenfeld, St. Matthew’s ................ Syrtodicals eleaGant.. TOOS Tete Aes ie. a). German 
a2 MiaainsOnyoot. JON’ S: xnedk. sited. awe SV OGICAN Le Meri serar dees ERCP Mc Nat i aaaie lt a VERS N's German 
ASC Ia eemilage ZIONS te. cok hee ea cices SylOdied | were stacey ere ost (Gl Peters bree Pea German 
aM Reda ttle Wav a,,0 Obey ealll 6.) ...,{ YNOGICAL fs niby cian ehyi. TSS Pe eM tact hyped Wis cs Ger.-Eng 
ANS S¥evatel Ta OUMNH Mielabavess 2 one ee Sy nod ica] gered fond li. TSSS| Recline eee Weta at Ger.-Eng 
HO UAE VALS, «2100. Ga) cuaatetadta x DVNOCICAl Pi Soda ee. OOS W Dadi etadensct Arsen tes English 
47;Brier Hill, O., St. John’s ..:...0.308 Swyavoyabrerenl | Ve ee 1895 eae galtee ees eel ae German 
48|New Kensington, St. Paul’s ........ So MOGI Ca | Maasai are te He) AM Toh A at SL English 
4S inonaal (Okine, UNdhabhere ap nacats oped ae Swimocdiea aise enue ee TOO Me Diet ae av, is aetes kere English 
SOV ancererut. ‘Lrinity s2c0 ee taco. Swnodicaly. tesa tet IOU2L evph eta ix teres English 
eli inicinicn Ns \Yust Graces :.ista G yriodical t,..usesi ee by, ks ES ah Sao English 
Beit lees CCLOCMIET ws, each ola aca Swanorebrorul io a be OO Syms eeney che Belen eee Eng.-Ger 
So eseEVieMoL, Lal S$ 146% ba ek ak SHOUT Cal laren ie LOO TAR ato Ny (Mae hres elie hase English 
pA amon emir race, Holts oe Ma Ha adr Syroutea! G8. keels 1931 te 1S, I | eg See English 
po Cat bird sem spre si atees eee: Synodicaleisaes. seater se 19 TA ee bier ged nee English 
SOPROCHESLEE ME Ob eA Ul Saar rere. SVNOdicala sem. sore. 1868|1870;$  275|$ 2275|German 
a heatieparon S258, Gracekecys...1.it SVMOCi Cale eo see keer earl a |1873 360]  3033| English 
Aoiesteenvine. Trinity Ylrote.. 4... SPOUT Ga lene eee a ‘|1873| © 2111) . 5111|/Eng.-Ger. 
S9\ Martins Herry,. St. John’siacs.o8. S VOC1C 2 in eee eee: a |1873 626, 4050|/Fng.-Ger. 
OO Kittanning, Strejohn’s then) 0:. Sy0OC1Ca lense ieee a |1879| 1429) 3912|English 
61;Wayne Twp, Jerusalem ................ Sy DOGIOAL pe yaa. ees a 11880 251 651|Eng.-Ger. 
Glivatronaiemte Obi So yak thon. Sy DOdLCal ames re meee 1872|1881 15a 651|German 
63| Beaver Falls, ENtSitecet eke ete ees WYNOCICAl pee es wey, eee, a |1883 112| 1412|German 
G4 Buitlensae itstpeese edoe), eeee. SWATOCL Call Seine ee eee, a 11884| 3719] 7987|Eneglish 
Gori LGl Caw ict Vege 1 GG Emery ee eee Aree Saver hie eA he ee 1872|1885 549] 10701|Ger.-Eng. 
Se oUVonaldswHICst) Gudchsseihed ook SwialeYebyerNt oles ek ee 1870|1887]| 618|German 
eyfewechaltdihauy (Bpee\olave «morgen oes ee SVinOdieal pameees. meme ee a |1889| 1303] 2974|Eng.-Ger. 
OS eters biurona COEISt sche. ee ate Synowicalg tes ei ee 1869] 1890 1291| 14454|English 
ecihartiers,, Mt. Calvary Uic.eawn. Syraavoyeliree iil 3 ae ae. a |1890! 1433} 4948|FKneglish 
7WOiRochester:) Grace ( cacaein.beine., SS y11O.G1Ga eee we ee renee a {1899 2009| 15415] English 
Al Younestown.» Ow Grace actos... Sirrivore livers heey Mm he 1873] 1890 2371| 8156|English 
VAMO TY DOLSay Stee ea UleSi en ee bone ao Sy NO CICa Lae pete re ke eee 1881|1892 1306 4397|English 
TIRCTOVGSEELAOU SR ce ee ate et SOG Calin ee ree ame cee: 1881/1892 1019 2981|English 
fA CHES fo | ORNS 8a)... Se Sinodica lek eee pear a |1892 255 959| English 
FOC SA LLOT) © Renee keer ot Sranaye bey eae a 1892/1894 763)  2994|English 
CONE an Otome OTbys ee. hee eee ee OS. Sy nOc1ca meee cere te 1891|1894 192 983| English 
Pr cstemareliawiots Pail So hocd.5 kon: ia, SwyOcica lWaween nas teee ee a |1895 16 180| Ger.-Eng. 
Peimitteptue on, Stide homias (ic4.in. SO GA lee tai oe rs LEST TESS RM ted eee Ger.) k& 
Fi Ciicaco us lalkkeyeVile wi ee ee et Synodical—General........ TOSS) COG ee. nee Ger. f 
20luniontowmne Ste ePaulis (teed... Swraneyebierall (ye ec 1885/1898 1567 7474| English 
STE w eZ OI Oe eae. sen nay cieee fo) eas be Synodi cal—Parish......... 189511898} 1174} 4350|)English 
So) Meadville Mrinity) oe. anes nee. Shraalovelkorl Prete ate a ae ee al 1900 870; 2347|Eng.-Ger. 
83|McKees Rocks, St. John’s Siete Synodical Peete oes aa: .| 1887/1900 99 1585|German 
84| Jeannette, Holy ‘Ricikaveuae poh Aras eure! S VVO CCS lane ceaa tne ern 189011900 1130 5564| English 
85| Harrison City, PANO ben Cane ae Saipavevalherel ly WALL Gee ge 1888/1892 163 1332| English 
Solbittopucei Nee ora Mite’ Zion he. SViLOC I Gallaseeeen eee Ne 1876|1991 1297 5224| English 
G/iphannondale, Zion. G..... ba kcekicns. os Syme dical memek ee ee ane a |1901 307 1465| English 
SiC hive bethlehern e .:cee aan SiO C1Call ae eee) a {1901} 252| 626| English 
Soi Hreedomim Stwejinhin’s 25 8.-.25) 2. SWlOG(Gall eras a eee a 11902 551 2271\English 
90) Melweesport;rots Jonis ...cc2... SS MAKOLON VON Me nage Bins A 1887|1902 1225 5121| English 
GUVs nino COME EAT Stee Mian eae cet hore Sv TlOuica laters arn kota a |1902 1115] 10560|Eng.-Ger. 
- IN eng Btio int OM seer Init yr... ects. Syiodica lige eases. 18881903 1772|  6367|English 
SISCOLEGAI OREO te ee aAUlliS sem perme: SOC 1Ca lane ene rer 1892]1903 648 2582| English 
bales see LAGU teste ie Weis aA ROS ret, Shypiavoreliferedl! ee ok eo a 11993 36 228| English 
Os Derive icinity cucancanckdcr ck es Sy OGIGa aaa e See ee 1884/1903 877| 3149|Eneglish 














96 

97 

98 

99 
100 
101 
102 
103 
104 
105 
106 
107 
108 
109 
110 
111 
112 
113 
114 
115 
116 
117 
118 
119 
120 
121 
122 
123 
124 
125 
126 
127 
128 
129 
130 
131 
132 
133 
134 


134 


Wilkinsburg, St. Paul’s 
Erie, St. Stephen’s 
Beaver Falls, Christ 
New Castle, St. John’s 
B. -Liverpool, "St-aJonn Sec. 
Pittsburgh, St. John’s 
Monaca, Redeemer 
St. Petersburg, St. Peter’s 
Porlenton,s tae OD Tisaeren eens 
WanrenwO) seo teatins 
Ellwood City. Trinity 
Mount Hope, Zion 
Lillyville, St. Mark’s 
Cleveland, O., First 
Natrona, St. 
EreepontaeZ Olsen ee ee eee 
Homestead, St. John’s 
Horde Gityessts +) Olt cw =m ene 
Morgantown, St. Paul’s 
HrieRiGra teas eco att ae eee 
Morris Cross Roads 
Chalk Hill, Christ 
Aimbrid eae ZO eer eee eee 
Wall Rose, St. Matthew’s 
CarnickwaRedeenier ae eee 
Cheat sHavens Trinity wns. 
Reynoldsyvillese i init ya eee eee 
iHMmerickvillée, *Grace’;t2.4.seeeee 
iChestnut Grove, St. Paul’s 
Hunker, St. Matthew’s 
Wounswoods stun lyulcesci aan 
Cleveland, First Hungarian 


Peter’s 


MeronatwLrinity 1a enn eee 
Johusonbures ote lohn-sue eee 
Bellevitess niiianie] aa re 
Parkersburg. ota Olin sme 
Easiewirs tae Via Eth e wastes eee 
BadenayChristsiaee cee 
Conway,).First’ - 2.0 eee eee 


135|Corry, St. Paul’s 


136 
137 
138 
139 
140 
141 
142 
143 
144 
145 
146 
147 
148 
149 
150 
151 
152 
153 
154 
155 
156 
157 
158 
159} 
160 
161 
162 
163 
164 
165 
166 
167 
168 
169 
170 
17] 
172 


Drakes Mills, St. Paul’s 
Braddock, Trinity ne 
Springdale, St. Mark’s 


Woodlawn, House of Prayer 
Saltsburg, St. John’s 
Fennelton 
St. James. jcc eee ee 
Mill* Creek, "Str Peter swe nee 
Franklin Center, St. John’s 
Mice a rises ital 111, yarn ee 
IM tae Pleasant el tai11 ty eee eee 
Coudersport, St. Paul’s 
Tarentum, Gracew ss see ee 
Pittsburgh, Spring Garden 
Leetsdale, St. Matthew’s 
North East,.St..Peter’s 
Bridgeport, O., Trinity 
Martins Ferry, O., Zion 
Conneaut, Grace 
Girard, St. John’s 
Farrell, Grace 

Latrobe, Christ 
Pitcairn, St. 
Trattord, St.) Mark? 
Moundsville, 
Sewickley, St. Paul’s 
Wellsville e Zion meee een eee 
Osage, Good Hope 

Annapolis, St. Paul’s 


Soruthencwes tame clic San wen 
Youngstown, O., Honterus 
Wheeling ais Chins ties een are eet 
Pittsburgh, Epiphany 
Erie, Christ 


Smithton, Memorial 





Synodical 
Synodical— Parish 
Synodical 
Synodical 
Synodical 
Parish +(e eee ee 
SY MOd1Cel pee eee 
Synodical 
Synodical 
Synodical 
Synodical 
Synodical 
Synodical 
Synodical 
Synodical 
Sy NOGiC a lmeeeneeeeneeees , 
Synodical 
Synodical 
Synodical 
Synodical—Parish 

Synodical—General 
Synodical 
Synodicul 
Synodical 


Synodical—General 
Synodical 
SV ROGICN eek ee yt 
Sy @ CL Cal eee ene 
Synodical 
S100 1Cal eee on 
Synodical—General 
Synodical 
Synodical 
Synodical 
Synodical 
Synodical—Parish 
Synodical 
Synodical 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—lLocal—Gen 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—General 
| Synodical—General 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—Gen.— Par 
Synodical—General 
Synodical—Gen—Local 
Synodical—General 











1903 
1904 
1905 
1906 
1907 
1908 
1909 
1909 
1909 
1910 


51910 


1910 
1910 
1911 
1911 
1911 
1911 
1911 
1912 
1913 
1913 
1913 
1913 
1913 
1913 


1880) 1914 


1868 
1875 
1905 
1901 
1906 
1889 
1888 
1886 
1893 
1905 


a 
1909 
1871 


a 
1887, 


1868 
1875 
1876 














1914 
1914 
1914 
1914 
1914 
1914 
1915 
1915 
1915 
1915 
1915 
1915 
1916 
1917 
1918 


* 


* OK KK KKK KK OK KK KK K KOK KK KKK KKK KK KK KK K KK 


HISTORY OF “CHEGET PIS BURKGHeSYNOD 


675 
247 
907 
1334 
686 
300 




















3691 
3853 


3434 
4000 
3117 
2140 
1268 
3106 
3746 


6529 
580 
1033 
4054 
100 


English 


Ger.-Eng. 


English 
German 
English 
English 
English 








349 
4519 
664 
4022 
100 


English 
Eng.-Ger. 
Eng.-Ger. 
English 
English 
Eng.-Ger. 
English 
English 
English 
English 


English 
English 
Eng.-Ger. 
English 
Eng.-Ger. 
English 
English 
Eng.-Ger. 
English 
English 
|Eng- Hung 
English 
Eng.-Ger. 
Eng.-Ger. 
German 
English 
English 
Eng.-Ger. 
English 
English 
English 
English 
English 
English 
English 
German 
English 
English 

















1619 
956 


English 
English 


Pig DORY Ore hire D li boBURGH -SyvN OD eis 




















173|Wesleyville, Messiah  ...........00.c0 (reneral eee eee eee 1916| * 96 543| English 

iAisalenime Onell ol vecUtinitymenes sees General acess. waa icon IyAl 112 437| English 

IZSIN esta OP ACh Triste noms een mae RT eTe Tl ede tates 5 1917| * 17 146| English 
| I$ 61589}$304832| 

* Still a mission in 1919 i Merged with St. John’s Church 

a Established before 1868 j Merged with Trinity Church 

b Disbanded k Withdrew to Buffalo Synod 

c Withdrew to Joint Synod of Ohio 1 Withdrew to be independent. 

d Withdrew to Missouri Synod m Absorbed the Hoffman Church 

e Withdrew to General Synod n Withdrew to N. Y. & N. EF. Synod 

f Withdrew to Indiana Synod o Present status not known 

g Withdrew to Evangelical Synod p Removed from Manchester 

h Withdrew to Nova Scotia Synod r Withdrew to Eng. D. Synod of Ohio 





It will be noted from the above table that these thirty-two 
years of mission effort netted the synod 117 churches with 19,- 
435 confirmed members. In addition to these there were 23 
churches transferred to other Evangelical Lutheran Synods, 
which had a membership of 5350 in the year of merger. Sixty 
per cent of the congregations of the synod entering into the mer- 
ger of 1919 were home mission products of this period; and 
many others had been brought to self-support before 1868. The 
117 mission churches carried into the new synod an annual giv- 
ing power of $304,832, of which amount, $61,589, were given to 
the benevolent treasuries of the Church. To create this benevo- 
lent force, the synod was not required to make a total local home 
mission investment of more than $329,672. The greatness of the 
material dividends can be readily calculated. 

But our Lutheran educators point out the fact that it requires 
something more than a home mission investment to create a large 
Christian constituency. Much greater sums must be invested in the 
institutions that train the missionaries, or the work in the end 
will fail. ‘The fathers of the Pittsburgh Synod were painfully 
conscious of this fact, as they bent their energies to the task of 
supplying the congregations of the territory with pastors. Many 
promising churches were permitted to disband because mission- 
aries could not be provided. During the previous period of the 
synod’s history, 1845-1867, academies were started at Zelienople 
Greensburg, Leechburg, and Worthington, but these had failed 
to meet the needs of the Church. In 1865, A. Louis Thiel of 
Pittsburgh placed a fund of $5,500 in the hands of Doctor W. 
A. Passavant, with a request that it be used for some good 
cause. With the approval of Mr. Thiel, he decided to use this 
fund for the cause of Christian Education, and bought the old 
sanitarium at Water Cure, or Phillipsburg, now Monaca. ‘This 
property was remodelled at slight expense, and opened as Thiel 
Hall in the fall of 1867, under the principalship of Rev. Ewald 
Friedrich Giese. Five pupils matriculated on the opening day, 
but this number was gradually augmented until it became neces- 
sary to employ Rev. William Kopp as an assistant teacher. When 


‘Vd ‘A TTIIANAAYD 
HOUNHD NVUSHLN'!] IVOIIADNVAA AHL AO ADATION TSHIHL 
JNIGTING NOLLVULSININGVY 





HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 137 


Professor Giese accepted a call to New York in July, 1868, he 
was succeeded by Rev. Henry Eyster Jacobs, who remained at 
the head of the institution until August 3, 1870. In 1869 there 
were six freshmen, one sophomore and a larger number of 
preparatorians in the school, of whom thirteen had the ministry 
in view. The assistant of Professor Jacobs was Professor 
Feitshans. ‘Thiel Hall was presented to the Pittsburgh Synod, 
October 18, 1869, on condition that the property or its proceeds 
should always be used in the interests of Christian Education in 
the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and that it should alwavs be 
regarded as the institution of the Pittsburgh Synod. ‘The gift 
was accepted on these terms, a vote of thanks extended to Mr. 
Thiel, and the board of trustees authorized to incorporate. 
The first board was composed of Rev. H. E. Jacobs, Rev. W. A. 
Paseavanieiwevs)/Ouatianeoanenunwev. oamuel iwaird Rev. pak. 
Plitt, Rev. J. L. Smith, Rev. H. W. Roth, Rev. Henry Reck, Rev. 
aOmretibampe evil is Melhor; Reyes Herman, Gilbert, \A: 
De thiel lH Iwaney Vewis Kim; Henry Jarecki, lewis ‘Trauger, 
Georzve BlackwG: DoiKughler, Aj Hertzel, Oliver. Saeger,’ Lewis 
Nielander, EF. J. Schmauk, and John Keck. At first it was de- 
cided to conduct a Junior College, with Rev. H. E. Jacobs, Rev. 
W. F. Ulery, and Rev. David McKee as the professors. After 
the resignation of Professor Jacobs in 1870, Rev. Henry W. 
Roth became “First Professor’, and eventually the first presi- 
dent of Thiel College. *°“Thiel College of the Evangelical Luth- 
eran Church” was incorporated by Act of Legislature approved 
April 14, 1870, but amendments were secured in 1873, 1879 and 
1916. When the question of permanent location was considered 
by the board of trustees, propositions were received from But- 
ler, Enon, Rochester, Sharon, Zelienople, and Greenville, and 
that of the last named was accepted, July 6, 1871. The citizens 
of Greenville proposed to donate five acres of ground and a 
building fund of $20,000; and Thiel College was reopened in the 
old Academy, September 7, 1871. The enrollment for the year, 
1871-1872, was 7 sophomores, 4 freshmen and 17 preparator- 
ians. Advanced students were advised to go to Muhlenberg 
27Some fears’ were expressed that the removal of the school from 
Philipsburg to Greenville might undermine its strict Lutheran 
character ; but an authorized committee of the citizens of Green- 
ville assured the board that all recognized the fact that ‘Thiel 
College is to be an institution under the control of the Evangel- 
cal Lutheran Church, and carried on in its spirit, and that the 
Word of God, the Catechism of Luther, the Augsburg Confes- 
sion, Sacred and Church History, shall be a regular part of the 





26—Minutes of the Pittsburgh Synod, 1870, p. 34. 
27—Minutes of the Pittsburgh Synod, 1872, p. 37. 


138 HISTORYSOR EUS iS Bik Eig VIN OID 


instruction.” D. B. Packard and Samule Ridgway donated eight 
acres of land, and 141% acres additional were bought by the board 
for $3,132. The cornerstone of Greenville Hall was laid, Aug- 
ust 15, 1872, and the building dedicated, June 25, 1874. It was 
a three-story brick structure, 76x53, containing 32 rooms, which 
cost $23,125. The first graduating class, consisting of Theophilus 
B. Roth, George L. Rankin, John B. Schaeffer, James M. Mowl, 
Frederick C. E. Lemcke, and John B. Bott, received their diplo- 
mas on dedication day. An attempt was made to found the 
“Bassler Synodical Professorship of Biblical Literature and 
Church History” by the sale of scholarships. This effort was 
completed with much enthusiasm on the floor of the Pittsburgh 
Synod, August 24, 1882, and was supposed to provide a fund of 
$20,000 ; but not more than $11,000 was paid in, and the trouble- 
some outstanding scholarships were cancelled. ‘The adjoining 
Ridgway farm was bought for $9,500, April 1, 1876, and many of 
the students boarded in the old farm house for a time at two 
dollars a week. A new boarding hall was opened in 1882, when 
Rev. D. M..Kemerer did effective work as the field secretary. 
The beautiful avenue of maples, known as “Brother Martin’s 
Walk’, was planted by professors and students, November 10, 
1875. The Ridgway farm originally contained sixty acres, four- 
teen of which were bought by the college trustees at the be- 
ginning. Several lots had also been plotted and sold by the 
original owners. ‘Twenty-five acres of this farm laid west of 
College Avenue and were not desired for campus purposes, so 
they were plotted and sold by the trustees, 1880-1902, for some- 
thing over $6,000. By this means the net cost of the present 
beautiful campus of thirty-four acres was reduced to $6,500. 
Another change in college land was made in 1923, when the 
State Highway Department was permitted to survey the 
main Pittsburgh-Erie road across the northwest corner of the 
campus, adding much to both the beauty and value of 
the college location. In 1878 the temporary trustees of 
the Thiel estate turned over to the college board property of 
various kinds, with an estimated value of $82,264. ‘These sup- 
posed values shrank in 1880 to $58,395, and that figure may be 
fairly accepted as the amount of the original Thiel endowment. 
Inasmuch as free tuition was granted the sons and daughters of 
Lutheran pastors and teachers this endowment was inadequate, 
and the board was harassed by growing deficits at every meeting. 
Memorial Hall was erected at a cost of $7,453, and dedicated, 
November 10, 1886. This building, used for chapel, class room 
and society hall purposes, was destroyed by fire, May 20, 1902. 
Mr. Jesse Daily of Greenville donated $5,000 for the erection 
of a girl’s dormitory in 1889, and Daily Hall was erected at 
a cost of $7,000. The Pittsburgh Synod came to the rescue 


PS LORYSOr a HE PITTSBURGH FS YNOD 139 


of the overburdened institution in 1902, by raising $8,418 
Oreetnom depts er CruCcidmeevcnus iiethe history, off the~ school 
occurred in 1903, when the board of trustees was of- 
Feccdemes tO 000 Sutorusthe:. removal of , Thiel” College \.to 
Greensburg. With the approval of the synod, the board at- 
tempted to effect this removal; but the effort was successfully 
contested in the courts by the citizens of Greenville, with the re- 
sult that the school was reopened at Greenville, September 12, 
1907. While the buildings had been kept in a fair condition dur- 
ing the litigation, the student body had been widely scattered, 
and it became necessary to make an entirely new start. The 
friends of Greensburg showed a fine spirit after the final decis- 
ion, and once more became ardent supporters of the school. The 
synod resolved at once to raise a fund of $100,000, and redouble 
its efforts to make the institution a success. The cornerstone of 
the administration building was laid, September 12, 1912, and the 
finished structure dedicated, September 3, 1913. It was a three- 
story building of brick and stone, admirably adapted to the needs 
of the institution, and cost $76,358. When the synod raised a 
Quadri-Centennial Fund in 1917, Thiel College received a timely 
Sittroles20,00125 Erony L915,t0 1920 ithe District synod of, Ohio 
co-operated with the Pittsburgh Synod in the management and 
support of the institution. Beginning with the last year of the 
World War, when a Student Army Training Corps of 93 mem- 
bers was maintained, greater fields opened for Thiel. Doctor E. 
F. Ritter did highly successful work from 1918 to 1925 in the 
held, and the synodical merger of 1919, together with the semi- 
centennial campaign, gave great impetus to the work. The cash 
received from this campaign was about $137,000. <A fine gym- 
nasium was erected on the campus at a cost of $112,000, the citi- 
zens of the town agreeing to raise $100,000 for the purpose. 
Year by year the standards of the institution were raised, and it 
was placed upon the list of accredited colleges in 1922. At that 
time the annual budget had reached $62,000, of which about 
$12,000 was contributed by the Pittsburgh Synod and the Board 
of Education of the United Lutheran Church. The following 
table will show the development of the college during this period: 


140 HISTOR YOR MIEIRGR Tess BURG Hew) 


THIEL COLLEGE OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 










































































1870-1919 
n 
= = 
wn | cA D Pet 
n| v oO c oo 
ay President Plol|s a 5 oes 
8h Ee ch wees Sih seo + 
oe $ i) esi ee a a eee oO 
an Ju in}o| gt | >a a) 
1870-1871|a Rev...Henry W. Roth, D.D....... es S038 es BE B23 1 Sin wee ea Sad eee ee |e eee 
1871 -187ZiaeRev., -Elenty saVVew Rothe aD seers SP Sie) [eee Oral 4 ieee eee 26:4 25ers 
1872218/73laeRevaweleni: ya WV Ot tame lot) eee ee 4! 61}... SOG 2 tees Ph Viod eles | Reman Fe 
1873-1874 la (Rev. Elentzyas Wie Is Ot ate hE) sentra nn A/S \itO| Mees DMs tate ee 30,000} 12,427 
1874-1875|a Reve Henry W. Roth) aD Ds AlESSRRSigee 4 OOG ee eee 3 10,000 
1875218/6leek eve Liengy Wee lCotl gl Cl) sense smereee Ae OSia ot AUS L le aha 40,000} 20,000 
187621877] aiRe ve. Elentiy a Vee ROLDR at) 1) aaeereneaee 79 eee 4 | ee eee 20,000 
1877-1878) sRev. Hletity = Wi Rothe. Die eee: Se LOO eZee 45469) C8 2-264 eae eee 1,168 
187821879| Shey. tlennys We givOth msl) cme eee | 5| 96} 10 6, 122150525264 ever | 2,952 
18792 1880) Revver Eenryae We Oth wl D)e eee SIRS Sat 4.7721 re5 Ceo 95 eae 16,474 
1880-1881) Rev. Henry W.. Roth, D.Don. ict Rar Wr ak 9 7d BRE EI we Shoe | 3,424 
1B8L=1 882" Rev. Leuty. Werk othen 4D seers Bel 4 O86 ea alt eee 6,153 
1882-1883 eRe vow Hlentpyer Vie etOtlisms eID nee ens | 7} 98] 10 5 236 us tee ete ae ee 8,103 
1883-1884! Reva Elenny VV Oth ala eee: , QUID EL | 10, 1 SLi are ere eee ee 11,420 
1884-1885} Rev. Henry W. Roth, D.D. ou... 7| 86| 11 Fj O49 Re ts eee ee 10,637 
1885-1886) Rev. Henry W. Roth, DiDie os 7| 84) 12 VIN yo mete alll Nahe Fa ot 11,289 
188621887 SiRev.s Henry AW. ek Othie DE Depa ee ee AOS 22 OO 779 | eee ae ae ees 8,306 
1887-1888|b Rev. David McKee cies ce SIS Sale Sia 101, te ees tee eee 5,494 
1888-1889] Rev. William A. Beates, A.M........... 81114} 10 (PIS HES Kees toe wot vs ; 3,603 
1889-1899! Rev. William A. Beates, NUM eee 10|127| 19 8,022 10,412 
1390-1891 bee. eAn "Ga ViCiet ee) smell ib) naan 11/105), 12) 8,618) 65,656) 53,333). 12,287 
1891-1892] Rev. F. A. Muhlenberg, D. Dae SLU TISI Si) 9,06018 965.949) eae 12,074 
1892-1893] Rev. F. A. Muhlenberg, D. De DD el ill Ue 4 465366: 454 eee 15,421 
1893-1894] Rev. Theophilus B. Roth, DD. see DILO4\ 7s LI OlA 66484) ene, 6,306 
1894-1895] Rev. Theophilus B. Roth, D.D...........! 14/178] 6] 14,120) 67,444) .cc.. 15,553 
1895-1896} Rev. Theophilus B. Roth, D.D.......... | 1S el ie 89720 ee 5924 97ers 13,912 
1896-1897] Rev. Theophilus B. Roth, D.D.......... WIS | 7 ee 22940 592000 mien eee 10,129 
1897-1898} Rev. Theophilus B. Roth, D.D.......... ba ROMDIOLS7b 12-5031 coe een ae 11,910 
1898-1899] Rev. Theophilus B. Roth, D.D. ....... DAS Gi eee le LO 98 beeen rer eee 12,843 
1899-1900] Rev. Theophilus B. Roth, D.D.......... O11 STi Ol 105375) ieee le sae eee 171 
1900-1991) -Rev. Theophilus B. Roth, D.D. ........ Oi 150)) 214 he B04 13 Were aie ree 13,636 
1901-1902} Rev. Theophilus B. Roth, D.D.......... 11/148) °20| 9,594)" 61,035 22. ..0s 14,042 
1992-1993] Rev. Theophilus B. Roth, D.D.......... SST TO Pe ks et 611-200) eee: 13,184 
1903-1907\""schoo! (Closed 2 ah pases eee. : ay Me ores Paces, Sete leet ec es. et 
1907-1908 dP rot nO tint ke aD Cite eee eee 607A ae 5 OLS et OL el (7a eee 11,120 
1O08 31909 di BrOla Ore ald een cite eee eee 8} 90} ... GAN ten PIU oe Bo Deo Fil 
1999-1910] Rev. C. Theodore Benze, D.D............... OOS a FmalleS6Si sO eee eee om 24,043 
1910-1911] Rev. C: Theodore Benze, D.D.«..2..2.. 11/114} 9} 13,769} 61,202) 79,800) 22,168 
1911-1912| Rev. C. Theodore Benze, D.D. ........... 12/109] 10} 12,435] 61,202] 155,858) 25,074 
1912-1913] Rev..C. Theodore Benze, D.D............... PODS ee 10624 eo 202 eee 28,487 
191921914 beP rotate By osa wv elim ihe) eee ners WAL T23) 01a aeS OS SiO 202 emacs 27,269 
1914-1915) SProth. Bao wivelsaie Hed) ian ee 14 OSA 02 562 enol cO2e nese 31,207 
1915-19161 G) Prottere ea, Beye wave! meet) ene 15/144) 13h 13 5172|, 7615404 |e 33,019 
1916-1917|> Rev. HH? W. Elson PhDs. cuits cle | bostelol elas 783m 62287 nena aes OU) 
1917-1918] Rev. H. W. Elson, Ph. pat WittsD ye sia13 6Sie22) ie AOS mn Ols2 07 amen 39,029 
1918-1919] Rev. H. W. Elson, Ph.D., Litt.D. | 13/263] 14 31,771| 64,614] 250,000} 18,089 
as i. First Proressor a b. Acting President. 
c. Estimated original endowment. d. Dean of the Faculty. 
e. Actual original endowment. 





Of the 420 young people graduated from Thiel during the 
period under review, about 130 elected to er‘2r the gospel min- 
istry in the Lutheran Church. All the beneficiaries of the synod 
were sent to Thiel for their classical course, and usually to Phil- 
adelphia or Chicego for theology. The synod’s work of minis- 
terial education was under the. supervision of a committee of 
three ministers, 1868-1895, after which it was placed under the 
care of the Eerecutrve’ Committee. “The records ‘show that 145 
young men received aid from the synod during the period, of 


HislORY OF) THE PITTSBURGH 


SYNOD 14] 


whom two died in school and twenty-nine others failed to com- 


plete the prescribed course. 


The successful candidates were: 





Albert, John S. 
Ash, Jacob 
Baker, Isaac Oliver 
Baker, W. Howard 
Baker, Lewis Jacob 
Beisecker, Ludwig 
Benko, Matthew 


Bierdeman, Gustav A. 


Blethen, Charles E. 
Boerstler, Adam 
Boord, James Albin 
Booth, J. Richard 
Born, Ernest 
Bossants Esak: 
Brosius, Howard E. 
Catlin, Roy. .E: 
Critchlow, George W. 
Cronlan EG: 
Daugherty, E. H. 
Deck, John B. 
Debendarfer, D. L. 
Delo, Joshua Howe 
Dockter, Albert W. 
Dozer, Charles E. 
Durst, Robert Ream 
Elson, Samuel R. 
Fischer, J. Leonard 
Freesman, C. A. 
Frey, William E. 
Frick, Darrel C. | 
Frischkorn, John A. 
Gauger, Charles 
Gebhardt, H. K. 
Gehr, G. Franklin 
Genzmer, Arel A. 
Goehring, Norman D. 
Graf, John Henry 


Graham, Ernest O. 


Hankey, Benjamin F. 
Hankey, Jacob M. 
Hansen, Joseph 
Haworth, Frederick F. 
Heckert, John F. 
Ischinger, Robert H. 
Knauer, John L. 
Johnson, L. H: 

Juras, Peter 

Keck, Albert H. 
Klinger, Ezekiel 
Kuhn, Samuel W. 
Kunkle iGe B. 
Lemcke, F. C. E. 
Lintwed, Charles B. 
Lomen, Knut O. 
Ludwig, William 
Lund, Emil G. 
McCreary, Charles K. 
McIntosh, Aden B. 
McMurray, Hugo L. 
Metzenthin, W. E. 
Miller, Daniel Dawson 
Morentz, Paul I. 
Mueller, John 
Murray, Waldo Emerson 
Myers, John Wesley 
Myers, John J. 
Myers, Solomon D. 
Nicklaus, Victor A. 
Obenauf, H. F. 
Paulson, Stephen 
Pearch, Loren O. 
Peters, Hiram 

Piel, C. Alton 

Potts, Edward M. 
Reed, Charles E. 
Rees, Gomer C. 


Reinartz, John G. 
Robb, Jonas K. 
Roth, John D. 
Rupp, Lewis W. 
Sachse, Henry 
Scheffer, John Amos 
Schmid, Herman J. 
Selcer, A. E. 
Shanor, Henry K. 
Shirey, Fred W. 
Sigurdson, Thorkell O. 
Sipes, Hiram H. 
Slabej, Martin 
Snyder, Frank Carl 
Spiggle, Charles Krauth 
Seaman) seus. 
Stahlman, C. D. 
Stough,. By By: 
Stough, William L. 
Strobel, Franklin E. 
Sumons, Adam C. 
Sumstine, David R. 
Swingle, W. M. 
Tope, Homer W. 
Ulrich, George IL. 
Wallace, Ira W. 
Weiskotten, C. P. 
Weiskotten, T. F. 
Welfley, E. S. 
Wenzel, Bernard 
Wetzler, Paul L. 
Whitmore, Frank E. 
Whitteker, John E. 
Lavitinc lames 
Zane youtsms 
Zimmerman, Robert M. 
Zundel, John A 
Zundel, William A. 





The large number of institutions, in which the Pittsburgh 


Synod has had a direct or indirect interest, were chiefly due to 
the genius 2nd spirit of Doctor William A. Passavant. When 
he visited the Kaiserswerth institution of the Fatherland in 1846, 
he at once saw the possibilities of such work in the Lutheran 
Church of America, and secured from Pastor Theodore Flied- 
ner the promise of four deaconesses for the establishment of a 
hospital in Pittsburgh. The details of the founding of this pio- 
neer institution are given in a previous chapter. Inasmuch as 
the Pittsburgh Synod of 1849 was too weak to carry out his large 
and far reaching plans for institutional work, Doctor Passavant 
secured a charter for “The Institution of Protestant Deacon- 
esses”, May 3, 1850, and placed his work upon an intersynodical 
basis. The objects of the “Institution”, as stated in the charter, 
are» the relief of the sick and insane, the care of the orphans, 
the education of youth and the exercise of mercy to the unfortu- 
nate and: destitute’™. 


The first board of managers consisted or Rev. W. A. Pas- 
savant, director; Rev. Gottlieb Bassler, vice-director; Rev. J. 
Vogelbach; Mr. EF. Rahn, treasurer; and Sister Elizabeth Hup- 





PRESIDENTS OF THIEL COLLEGE 


2. William A. Beates 3. F. A. Muhlenberg 
4. Theophilus B. Roth 1. Henry W. Roth 5. C. Theodore Benze 
6. F. B. Sawvel 8. C. A. Sundberg 7. Henry W. Elson 


HISTORY OF (lH PIDISBURGH SYNOD 143 


perts, directing sister. Doctor William A. Passavant, Jr., his 
son, then took up the work with a commendable spirit and served 
until called by death, July 1, 1901; since Angust 1, 1902, Doctor 
Herman L,. Fritschel has filled the position as director. It was 
not the purpose of the founder to depend upon German deacon- 
esses for this work of mercy, but to build up a strong American 
diaconate. In this he was deeply disappointed. All but one 
of the four deaconesses from Kaiserswerth withdrew before 
1851, but American deaconesses were slow in coming forward 
to fill their places. ‘The first American woman to offer herself 
for this work was Sister Louisa Marthens of First Church, 
Pittsburgh, who was consecrated by Doctor Passavant in 1849. 
As late as the year 1863 the group of sisters numbered but nine. 
Some of the sisters rendered valuable service in the war hos- 
pitals of Virginia... Not until near the close of his life was Doc- 
tor Passavant permitted to see the organization of a mother- 
house. This was effected by Doctor J. F. Ohl at Milwaukee in 
1893, Sister Martha Gensike serving as the directing sister. A 
complete course of instruction was then introduced, and the num- 
ber of sisters gradually increased to fifty-two in 1923. These 
sisters came from the following synods: Iowa Synod, 25; United 
Lutheran Church, 11; Wisconsin Synod, 6; Joint Synod of Ohio, 
4; Missouri Synod, 2; Scandinavian Synods, 2; Germany, 2. 
Of the institutions connected with this “Colony of Mercy’, the 
Passavant Hospital of Pittsburgh was opened as the Pittsburgh 
Infirmary, July 13; 1849. 


The two orphans admitted to the Infirmary, April 15, 1852, 
were the first fruits of a work that resulted in the establishment 
of the Zelienople Orphan’s Home and Farm School in 1854, and 
the Girls’Orphan’s Home at Rochester in 1862. The Wartburg 
Orphanage of Mount Vernon, N. Y., was started in 1866 with 
boys from the Zelienople Home, but later became a separate cor- 
poration. The Jacksonville Orphange was started in 1870 with 
girls from the Rochester Home, but this work was soon discon- 
tinued. The Milwaukee Hospital, which now ministers annually 
to more than 3,000 patients at a cost of $160,000, was founded 
byawoctor Passavant in lS63 4and was-the frst Protestant Hos- 
pital of America west of Pittsburgh. When the site of this insti- 
tution was selected by Doctor Passavant, it was nothing more 
than a corn field on a hill outside the city limits ; today it is recog- 
nized as the finest hospital site in the city. Broad streets lead up 
to its spacious grounds and there stop and pay respect to the keen 
foresight of its founder. The Passavant Hospital of Chicago 
was founded in 1865; the Jacksonville Hospital in 1875; but both 
of these institutions were managed as separate corporations. The 
Layton Home for Invalids was erected on the grounds of the 
Milwaukee Hospital in 1907, 


144 HISTORY “OP THE ELT SBURGH SYNOD 


“The Passavant Memorial Homes for the Care of Epilep- 
tics” was established by Rev. W. A. Passavant, Jr., in 1896, mak- 
ing use of the buildings of the Rochester Orphanage after the 
girls of that institution had been transferred to Zelienople. These 
buildings are located on the hills above Rochester, commanding 
a wide view of.the beautiful Ohio Valley, and include Elizabeth 
Hall, administration building, farm buildings, a men’s cottage 
and a beautiful stone chapel. The first director was Rev. Jacob 
Ash, who served from 1896 to 1898. Since 1903, when the 
trustees of the original association transferred the Homes to the 
Institution of Protestant Deaconesses, they have been under the 
care of Rev. F. W. Kohler. About one hundred afflicted per- 
sons are cared for in this institution every year; and the sisters 
render a daily service of mercy that appeals to the deepest feel- 
ings of the Christian heart. .Many of the churches of the Pitts- — 
burgh Synod make an annual contribution for its support, and 
the number of helpful friends is being steadily increased. 


The beginnings of orphan work in Zelienople are traced to 
September 1, 1852, when twenty-five acres of ground were 
bought from Joseph Ziegler. Here a substantial brick cottage 
was built in 1853, which was occupied by Rev. Gottlieb Bassler 
as the first director in the early spring of 1854. This is the 
building that stands nearest the entrance to the grounds. Ou 
May 8, 1854, the actual work of the Home was begun with eight 
boys brought from the Pittsburgh Infirmary. With the possible 
exception of that of Doctor Muhlenberg of New York, which was 
inspired by the same source, this was the first Protestant Or- 
phange of America. The cornerstone of the central building 
was destroyed by fire, December 6, 1862. ‘The second central 
building met a similar fate, May 7, 1887, but the Insurance Com- 
pany promptly paid the loss, and no permanent material dam- 
age resulted. Hospitable homes in Zelienople were opened to 
the children, and their distress was temporary. By legacies re- 
ceived from Rev. Charles Avery, John A. Roebling, and Mrs. 
Zelie Passavant, the original farm was increased to 400 acres. 
While title to this property vested in the Institution of Protest- 
ant Deaconesses after the enabling Act of May 1, 1861, pastors 
and congregations of the synod regarded the Home as their own 
and provided generous support. A board of visitors held annual 
meetings at the Home, and gave its work wide publicity among 
the churches. Not until 1922 was the charter of the “Institu- 
tion” so amended as to give the management and control of the 
Home to a Pittsburgh Synod Board. ‘The Rochester Orphans’ 
Home was opened, May 14, 1862, when the girls were trans- 
ferred from Pittsburgh under the care of Rev. Henry Reck and 
Sister Elizabeth Hupperts. ‘Two separate orphanages were main- 
tained until 1895, when the boys and girls were reunited at Zeli 


HISLORY-OF THE) PITTSBURGH SYNOD 145 


enople. In 1895 there were 53 boys and 24 girls in the Home, 
supported at a cost of $5,692; in 1919 there were 70 boys and 
46 girls whose maintenance cost $16,286. ‘The estimated value 
of buildings and grounds in the merger year was $300,000. In 
the spring of 1924, churches of the synod conducted an enthusi- 
astic campaign, which yielded the greater part of a fund of $80,- 
OOO for the erection of a modern school building. From one to 
four sisters of the Milwaukee Motherhouse have regularly 
served here. ‘The directors of the Home have served in the fol- 
lowing order: Rev. Gottleib Bassler, 1854-1868; Rev. D. L. De- 
bendarfer, 1868-1877; Rev. John A. Kribbs, 1877-1909; Rev. C. 
W. White, 1909 to the present. 


“The Bethesda Home of the Pittsburgh Synod of the Evan- 
gelical Lutheran Church” was established, February 6, 1919, 
when the Crawford County farm of William S$. Wise was do- 
nated for the purpose. A board of directors was elected by the 
synod, which held its first meeting in Meadville, August 6, 1919, 
and effected a permanent organization. The Home was opened 
with six children, November 24, 1920, but Mae Beaumont was 
taken into the Saegertown home of the superintendent ten days 
earlier. The frst superintendent was ‘Rev. Ralph W. Yeany, 
who was installed by the president of the board on the first Visit- 
ors’ Day, September 23, 1920. ‘The first children were cared for 
in the farm house, since the first permanent building was not 
erected and dedicated until September 4, 1922. his first build- 
ing was a two-story structure of brick and stone, erected at an ap- 
proximate cost of $53,000, a large part of which was secured ina 
synodical campaign. To the original farm of 200 acres Mr. 
Wise added Sunset Lodge, which contained eight acres. Fifty- 
four acres were also secured by purchase from others. The need 
of the Home was proven by the fact that twenty-one children 
were cared for during the first year, while as many more appli- 
Cations. .were denied’ The enrollment of children in 1923 was 
forty-nine. Special attention has been given to delinquents; and 
the Home is making successful pioneez experiments in this new 
and important phase of orphanage work. The children attend the 
services of the Saegertown Church. 

“The Old Peoples’ Home of the Pittsburgh Synod. of the 
Evangelical Lutheran Church” was incorporated, October 14, 
1905. ‘The desirability of such an institution was first presented 
to the synod in 1894 by the Ministerial Relief Association. A 
special committee was appointed, which recommended that a 
fund for the purpose be established under the care of the asso- 
ciation, but nothing definite was done until 1903, when it was 
decided to locate the Home at Zelienople if suitable grounds 
could be secured. At first it was decided to lease the Orphans’ 
Home triangle from the Institution of Protestant Deaconesses 


146 HISTORY OF SUELE AR Tiss Uk Gime GD) 
for a nominal sum; but this plan was abandoned, and eight acres 
adjoining were bought for $1,857. To this Mrs. Jane R. Passa- 
vant then added the beautiful ten-acre grove of native oaks, 
which add such charm to the present institution. This grove 
was then valued at $10,000. A constitution for the proposed 
Home was approved by the synod in 1905, under which the fol- 
lowing members of the board of managers were elected; Rev. 
Edmund Belfour, Rev. |>L, ssmithye Rev. (DiaMKemercouenacs 
RoR. FE. Boethelt, Reve AR Yount Key VW | MinilenaVy aia 
Steinmeyer,’ John Bl, Kaercher, slames ohearcr,=| Osepin sommes 
man; C. $. Passavant, Fred Lingenfelser, W. E. Bonzo, and “W) 
H. Blank. The Muntz homestead in Zelienople was rented for 
temporary quarters, and here the institution was opened with 
Sister Katherine Foerster as matron, April 1, 1907. The first 
aged couple was admitted, May 8, 1907, and eight guests were 
accommodated during the first year. Two cottages were built 
for $10,737, and two sections of the main building completed at 
a cost of $23,682, which were occupied, May 1, 1908. Only thir- 
teen guests could be accommodated in these limited quarters, and 
Joseph S. Seaman of Pittsburgh then agreed to give $20,000, if 
the synod would raise $30,000 for their enlargement. The offer 
was accepted, and the synodical effort yielded $41,082. The total 
cost of the administration building and its left wing was $6l,- 
207, not including furnishings, and the service of dedication was 
held, September 19, 1918. In addition to his generous gift to 
the building fund, Mr. Seaman placed a fund of $50,000 in trust, 
the income of which is to be used in the support of the Home 
so long as it remains under the control of the Pittsburgh Synod. 
This trust fund amounted to $51,517 in 1924. Of the eighty- 
four guests admitted to the Home during the first seventeen 
years, all but twelve were members of the Lutheran Church. The 
following table shows its gradual development : 

OLD PEOPLES HOME OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD _ 1907-1923 





| 
































= ae 

v = a til gee 

Gash lieky 5 n © a ies 3 

Matron 2 m Ee 2 = ° = 7 a = 

: elalelzl & | & | SeClez 

g o|.2|.2) 5] & e/a Pelee 

el < |ea o| fa all y ea rong SMQaltea 
1907-1908|Sister Katherine Foerster ........0..ccccc00- Bil oes 5 LS 14Se ees $ 42,000|$1.42 
1908-1909|Sister Katherine Foerster... AIS Gy eee 4 1382 eee: 48,568) .86 
1909-1910|/Sister Katherine Foerster ......0....cc. Chie abies: 12 2 65 6\ie wee 50,001) .69 
1910-1911|Sister Katherine Foerstetr............0.0c00 3 Bek | edb: 3) 200) | eee 54,624! .68 
1921912 | Sister Katherine -Hoensteige tee oe 1] 14 ZeOollien eee 55,024} .60 
1912-1913|Sister Katherine Foerster... cece ¥ lied ZO]. One eee 55.024" 2.56 
1913-1914|Sister Katherine Foerster... lia 1} 13 i445 sae em 55.0241 272 
1914-1915|Sister Katherine Foerster ........00.. i is ech a) SHON Saved 5s 7 Oi eoe 
1915-1916|Sister Katherme Foerster .2..2..2.0:10...0: A eee? | S227 ee 55,791| .68 
1916-1917|Sister Katherine Foerster ........................ P licen 3,805} 50,000! 62,582) .72 
1917-1918)Sister Katherine Foerster «0.0... ie PALAIS DL SOH moOL0SOT LILO OSSie 20s 
1918-1919|Sister Katherine Foerster...........ccccccce: ae) i 2 abs! 6,736} 53,546} 119,285] .97 
1919-1920/Sister Katherine Foerstetf.............0cc00. 121 Se eros 7,734} 55,113) 124,934] .95 
1920-1921|Sister Katherine Foerster.........0.0.00. Ol 2 8i 28 9,923} 57,997) 127,107| .96 
1921-1922|Sister Katherine Foerster... 8| 2) 8] 26} 10,464) 59,940} 127,305) 1.03 
1922-1923|Sister Katherine Foerster .... 9} 4] 2| 29] 11,701) 63,051] 129,618] 1.19 

















ATdONAITAZ ‘AINOH SA1dOdd AIO AHL 


EE EE TE A AR SS LT 





148 POS TORY OFS cWEUB Ss Pate bs Cia er) 1) 


“The Lutheran Home for the Aged of Erie, Pa.” was incor- 
porated in 1906. It was founded by members of St. John’s 
Church as a testimonial:to Pastor GieAX Benze, «The consti 
tion of the Home places its management and control under a 
board of directors, to which all members of the Pittsburgh Synod 
congregations of Erie are eligible. The Old Ladies’ Home, then 
located on St. John’s property, was selected as the place in which 
to begin the work, and the first guests were received, March 1, 
1906. ‘The building was enlarged at a cost of $6,000 in 1907, 
and again in 1909 at an expense of $5,000, so that it now has 
50 rooms. Valuable ground to the west of Erie was secured in 
1917 at a cost of $12,500, and here the permanent institution will 
be located. The first matron was Mrs. H. F. Kalbe, 1906-1911, 
and her successor Sister Frieda of the Philadelphia Mother- 
house. Eleven guests were admitted during the first year, and 
the average number accommodated during recent years has been 
about thirty. The sum of $1,000 was set aside as endowment in 
1907, and this has since been increased to $19,500. While the 
Home is not officially connected with the Pittsburgh Synod, it 
is given the hearty support of all the Lutherans of Erie County. 


In harmony with its institutional spirit, the synod has pro- 
vided fertile soil for the Inner Mission. Beginnings in this field 
of work are traced to a resolution of the Erie Conference, which 
was considered by the synod in 1905. A committee was appoint- 
ed, which recommended the opening of a city mission in Pitts- 
burgh and the calling of a superintendent at a salary of $1,500. 
As the idea grew in favor, the desirability of placing the work 
upon an intersynodical basis became more apparent; and “The 
Lutheran Inner Mission Society of Pittsburgh” was organized 
with 160 members, April 18, 1907. It included members of the 
General Council, General Synod, Joint Synod of Ohio and Aug- 
ustana Synod. It was fourth among the eighteen Inner Mission 
Societies of America in point of time, but is now first in point 
of membership. A rented home on the corner of Amber street 
and Friendship avenue was dedicated as a hospice, November 11, 
1907, with Rev. A. J. D. Haupt as the first superintendent. The 
work was that of a family hospice, but there were never more 
than ten guests accommodated at one time. The North. Avenue 
hospice was bought for $25,000 in 1917, and renovated at an 
additional cost of $3,000. Mrs. Lewis Hay has served as matron 
from the beginning, looking after the welfare of 32 regular 
guests. The Bayard street student house was bought for $25,- 
OOO in 1892, and renovated at an additional cost of $10,000. Mrs. 
Shaw was the first matron, caring for about 28 Lutheran stu- 
dents. The Lutheran Training School began, January 10, 1921, 
and has been conducted as a night school under devoted teachers. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 149 


The average enrollment for the first three years was about 100 stu- 
dents. The summer camp at Zelienople, under the management of 
Rev. Frank W. Richter, has been a great success. Hospital visita- 
tion, family welfare, institutional service and open air meetings 
also have a place on the program of the society, which now has an 
annual budget of $40,000. The following men have served as su- 
perintendent:) GRheveR! [i Durtiaupt; (1907-1910; Rev. John 
Mueller, 1911-1913; Rev. Ambrose Hering, 1914-1925. 


The solving of the problem of aged and disabled pastors 
was undertaken by the Pittsburgh Synod as early as 1851, when 
the ‘Widows’ Fund” was established. After a few years this 
was supplanted by the “Disabled Pastors’ and Widows’ Fund”. 
Neither of these plans was fully satisfactory, and the ‘“Ministe- 
rial Relief Association of the Pittsburgh Synod of the Evangel- 
ical Lutheran Church” was formed by the adoption of a consti- 
tution, August 27, 1888. The annual dues were fixed at ten 
dollars, with an additional assessment of four dollars when a 
death occurred, while the benefits were limited to such monthly 
allowances as circumstances required. At first the receipts were 
small, but a certain percentage of receipts was placed in a per- 
manent fund, which amounted to $9,605 in 1919. After the 
synodical merger the association ceased to function, and its 
funds were transferred to the Board of Ministerial Relief of 
the United Lutheran Church. Another “Emergency Relief 
Fund” was created by the synod in 1917, and placed at the dis- 
posal of the officers, the interest on which has given much com- 
fort to needy ministers and their families in times of protracted 
distress. ‘This fund amounted to more than $4,000 in 1919. The 
interest on the Lewis Trauger trust fund is also administered 
by the officers of the synod through this channel. 


In the financial development of the synod the laymen filled 
a large and important place. Largely because of an accumulated 
synodical debt of $15,000, the Laymen’s Movement of the Pitts- 
burgh Synod was organized in 1909, with David H. Rankin of 
Penn Station as its president. With a praiseworthy devotion he 
organized the laymen of many parishes and created a widespread 
interest in all the benevolent interests of the church. The cele- 
bration of jubilee years was also used as a means of developing 
the. benevolent powers of the synod. The first jubilee of the 
synod was fittingly celebrated at the convention of 1895, when a 
fund of $18,000 was gathered... At the Eighth Jubilee of the 
Reformation in 1917, a well organized campaign yielded $138,- 
600, which was distributed on a percentage basis to a number of 
benevolent causes. Of every $1500, Thiel College received 750, 
General Council Missions 250, Ministerial Relief 150, Old Peo- 
ples’ Home 100, Orphans’ Home 100, Home for Epileptics 50, 


150 His LORYeOP se) Hi eT Teles Bia rie YN) 


Philadelphia Seminary 25, Chicago Seminary 25, Passavant 
Hospital 25, and general needs 25. 


In synodical government, the original constitution of 1845, 
with a few scattered amendments, served the synod until Janu- 
ary 15, 1895, when it was displaced by a new constitution mod- 
elled after that of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania. ‘This con- 
stitution was revised and republished in 1915. The doctrinal 
basis was: 


“The Pittsburgh Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran 
Church confesses that the Canonical Books of the Old and New 
Testaments are the Word of God, given by inspiration of the 
Holy Ghost, and are the clear, only, and sufficient rule of faith 
and life; that the three General Creeds, the Apostles’, the Nicene 
and the Athanasian, exhibit the faith of the Church Universal, 
in accordance with this rule; that the Unaltered Augsburg Con- 
fession is, in all parts, in harmony with the rule of faith, and is 
a correct exhibition of doctrine; and that the Apology, the two 
Catechisms of Luther, the Smalcald Articles and the Formula 
of Concord, are a faithful development and defense of the doc- 
trines of God’s Word -and of the Augsburg Confession. All 
questions concerning the faith of the Church, its Ministers or 
Congregations, and the administration of the Word and Sacra- 
ments, shall be judged and decided acording to this Rule and 
these Confessions.” 


The question of making the president of synod a salaried 
officer was warmly debated for several years, and finally adopt- 
ed by a close vote in 1913. The first salaried president was Rev. 
G. Franklin Gehr, D.D., who served from 1913 to 1919. During 
the period under review the synod had the following presidents: 
Rev. Guttlieb Bassler, 1867-1868; Rev. Henry W. Roth, D.D., 
(Acting), 1868; Rev. George A. Wenzel, D.D., 1868-1870; Rev. 
Henry Wom othe Wels 1871- 1873: Rev. Samuel Kaircdalouos 
1874-1876; Rev. William F. Ulery, iow 1879; Rev. William A. 
Passavant, D.D., 1880-1882; Rev. Edmund Belfour, D.D.,’ 1883- 
1884: Rev. J. K. Melhorn, 1885-1887; Rev. J. A. Kunkelman, 
DID2LSceel S90 ah eve James Oy Waters, 1$9121893;-} Rev len: 
einen’ De 1894-1896; Rev. A. L. Yount, Debs 1897- 
1899; Rev. Edmund Belfour, D.D., (second term), 1900- 1902 ; 
Reve Davide EesGeissincer, D Dy 1903-1904; Rev. William iS 
Miller, D.D., 1905-1907; Rev. C. Theodore Benze;.D,D., 1908- 
[909" sKRev=Georveg|: Gongaware, D.D., 1910-1912; Rew G. 
Franklin Gehr}=D.D., 41913-1919. One of the notable features 
of the government of the synod during this period was the long 
service of Doctor D. M. Kemerer as secretary. He transcribed 
the proceedings of no less than thirty-four conventions during 


PISTORVIOR THE PIL SBUKRGHeoYNOD 


151 


his three terms: 1872-1876; 1884-1888; 1893-1919. The follow- 
ing table will show the steady development of the synod through 
the course of the years: 








Year 
ee 
fe) 
nD 
w 
Ay 
NR Yeteh, an 8 Pele ie oe rE 58 
SG apes he e eines Siieccde. 56 
INYAD) adie eames, ae 56 
1 Sel ee te een eRe Uh, re 57 
LR Deep a a Ree ch eotete es, cao 59 
Keine SS ae eee ae 55 
RF ASN ee ee toe fo an. 2 56 
IIS WAS) + ke eee ed wa aE 59 
IRSA sys Ree’ RE te eee Be 64 
1877 ein te SRA ees sort 65 
IPC VAot, set RN eS ee 69 
IV ASE aS Ti ee ee Eee Meera 70 
TOS O Me crys AEN Re ee ae. Al 
TS Steer ee eee ee EO 75 
LBRO preee men Weisat aM SCs el Lay 77 
| SOS terete ee te tee ti, 81 
deter k= ae Mice ek RENT ot RP et 83 
LSS Spares eae c ee aie 88 
8.8 GMa er en een Rear 94 
Datel pia tet GN, cat Oe RUE pera 99 
BSS shee swe are fy tae eer 107 
NRO eN ge ee a eae A ace 116 
SOO NeReRR EE cna ote ea 118 
RO Teer ee Geen eet bes Lane 125 
ee Ala OA eo eee, 127 
TEESE EY et 8 ee RR AS a, 125 
1 SO4 eee ees Pacts: ied AE 125 
S95 see ec cet ceed ey a 125 
SOC gree tee. Ce ae 136 
JE aL tee, eee Bee RN ie 142) 
TSO S Mieetaetint dade a5 deta, 139 
INS 5 on Nea ee eee Cee 138 
SOMES. ater aaa 140 
IROL sop 5 cao Be kt © ce ee a 136 
LSU Oe ere ee eae 141 
OOS Ue ee ae tea Reha cco 133 
1904 ree PRINT TS eo Ee 13t 
LOO Se eee par enes ede tenes e 137 
RSTO), cee er eer, PLR et 136 
Gg? Pa ae en 138| 
SOS memes eee emis it 148 
CIOS) oat oe Ds oe ey ee ew 148 
ROO Wl 2. sce hate 3a Uo ei oe Se ak i 153 
LOL eee ee pete nee eae 150 
pO MGA, ue. SOR TS VAs Seem or See ee 150 
IESE EGE get oe SDS GRO SE ON pale 149 
LOT ARR ere eh ON oe 149 
19 [Stee ee ee ae OR ty 152 
19 OME S SOT Pays 5 2 ot 0 158 
ROWE Ss d ale NS 5 EY 157 
LOTS Braet t hee: hae sete 156 
LOT ORR ee Retr ee eT 155 














TABLE OF PROGRESS 
PITTSBURGH SYNOD OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 


Churches 









































1868-1919 
lke ca eee a 
3 a 35 
3 Orbea 
mee oe =a 
So] s| 22 | 2a 
errs Sole cures he, Gakic 
cad n EG) ~~ UN 
Bali VOR n oS a ieee i 
Cake One OO 
$5605 1092215471483) eens 
B20 RON wee O74 ete ea 
10,343 eov ie ee coe rte 
10,846) 5576) eee oe 
167 SOREL 421 ees: 
10,958) © 34? 2,266! 35)con.. 
OHCU Ce Ao GRE Vd elem. 
F067 eo 54 ee es 
10759 econ 2.025) a 
115225230) War, 361 ite 
PY SOTA 26) tes 3471 ee 
P7036) 48 2,590 rece. 
1730012710 2168 tense 
£25876 0 eo Like te 
1316050 291 2,061 ues. 
1468510301) £92,030 vtmecene 
15, 90114929 02,4791 pot cs 
16tbeOi de 28 | glares Toll eee... 
17,598; 30] 1,655 693 
18,000] 35} 5,972 714 
19,000] 35] 6,648 609 
20,368] 44] 8,615]  1,061| 
21,229| 41| 8,275] 1,996 
QO ATT E40 8.62210 41,534 
22,629| 46] 9,462] 1,544 
23,989] 39} 7,317) 1,489 
24,058] 27| 8,379] 2,879 
25,178] 30) 7,192] 1,505 
25,083). 129)" #703118 (1,758 
25,586), B0lin 7,01) 1,505 
26,680 thro e801 e225 
2707744 89). 1 6,110) 1,935 
28,206] 38] 9,982] 3,367 
28,000) 43! |» 8,873] - 2,523 
28,635| © 45)- 7,100|> 2,102 
27,066 44] 9,143] 4,561 
28,209| 40} 10,175} 2,500 
28,461] 41] 9,434] 4,044 
29,1941 40, 8,845] 2,159 
31,392] 48]. *9,173| . 2,620 
31,328) 43]'> 13,138] | 2,563 
29,117} 43| 12,745] 2,269 
31,940] 43] 12,466| 2,944 
32,699] 44] 15,371] 4,161 
31,276] 52| 10,412} 1,414 
32,485| 57| 12,648 869 
31,609} 53) 10,281] 4,989 
32,691] 48] 13,367| 3,674 
35,172} 35] 12,048] 5,409 
37,621; 36] 1,066} 15,188 
38,055} 34 336| 16,445 
39,981| 31 460} 15,287 





Students 


—o Min. 


WC THOUWOMAUMOOOONOAOOMN 


= 


|$329,672|$120,535| 











Contributed to 
Min. Education 


$ 820 


oy 
SS 

\o © 
(CS 


1,119 
650 
310 
645 

1,390 

1,050 
975 

1,065 

TE SHS 

1,587 

e73e 

E27 

1,625 

1,460 


$ 74,986 





n 

3 s 

o 3 

9 = 

a == §& 

ov 0) 

oo 09 

ales) HO 
$  7,818/$ 30,166 
7,217 93,221 
7,027 41,037 
he AE 51,192 
9,960 57,104 
7,110 58,426 
8,157 24,680 
6,489 30,138 
6,297 15,072 
3,978 21,165 
4,483 19,100 
4,906 30,849 
4,514 15,909 
5,550 16,644 
9,117 25,289 
12,846 64,808 
11,636 79,479 
10,735 55,600 
11,789 36,682 
14,113 50,922 
11,673 40,137 
3052531 235,873 
pale, 83,975 
19,053} 143,583 
18,609} 137,827 
19,352} 171,801 
29,829} 179.125 
19,696| 137,734 
15,766} 152,773 
19,986\ 223,372 
24,846] 191,933 
24,696} 185,629 
25,408} 197,780 
32,567} 201,243 
31,642} 209,799 
42,080) 289,006 
30,185} 257,044 
31,656} 255,679 
40,415} 220,848 
35,200} 264,805 
64,751) 297,888 
36,872| 247,668 
39,992} 270,282 
62,261) 342,867 
27,949| 152,325 
44,.445| 249,114 
42,847} 256,141 
44,821] 285,775 
69,200) 355,687 
155,936| 484,903 
180,600) 521,304 
129,564, 515,240 
$1,585 ,986/$8,535,143 

















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CHAPTER VI 
THE GENERAL SYNOD STREAM 


1867-1919 
“Ind Israel rebelled against the House of David to this day.” 


=-) the minority party met in convention at 
Worthington, December 4, 1867, it was but a 
shadow of the Pittsburgh Synod of former days. 
Of the sixty-six pastors enrolled at Greenville, but 
eleven responded to the first roll-call at Worthing- 
ton. The following table indicates their strength: 








Pastors Parishes Delegates Churches Members 
Samiuecheb wbatnitz ees: Wheeling, First ......00..000... George Fricker 0.0.00... 1 95 
JANG. IN Ve Reyer cay SICK) 5 pa ay Se ae EGY DUT Oaeeee eer Baten Rudolph Amsler .....0.0..... 4 165 
Tacobeiion Wie htecette ar d DUCKS Gay ele eee tree Bred ae Oe Be Ne a Se ie ly ete ee 3 226 
John G. Goettman.......00..... Allegheny, Trinity ............. natn ul Avenk or Et 4am 5 OES Aes. 1 210 
Ananias, Sy Millerts......... North Washington ............ Jacob Daubenspeck. ...... 5 212 
Llenipvan Gcdthensen eee. Weathenwoodume eee ee APU HOOVER arte tee 3 71 
S. F. Breckenridge.............. Wiestinorelandine etn. srs 2 John Eta kaiee sete eee 2 164 
Wallan He Crebstence.ie4 Eickingy eee rater en Christopher fox ee 4 167 
JonneeAme i arnestee nae sa.. Kittann tn oan once eel et ee ly ee one Ween mena 3 323 


George F. Ehrenfeld............ Brookville 
J. H. W. Stuckenberg 





NWionrthine Con meee es: cee e Wallan wMieals eee 2 123 
PA DOLLORI AE ier te shel eee WacobmlWenplemen eee 3 110 
PATNA Lin ete ae, Le eee George Kribbs ..1...0......... 5 315 
Leechburg, Hebron ......... Welehen JeGpNl Oh tee. Cte l eee! 1 90 

ys 2270 





It was a small but earnest body, with a deep conviction of 
the justice of their cause. No effort was made to secure a new 
constitution or charter, since the body regarded itself as the 
. Orica Pittsburgh Synod”. A number of statements to this 
effect are found in the printed minutes of the synod; and the 
annual conventions are numbered consecutively from 1845. 
When the “Pittsburgh Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran 
Church” adopted a resolution in 1876: “That synod write a con- 
cise. statement of the status of the Pittsburgh Synod, and of the 
so-called Pittsburgh Synod of the General Synod, and have it in 
sheet form, or otherwise, for distribution, that the churches may 
be enlightened and protected against such disturbers of the peace 
of our congregations’, it was answered by an almost identical reso- 
lution: “That a committee of five, of which the president shall be 
chairman, be appointed to write a concise statement of the status 
of the Pittsburgh Synod, and of the so-called Pittsburgh Synod 
of the General Council, and have it in sheet form, or otherwise, 
for distribution, that the churches may be enlightened and pro- 
tected against such disturbers of the peace of our congregations” 


154 HISTORY OR <RHEAPLE TS BURG He Yu OD 


A committee was appointed to collect the laws of the synod as 
early as 18609, but this committee made no report until 1880, 
when the synod authorized the publication of a pamphlet, con- 
taining the original constitution of 1845, such amendments as had 
been made during the course of the years, the constitutions of 
the Home Mission and Education Societies, resolutions con- 
cerning union with the General Synod, the Testimony of the 
Pittsburgh Synod of 1856, and certain standing rules. This 
pamphlet was the only code of laws recognized by the synod un- 
til October 15, 1897, when a new constitution was adopted under 
the name, “The Pittsburgh Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran 
Church”. The doctrinal basis of the synod, under the new con- 
stitution, was the same as that of the General Synod: “We re- 
ceive and hold, with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of our 
fathers, the Canonical Scriptures 6f the Old and New Testa- 
ments to be the inspired Word of God, and our only infallible 
rule of faith and practice; and the Augsburg Confession to be 
a correct exhibition of the fundamental doctrines of the Divine 
Word, and of the faith of our Church founded upon that Word.” 
In later years the stronger confessional statements of the Gen- 
eral Synod were endorsed; but the foregoing statement remained 
the doctrinal basis of the synod until the year of the merger. 
As for a charter, the synod made no attempt to secure one for 
many years. Business judgment finally prevailed over senti- 
ment ;and the synod was incorporated, February 3, 1902, under 
the cumbersome title, “Pittsburgh Synod of the General Synod 
of the Evangelical lutheran) Church ot the Unitedm statesmen 
America’. But the seal of the new corporation bore the legend: 
“Org. Jan. 15, A. D. 1845”. The minority party at Greenville 
was composed largely of young men, who were able to carry 
heavy burdens with comparative ease. Doctor H. H. Hall thus 


describes the convention that was held in the Lamartine Church 
in 1868: 


28“Tt was chestnut time, and the woods abounded in those nuts. The 
ministers went to the church and attended the synodical sessions with 
their pockets full, and one of the scenes I have before me now is Rev. 
Samuel F. Breckenridge, sitting in a front seat, eating chestnuts and 
pausing to take part in a discussion. The floor was littered each day 
with the shells, and the sexton swept a peck of them out every. morn- 
ing. The leading men of the Synod were: Rev. J. H. W. Stuckenberg, 
Rev. J. G. Goettman, Rev. S. B. Barnitz, Rev. S. F. Breckenridge, Rev. 
J. A. Earnest, Revs J. We schwartz and Rey. Aw Machauchiine bhey 
enjoyed themselves, and were thoroughly devoted to their work. I re- 
member them as follows: Stuckenberg was profound; Goettman was 
a sort of a father to the synod; Barnitz was: father to the orphans; 
Earnest was what his name always implies; Schwartz was geniality it- 
self, and it is no wonder that so lovable a man is so long a pastor in his 
first field in the synod; Breckenridge was keen and logical; McLaugh- 


28—See Historical Collections of the Pittsburgh Synod, Library of the Historical 
Society, Gettysburg Seminary. 


BISLORY (One DHE PLD PS BURGH SY NOD 


a 
Si | 
cn 


lin was the wit of the synod, and brought up more money to the mem- 
ber for benevolence than any other man.” 


From 1867 to 1871 the recuperative power of the synod was 
remarkable. The number of pastors increased from 11 to 23, 
the number of churches from 37 to 49, and the number of mem- 
bers from 2270 to 3603, during the first four years following the 
rupture. ‘Then came fourteen years of comparative stagnation, 
during which the increase of the synod was only 4 pastors, 3 
churches and 896 members. Some of the leaders were greatly 
depressed; and one expressed to Doctor Charles $. Albert the 
conviction that there was no future for the General Synod in 
western Pennsylvania. ‘The general depression appears in the 
report of President George W. Leisher in 1884, and also in the 
reports of the Advisory Committee on Home Missions in 1884 


and 1885: 


29°Vour Advisory Committee on Home Missions respectfully report : 
We have no missions within our bounds, and consequently have no in- 
terests in that direction to represent; but in relation to Messiah Church 
of Pittsburgh, to the condition of which your Missionary President was 
directed by action of synod at its last convention, we may say that, in 
consultation with the President of Synod in relation thereto, it was 
deemed advisable to commend the interests of our Church in Pittsburgh 
to the consideration of the Board of Home Missions; which was done, 
with the earnest request that they send their Secretary as early as pos- 
sible to visit in Pittsburgh, in connection with the President of Synod 
and the Missionary President, with the view of investigating the state 
of affairs as they existed in that church, in order to ascertain whether 
it would be advisable to undertake the establishment of a mission in- 
stead of the former organization, with as many of the members of that 
organization as would unite to form the nucleus of a mission church, un- 
der the control of the Missionary Board. The request of our commit- 
tee was promptly complied with, and Rev. J. A. Clutz, the Secretary of 
the Board, accompanied by Rev. Leisher, President of Synod, visited in 
Pittsburgh amongst the membership there during the period of three 
days, with the following result as reported to your Committee by the 
Secretary: ‘Under the peculiar circumstances, nothing could be done. 
The congregation was too much demoralized to make it worth while to 
attempt to gather them in a new place, which was absolutely necessary 
if any thing at all were done; besides, we could not learn of a single 
room or hall that would have been suitable for services. Since then the 
Sunday School has disbanded, and a number of the most active mem- 
bers of the church have joined other churches; and, therefore, Messiah 
Lutherans Church of Pittsburgh is)a) thine./of: the! past’ 


Messiah Church was regarded as a center.of General Synod 
hopes in the Pittsburgh district, and the news of disbandment 
was depressing. ‘To add to the gloom, the Monongahela Church 
collapsed about the same time. From 1881 to 1885 there was 
not a General Synod mission in western Pennsylvania. The 
synod contributed about $3,000 for home missions during’ that 
period, but not one dollar was spent on her own territory. This 
failure was charged to defective synodical organization. A sal- 
aried officer was needed in the field; and the pastors believed 








29. Minutes of the Pittsburgh Synod, 1884, pp. 27-28. 


i56 HIS LORY “OF (PH EEL SBURCHISyY NOD 


that they were too weak to support one. With this purpose in 
view, Doctor John G. Goettman was sent to the convention ot 
the Alleghany Synod, September 1, 1886, when he made an 
effective appeal for the transfer of the Indiana County 
churches of the Alleghany Synod to the Pittsburgh Synod. The 
action of the Alleghany Synod at the time was: 

“Resolved, That a committee, consisting of the members of the 
Conemaugh Conference, be appointed to act upon the advisability of 
attaching part of this synod to the Pittsburgh Synod; and, as the said 
attachment seems to be for the best interests of the Church at large, it is 
hereby suggested that such division be made.” 

The Conemaugh Conference referred the question to its 
constituent congregations, which voted with commendable unan- 
imity for the change. When the Pittsburgh Synod met in First 
Church, Apollo, September 29, 1887, the following pastors and 
churches were gladly welcomed: 





Pastor Parishes Churches Members 
Rey... Michael’ Colver’ jae. Blarrsvilles eee ee 1 112 
REeVaslewiSu fia Vi eee eee Lind tata et ae ee a 1 200 
Rev. JY We Reésées2 2 eee Homer: City oe ee 3 125 
Rev; Reuben: omits see Grove; Chapelle a ea a) fess: 
Revel He Crissinan ese eee New Florence: t4..2.0.0% 2 65 
Reve Gril Sotreamen sepa SimnicksDuro mss ieee eee 3 283 
MACHT CU Avital itn! ce) oan ae COOkKDOri Seen 4 117 





The coming of these six pastors and their seventeen 
churches put an end to missionary inefficiency in the synod, and 
prepared the way for the election of their first salaried mission- 
ary president on the following day. The first man to fill this 
office was Rev. Isaiah Irvine, whose salary was fixed at $700. 
At the close of the first year the synod faced a deficit of $150; 
at the end of the second year the deficit was even larger; but in 
both instances the necessary funds were quickly made up on the 
Hoor of the convention by the interested pastors, who now began 
to see the far-reaching results of having such an officer in the 
held. A work was then begun, which grew in extent and im- 
portance every year, and created one of the most energetic 
synods in the fellowship of the General Synod. The following 
men filled the office of Missionary President during the period: 





Rev. [sarah lewines twin ee, 2 eee ee Oct. 4, 1887-Oct. 12, 1889 
Rev, (Horace) ba VWVanto tee eee Oct. 13, 1889-Oct. 10, 1892 
Reve, Cleasonv Biking sD mene ot eee ee Oct. 24, 1892-Jan. 1, 1893 
Rev, Jacob aliMaur cite (ents ee eee Jan. 1, 1893-Apr.. 1, 1895 
Rey.oilasubDaWavivhertye suns nee Apr. 1, 1895-Oct. 21, 1895 
RéyyiAndrews JaeB Gary pete tse ee Nov. 1, 1895-Oct. 17, 1898 
Rev, ‘Cleasoni6 ? King aseen, ae een oe Oct. 18, 1898-Oct. 15, 1900 
Reéevx3.*) SicDowell DID ae ese cee Jan. 1, 1901-Nov. 1, 1902 
Reva tieloiee Nicola sel) meen ae oie Nov. 1, 1902-Jan. 1, 1905 





Rey Jmiimenm Bittlen (>: © ten ei ceeds eee Jan. 1, 1905-Nov. 19, 1919 





DOCTOR JOHN GEORGE GOETTMAN 


158 PIS TORY (OF <DA Bee is Bu Gis YN Gi) 


The work of these missionary presidents was uniformly 
successful; and they were given the hearty support of the 
churches. At the beginning of this period, the Advisory Board 
of Home Missions was a standing committee of three pastors, 
appointed annually by the president of the synod; but the busy 
missionary presidents opened up the great field so quickly that 
it soon became necessary to enlarge both its numbers and duties. 
The following action was taken by the synod in 1894: 

“Resolved, That, for the coming year, the Advisory Committee of 
Home Missions shall consist of three ministers and two laymen, who 
shall meet not less than once per month to consult with the Missionary 
President and direct his work; and that the Missionary President shall 


act as Secretary of that Committee, and that the Treasurer of Synod 
pay the salary of the Missionary President monthly.” 


From that time the plan of holding monthly meetings of the 
board was strictly adhered to, the meeting place at first being in 
Trinity Church, and later in the Book Rooms. The two laymen 
idded to the board at that time were Charles F. Stifel and 
William Pore, who served continuously until the time of the 
merger, rarely missing a meeting, and setting an example of in- 
calculable service to the synod. Fresh impetus was given to this 
important work at Clarion in 1898, when the following action 
was taken: 


“In view of the fact that the apportionment for Missionary Presi- 
dent has not been paid in full by many of our congregations ,and since 
the Board of Home Missions cannot at present assist any new missions 
on our territory; therefore, we recommended that synod require the Mis- 
sionary President during the coming year to solicit and obtain one 
thousand dollars, to be used in mission work within our bounds, under 
the direction of our Advisory Board, this not to interfere in any manner 
with the regular apportionment.” 


By this action, what was known as the “Emergency Fund” 
was created for the purpose of supplementing the work of the 
General Board. It furnished the money needed to canvass new 
fields and prepare the way for organizing new missions, as well 
as to do sustentation work among the older rural parishes. It 
frequently happened that a mission would be sustained for sev- 
eral years by the “Emergency Fund” before it was accepted ‘by 
the General Board. Some were brought to self-support in this 
manner without any other assistance. It was asking much of a 
missionary president to raise an additional fund of $1,000, when 
the churches were already having trouble in raising his salary ; 
but Doctor C. B. King was equal to the task, raising $1,313 the 
frst year, and $1, 540. the second: SAttematharethe “Hmergency 
Fund” grew steadily in favor; and succeeding officers found it 
comparatively easy to raise from $2,500 to $3,500 annually for 
the cause. The laying of this “added burden” upon the churches 
proved a blessing, for it served by concrete examples of success 
to interest them in all the benevolent work of the Church. The 


BIS LORY Or Pele’ PUTT SBURGH: SYNOD 159 


Lutheran Monthly, first established as a parish paper of Trinity 
Church, was taken over by the Advisory Board in 1919, and con- 
ducted in the interest of the mission work. It created and fos- 
tered a bond of union between the missions and the established 
churches, making it possible for the missionaries at all times to 
appeal to sympathetic supporters, and for the entire synod to 
carry on concerted work. On Sunday morning, November 5, 
1905, Doctor John G. Goettman was called to his reward. The 
history of the synod throughout this period would be incomplete 
without a reference to his work. For many years the judgment 
of this leader of men was sought by all the pastors working on 
the field. When hearts were discouraged and funds were low, 
the Stockton avenue home of Doctor Goettman was the most 
inviting place in the city; for there many a young pastor found 
a solution for his troubles and new zeal for his work. His mem- 
ory is blessed. During this missionary period of the synod’s life, 
1887-1919, the following churches were founded or given mis- 
sionary assistance: 
TABLE OF HOME MISSION WORK 
OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD OF THE GENERAL SYNOD 




















1887-1919 

pe : 2 
| % 8. DON ae 
Church Assisting Boards } a o> oF 

dp) eo > 
ov ai S| us 

} 3 3 0.5 = 

Zi an a7 a ea] 
INMEAR RCV ogeemedil, BYR aha yes cacee IN ODETTE eae teste ca ee 1888 1888 791 $4056 
INS NeW ej oeuees, —URSWHISE ia. va corte acer Genet alse aire ee 1887 1892 260 1321 
3|Freeport, Emmanuel ............... General wear Ae he he a 1893 191 363 
4|Avonmore, Hebron _........0.......4.. Generali sree 2 oe ae 1891 1895 152 231 
SiPunxsutawney, First 2.4... Gereratiarr. oie. were 1888 1896 278 417 
6lGrubes Mount) Zion 40.02. (Seniera |e ne s. Ae ene ae a 1896 185 429 
7\Pittsburgh, Mount Zion ............ (Genetalarei ce eee ee 1888 1896 460 1921 
Sia vee Salen 2 Pas MEST eee WoOcaLBeee me ee ee ee a 1897 3 Lee 
9} Wilkinsburg, Calvary _............ IN One Mea ee eee 2 1897 1897 508 1217 
lO Manterarirt ah itSt eee ees INonetyiet eas ee 1897 1897 500 3084 
fiver Creek eAlphayiens. cue. Generale et oes aoe 1893 1897 396 2004 
(2A Verh et rslonbheteelans Weve, IW Mewal Fee ee General eee tee 1889 1897 244 326 
13| Pittsburgh, Grace ARNE B Ub inigoetoy ot Ae ai ai et ay 1893 1990 620 1604 
Ie Eagd CG OC Lean Hit:S taaee eee eee General ee ae Pee 1886 1900 319 1197 
15!Connellsville, Trinity ............... General oe ice to) hs 1884 1900 987 4770 
16| Pittsburgh, Redeemer ................ Bethania eee eee 1900 1900 49) 1834 
i7A7Bittsbureh, Bethel’e 220.24. uieGencralen asst ee ae eee 1893 1901 521 2893 
18|Broughton, North Zion ............ General and Local ........... a 1901 45 474 
1 Vanderersit. ot. Paul’st),..,.. Sri Cailgeme tweet Ma oc) 1902 1902 319 1425 
PNMOuguEsSneemhitSt: ween seer ec General andes locally. 1892 1902 292 919 
JIN Secale vraigextey) “IRATE, es See BR ea TOCalley eee eee La es wees a 1902 TOY ae A 
22|New Lebanon, Mt. Zion ........ Moca letter eres te) ee a 1992 b Pea es 
Z3\Pittshburgio, ote otephen's 7.) Generalieemtcn, eae 1891 1903 892 1453 
BAB Licre a Graces eet et eae Generale ieee Saree 1890 1903 584 2699 
25|New Kensington, First.............. General .......... Pe Merde der 1891 1904 873 2320 
2olPittsbunghs sot. wleuke Sie. Generalvand) Bocall 7 1990 1904 SP 3569 
MEN Dia, © liaabaavelay biel. £5 syiepeas-tan dee? EOC lgeeen (er aeare ieake hae & 1990 1904 415 1096 
Pei Pitts uLe hh oben ails ee. Boe Vocalipie tee uate ats 1898 1904 226 neh ae 
PoUNSpinwally Hirst et ean eee a iicl Breyer Re | ane J cn See ee 1895 1904 139 653 
30/Hast Pittsburgh,’ Hebron) ....... Generali and ocala... 1903 1996 330 725 

SliWiheelinio ns slrinity, vserecs. oc General and Loccall .-...... 1899 1907 c 2 

COManen biter Grinit yaueeee. coe ae | General and Local .........: 1894 1907 306 1637 
BolLiycdem haps b et hele ss. Toca Meee hak Se ee Ad oo 1899 1999 78 132 

Baik boron Uti Dit var cease rte, Mocaliyy sik eae a ees 1908 1909 be > beak 





160 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 




















SS Ktanning woe aillicman ee None eet ee Pee 1910 1910 113 638 
36} Monongahela, Grace .....0............ General and Local ............ 1869 1913 260 842 
37|Crafton, St.. Matthew’s ............ Women ss Boards ene, 1903 1913 239 513 
38| Jeannette, St. Mark’s 0... Pocal Mie Sey ee ee ek 1908 1915 217 361 
39|New Florence, St. John’s ........ General and Local ............ a 1918 50 9 
A0 | GernianyoeZ 10t eee ae eee General and* Local ....2<4. a 1918 ee 
41\Garfield,. St. James” wich... Genenal and- ocal@......= 1901 1918 SA Seer 
AZ NWOCKpOntam Gatace mares ene ek ae General and Local ............ 1905 1918 20 ae 
A3\COOKPOF Es tu ustay, Mian A-ha canis oGal a eae he ts Le eee a 1918 89°05 ae 
44 Antioch’: x. aaatte yachts eee Local, Rete ee eke a 1918 23 9). an 
45|New Bethlehem, jIrinity 05. [Weaver eat olin hist thew? ORR. 1905 1918 25S idadel 
46|Squirrel Hill, St. John’s .........:. Tiocal tea eee ee ee a 1918 31 tas wees 
47 Kellersbutg, Walemipante-cu. EGGa RO Aas ie reek canes a 1918 86-5 eee, 
48| Eddyville, St. Mark’s. .....0........ LjOCal tec ataee ee ee a 1918 25 5 arate 
49| Brush) Valle yercctoa sm eae Boley Pye oe Nimes Se WOT Ne S, 1918 16S aes 
50|Strongstown, St. Paul’s............. Ocal Ta ae ae Mee tans a 1918 bite ate 
51 Hetlwood, y Mt" Ztonigr sige Led thoy ocean 1918 fo Near es: 
92|New Castle, Bethany ...........0..... General and Local ............ 1904-1919 224 329 
o3!Pittsburgh,, Temple foi..c-ar General and Local ........... 1904 ~=1919 112 426 
94) Wilmerdine | Christ Sly. c.c General and Local ........... 1899 1919 154 582 
3o| Mallvalé.§ Christ (sc. a.cramsiie: General and Local ............ 1900 1919 230 566 
56|McKeesport, Trinity ............00 General and Local .......... 1893 1919 200 482 
w/\Emsworth, St-oJames’..css:a. General and- Local .34.1.2 1909 =: 1919 117 659 
58) Pittsburgh, MervOhvets ixa8 General and Local ............ 1899 1919 99 211 
59 Denmark "Manor, (0. eran vere Local weet a iam tanh tee a bart) 2a eee 
60] Eiramay VPrinity is) ise saree TP OCALMEL Sten Btis pet ret ee 1906 Dion haath os Ghee 
oli Josephine, ,sti5 Paul sa: ak Te6Cal’ Peaks has Bene ieee, 1907 che? Ripe Ae aan 
62/Clarion,, Gracepe: jinicuant yaaa aes General and Local.............. 1890 ‘ 94 187 
63) Rural Valley, (Firsts... save: LGcaleace kek ae 1901 he 57 102 
64) Pleasant. alinion >a nee Taeal putes a a hae aes a = 51 40 
65|Charleroi, Christ’s oc General and Jocal........... 1901 x 221 94 
66|Swissvale, St. John’s .... ......... General  and*t ocala ec.) 1902 fe 271 694 
67|Fast McKeesport, St. John’s...| General and Local............. 1903 Mi 106 7 
68/Donora, Trinity. 1... Bic General and Local............. 1903 ye 127 199 
oUMonessen, (Sts Paulis cainaas General and Local............. 1903 * 167 215 
70\Homestead,, Messiah) y.),2a0u General and Wocal2...... 1904 “ 179 - 264 
/lPittsburgb, St. lamest icra General and Local............. 1906 bs 198 122 
72|Pittsburgh, Holy Trinity ....... General and Local............. 1907 a 110 332 
73\Carnegie, St. Andrew’s ............ General and Local .>....... 1910 2 88 16} 
74\Glassport, St. John’s ........0..... General and Local............... 1910 “ 75 135 
Po) title tee aL CAN it VNU cect Wiomenise Oa id ae eee 1912 3 111 428 
/o\ Franklin Road}, Hope 222. Women’s and Local.......... 1916 45 94 
7/7| Pittsburgh, Messiah) i.e... General and Jocal.............. 1908 * 25 400 
78|Pittsburgh, Luther Mem.......... TioGal Ree een eer weet Os 1916 2 194 600 
79\Monessen, “Ttalians 1: ak Gaaer Local and Immigrant........1918 3 OO 5s Fae 
16663 - $54454 
a. Established church. c. Dismissed. 
b. Disbanded. * A mission in 1919, 


The question as to whether mission work pays will be an- 
swered by the above table. Apart from, immeasurable spiritual 
returns, the mission investments of the synod have yielded large 
dividends that can be expressed in terms of finance. The com- 
partively small annual investments yielded an annual benevolent 
income to the synod of $54,454 in 1919. ‘The total home mission 
investments of the synod from 1887 to 1903 were $49,422; the 
benevolent contributions of the churches founded or nurtured by 
this work are now annually greater than the total original in- 
vestment. During the entire period, 1887-1918, the synod gave 
the General Synod Home Mission Board $103,926; during the 
same years the General Synod Board expended $105,603 on the 
field; so that it is fair to say that all mission funds were raised 
on the local field. It is also worthy of note that 74 of the 124 
churches entering the merger of 1919 were home mission pro- 
ducts. Inasmuch as the activities of the synod centered about its 





MISSIONARY SUPERINTENDENTS, PITTSBURGH SYNOD, 
GENERAL SYNOD, 1887-1919 


1. Jonathan Elmer Bittle 2. Horace Bradley Winton 3. Isaiah Irvine 
4. Jacob Evan Maurer 5. Samuel Trauger Nicholas 6. Andrew Jacob Bean 
7. Cleason Becker King 8. Samuel James McDowell 


162 ELISE OR YS © Ber i be TD sey by Coan Gree aie). 


Advisory Board of Home Missions, much care was given to the 
selection of its members. 


This Board was enlarged to ten members in 1902, and the 

term of service made three years. Such was the spirit of the 
synod during those years that every pastor regarded it a mark 
of honor to serve as a missionary, no less than 141 being engaged 
at some time in the service. Some pastors accepted calls from 
weak missions, and remained with them until they developed into 
great churches of recognized influence. 


Missions among foreign-speaking peoples were not under- 
taken until well toward the close of the period. A large influx 
of foreign labor into the mining and manufacturing districts led 
to repeated demands from pastors and congregations that some- 
thing be done for them. ‘he field that made the strongest ap- 
peal at first was that of the Slovaks, since many of them were 
already Lutherans, but this was given up because of lack of 
trained ministers. In 1917 Rev. Fortunatto Scarpitti of the 
United Presbyterian Church volunteered for service among the 
Italians, and he was admitted to the synod and sent to Monessen. . 
Here he organized St. Paul’s Italian Lutheran Church in the 
following year. A similar mission was understaken in Monon- 
gahela, but this was not successful. In the administration of this 
home mission work, three local funds were established; the fund 
for the salary of the missionary superintendent, the Emergency 
Fund, and the Church Property and Loan Fund. The last 
named fund was started in the First Church, Vandergrift, in 
1901, when an offering was received at one of the evening ses- 
sions of the synod. It was created for the purpose of securing 
desirable building lots for missions in new towns. It also pro- 
vided the money for the purchase of portable chapels. At the 
time of the merger this fund amounted to about $3,000. Its first 
bequest came from Mrs. Dorothy Heckman of Armstrong 
County. The Young People’s Societies and the Woman’s Home 
and- Foreign Missionary Society gave valuable assistance in this 
local home mission work. Their contributions were regular and 
unfailing. The leaders were always conscious of the fact that 
their missionary successes were largely due to the educational 
work of other synods. When capable young men were needed 
for the mission fields, the West Pennsylvania, Maryland and 
other eastern. synods could be trusted to furnish them. Had the 
Pittsburgh Synod of the General Synod been compelled to fur- 
nish her own missionaries, much of her mission work would nec- 
essarily have been left undone. While the number of her par- 
ishes steadily increased, comparatively few young men were ed- 
ucated for the ministry until late in the period. From 1867 to 


HIS PORYSOR Eb Pit TOBURGHI SYNOD 163 


1919 the following students were assisted in their course of 
study : 





Allbeck, Willard D. 
Barnett, Charles W. 
Berger, William F. 
Britt, Charles A. 
Brown, William H. 
Bricker, Joseph M. 
Boyer, Franklin W. 
Burrell, Luther A. 
Carlson, Oscar W. 
Claney, W. Blair 
Crawshaw, J. C. 
Crouser, William E. 
Daubenspeck, L. M. 
Daubenspeck, F. H. 
Daugherty, Silas D. 
Evans, W. W. 
Fasold, John Calvin 
Fischer, M. Hadwin 
Fitzgerald, W. R. 
liekas Ele El on) te 
Fry, Edward N. 
Furst, Gordon F. 
Gilbert, H. S. 


Gunderman, Louis 


Hamm, George [L. 
Harman. jeseaul 
Harrah, Clinton P. 
Harris, Ay C 
Hauser, J: Ray 
Held, Charles E. 
Heilman, Lee M. 
Hershiser, Jacob F. 
InbURL, Wola i 
Himes, Elder 


Howard, Herbert W. 


Kapp, Jacob W. 
King, William B. 
Kniseley, John B. 
Kolb, Ferdinand FE. 


Leitzell, Charles’ W. 


Lerch, John E. 
MacDonald, J. E. 
MacLaughlin, C. P. 
Maguire, H. W. 
Maxwell, David E. 
McCauley, J. W. 
Minto, Joseph 
Miller, Carl F. 


Mohney, S. A. Earl 
Peschau, F. W. E. 
Rice, J. M. 

Sachs, Harry. W-: 
Seel, Henry A. 
Shaffer, Clyde W. 
Shaffer, James W. 
Shaner, Braden E. 
Shoat, bbarryy Le 
Smith, Frank Edwin 
Staib, Frank A. 
Streamer, Charles R. 
Teichart, Alvin E.. 
Thomas, J. N. 
(LEOuts see tie gl: 
Uber, James M. 
Uber, Thomas B. 
Wagner, F. R. 
Wagner, W. J. 
Weeter, J. W. 
Will, Fred L. 
Wingard, J. W. 
Yund, Roy L. 


Zimmer, J. N. 








In addition to the seventy-two young men above named 
there were at least eighteen others who failed to complete the 
prescribed course of study. Some died at school; others gave 
up because of ill health; still others were caught in the mael- 
strom of the World War and. never returned to college or semi- 
nary life. 


A peculiar feature of the work of this branch of the Pitts- 
burgh ‘Synod is that all its work was done without local institu- 
tions. While their General Council brethren were overburdened 
with such institutions, they were care free. While the synod 
was represented in governing boards of several eastern institu- 
tions, and their cooperation was eagerly sought, the General 
Synod erected no institutions in western Pennsylvania. An effort 
was made to establish an orphanage at Fay in 1914; but 
the effort failed, and the synod built a dormitory on the grounds 
of the Tressler Orphans’ Home at Loysville. The greater part 
of the $20,000 needed for this enterprise was raised within a few 
weeks by a tour of the Boys’ Band of that institution. Such 
harmony of interest was established by the constituent synods of 
the General Synod, that the pastors were satisfied to have their 
church institutions located in any part of the country, provided 
they were reasonably accessible. The following table will show 
the development of this part of the Pittsburgh Synod during the 
period of separation: 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 








Students 


Contributed to 
Min. Education 


Contributed all 
Benevolence 


164 
TABLE OF DEVELOPMENT 
OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD OF THE GENERAL SYNOD 
1867-1919 

2% 

a Coe 

va 

5 0 a 0.8 ‘=o 

bast ~ bes & n ~~ q 

© sa oO He Bae 

Pe Ay oO = So On 
1867 eee 11 37 2270 Vea eens 
L868 teers: 17 41 2,780 5 $ 860 
T8690: eee 20 47 2,952 6 554 
1870) beeen 24 49 3,481 6 860 
87 ae ee 23 49 3,603 6 837 
97 2ee ee eee 22 50 3,625 3 377 
DHE) |e ee een. 21 47 3,549 2 353 
1874 eae 24 47 3,679 2 597 
LBV 5e eee 26 40 3,095 4 464 
S/O eee ee ee 25 48 3,703 5 O72 
18/7, es ee 24 52 4,027 1 393 
NS / Baie Seed 26 55 4,410 1 431 
1879 ee ree 26 54 4,457 1 510 
USS Omer eee ae 27 54 4,485 1 516 
I Revedl lee cored cane ve 28 55 A 61] OMe eee 473 
B82 Ai sees 24 57, ZEA a eee 608 
TBR tre eeee ee 26 53 A OLA Bats 645 
TBR 4 ter eee a va 52 4684 abe Bs Palit 
TSS Sires eeeace 27 52 4 AO Sn ike 810 
L886 pee ee 28 58 4,902 4 963 
TSS7 spree eee Oe 38 75 6,290 6 765 
S88 Fe a eaS oe 44 75 6,777 6 1,190 
USS ee tee ee, 42 76 7,249 8 eA 
S90 weet are ce 42 7. MUS 10 1,096 
L BONS eet ne 44 80 7,018 i 1,199 
RO Dee Alaa ee 49 76 8,098 afl 1,146 
NPA eho ene ee 5S 8&6 8,686 15 2,020 
L894 pases ees 57 86 9,174 16 1,613 
TSO 5 Me eae te 57- 89 9,700 18 1,504 
LSO6 MES Sere. 56 9] 10,186 15 1,570 
L897 eee raece eee 59 92 10,576 13 1,546 
189M ee niet as 63 94 S23 10 1,659 
L899 Bree ee fee 68 100 11,434 14 1,880 
TODOWE Atte 75 103 11,938 ED 2,196 
RS Oy teh sae a 2 76 106 12,432 24 2,134 
1902 ear eee 84 109 13,356 25 2,576 
QOS Sat Seek set 86 114 14,384 23 2,898 
190430 ere reece 89 114 14,992 25 3,409 
1905euk eens 88 117 *17,960 BD 3,855 
OO GWE ere Tel. 119 19,186 24 4,360 
1907 @ fee 8 81 122 19,946 28 4,234 
TOOSHEET Ee. ene 85 125 20,724 25 4,596 
1909 ea fi ees 83 127 21,366 33 6,821 
191 Gare eee 83 127 22,262 owe 7,128 
TOT ee nee 94 128 22,736 2/ Taodd. 
1912 gare re 97 127 22755 28 7,450 
HOLS stares 91 126 23,730 30 7,683 
19145 ae aes 92 127 25 Ooi WH , 8,621 
ACH Weer a 86 126 PAT 34 8,383 
1916 site eee 87 128 27,059 34 8,758 
191:7* Veta ete 85 124 26,711 31 9,571 
19185 eb ete 87 124 26,172 32 10,057 
1919 Mao sie 86 124 *24,891 32 9,739 





* From 1905 to 1919, confirmed members are given. 





Contributions 


Total 


372,858 


CHAPTER VII 
THE MERGER 


OARS, 


“Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall 
not vex Ephraim”. 


@r= ZA O the minds of the pastors of 1870-1880, the wounds 
pene of the Greenville convention were beyond the 
rad ___| power of healing. In some sections of the synod, 
‘We\| notably Armstrong County, laymen shared the con- 
=4) viction of their pastors, that the division of 1867was 
permanent and that policies of their synod should 
be shaped accordingly. Sharp competition became the order of 
the day; and altars were set up against altars wherever conditions 
seemed to promise synodical advantage. This practice was con- 
tinued as late as the year 1900, and even later, creating deep 
personal resentments not easily forgotten. [The promise of a 
better order of things did not appear until near the close of the 
nineteenth century, when many young men from eastern synods, 
to whom the story of Greenville seemed an idle tale, accepted 
calls to General Synod missions in the Pittsburgh district. Many 
of these young pastors came from sections of the General Synod 
in which synodical controversy was comparatively unknown; 
and they were ready to establish ministerial friendships with the 
younger pastors of both synods. As these friendships multiplied 
and deepened, the spirit of competition was modified and many 
pastors of the two synods: began to think much of a common 
heritage. ‘The laymen were as quick to sense the new order of 
things as their pastors, and many were as much at home in 
churches of the General Council as in those of the General 
Synod. Not a few of them protested against the expenditure of 
home mission money for the purpose of establishing rival con- 
gregations, saying that it was a waste of effort that the future 
Church would,condemn. When the Pittsburgh Synod of the 
General Council undertook the establishment of an Inner Mis- 
sion Society in Pittsburgh in 1907, leading pastors of the com- 
mittee saw the need and advantage of organizing it on an inter- 
synodical basis; and the soundness of this policy has since been 
proven in many ways. When the Pittsburgh Synod of the Gen- 
eral Synod met in Trinity Church, Pittsburgh, in 1906, a pastor 
presented the following resolution: 


est hiels 
Eo607e"4 








CHURCHES OF THE MERGER 
FIRST CHURCH, PITTSBURGH TRINITY CHURCH, PITTSBURGH 


HIiStORY Ofer hoi EVE PS BURGH ay NOD 167 


“Resolved, That it is the sense of this body that there should be 
closer relations between the Pittsburgh Synod of the Evangelical Luth- 
eran Church, in connection with the General Council, and our own 
synod, and to this end we would respectfully invite the former synod 
to exchange fraternal delegates.” 


To the apparent surprise of all assembled the resolution 
was unanimously adopted, and Pastor Burgess was asked to 
carry the first olive branch of peace to the Pittsburgh Synod of 
the General Council in Holy Trinity Church, Greenville, June 22, 
1908. His official report was: 


“Your visitor would report that his mission of fraternity has been 
discharged. Arriving in the little city of Greenville at noon on June 22, 
we were soon made to realize that our mission was not that of a trifler. 
The sign ‘Doctor Martin’s Office’, seen on Main street, flooded our 
heart with historic memories. Could it be possible that in God’s provi- 
dence out of the same church, whence flowed the gall of bitterness forty 
years ago, should flow the balm of reconciliation and healing? The 
great guns in the little park before the church frowned upon our ap- 
proach, but within the welcome tendered was such as men can give 
only to those whom they recognize as their brethren in Christian faith. 
Never in our experience as a Lutheran pastor have our words been lis- 
tened to with keener interest, and never have we coveted more earn- 
estly the gift of persuasive speech. The Pittsburgh Synod of the Gen- 
eral Council returns our fraternal regard in kind. The sentiment is 
almost unanimous that the studied policies of the leaders of both synods, 
which forbade all fraternal intercourse in the past, have been responsi- 
ble for much of our contention and strife. The interests of men who 
persist in remaining strangers are bound to clash. As we learn to know 
one another better the interests of both bodies will be better conserved. 
Our sister synod is a prosperous body, has many truly lovable men in 
its personnel, is building some fine churches in western Pennsylvania, 
is full of the spirit of missions and charity, desires to co-operate with 
us in all our practical work, and is worthy of our highest regard. The 
Rev. George J. Gongaware, pastor of the First English Lutheran 
Church of Pittsburgh, was duly elected to convey the return greeting 
to this synod.” 


The custom of exchanging fraternal delegates, established 
at that time, was continued to the year of merger, although there 
were times when sharp differences of opinion as to missionary 
rights threatened rupture. Jeannette, Kittanning, and Erie fur- 
nished the chief danger spots. When Doctor William J. Miller 
was received as the fraternal delegate of the Pittsburgh Synod 
of the General Council by the Pittsburgh Synod of the General 
Synod in 1911, it was only after an understanding was reached, 
that a joint-committee of the two synods should be appointed 
with power to arbitrate all such disputes, that he consented to 
speak. After that there was comparatively little friction. In 
harmony with this growing fraternal spirit, ““The Evangelical 
Lutheran Ministers’ Association of Pittsburgh’’ was organized 
with 68 members, March 9, 1908, including pastors of every 
synod at work on the territory with the exception of Missouri. 
As many as one hundred pastors attended the meetings of this 


168 HISTORY, OF THESPITISBURGH, SYNOD 


association, when matters of Lutheran doctrine and practice 
-were debated. The Lutheran Brotherhood of ‘Western Penn- 
sylvania and the Lutheran Woman’s League also made large 
contributions to the spirit of Lutheran unity. As the people of 
the divided synods became personally acquainted, they were 
ready more than ever to cooperate in common labors. 


In due time came the Quadri-Centennial of the Reforma- 
tion, during the preparations for which the United Lutheran 
Church in America was conceived and born. When-the three 
general bodies, General Synod, General Council, and United 
Synod of the South, were merged in New York City in 1918, the 
movement had the united support of both Pittsburgh Synods. 
While there may have been a few pastors who objected to this 
general merger, no opposition ever appeared upon the surface in 
any of the synodical conventions. ‘This general merger opened 
the way for synodical mergers in all parts of the country; and 
the Pittsburgh Synods were first to adjust themselves to the 
logic of changed conditions and reunite their forces. The Pitts- 
burgh Synod of the General Synod was the first of these bodies 
to heer the opportunity to take official action, adopting the fol- 
lowing resolution, November 26, 1918: 


“Resolved, That it is the sense of this synod that the two Pitts- 
burgh Synods, occupying substantially the same territory, ought to be 
united into one synod; that a committee of three pastors and two lay- 
men be appointed to meet a like committee of the Pittsburgh Synod, 
G. C., in case this meets the approval of that body, to draw up a plan of 
union, to fix the boundaries of the new synod, and arrange a meeting 
of the two synods whereby this union may be affected; that the sec- 
retary be instructed to send a copy of this resolution to the president 
of the Pittsburgh’ Synod, G:C. so. ithat- action: may .be taken nbyoriae 
body at its earliest convenience.” 


This resolution was brought to the attention of the Pitts- 
burgh Synod of the ineeriacitienl Lutheran Church at a special 
session in First Church, Pitteburen February 6, 1919, when the 
following action was taken: 


“In view of the fact that the United Lutheran Church is now a 
reality, and that on the territory of our synod there are other synods be- 
longing with us to that general body, be it resolved, 


1. That it is the sense of this body that a merger should be effected 
with the Pittsburgh Synod, G. S., and if expedient with other synods on 
our territory, in harmony with the direction of the Executive Board of 
the United Lutheran Church in America. 


2. That a committee, consisting of the President of enor two 
pastors and two laymen, be elected by the synod at this convention, 
who, with the committee of the Pittsburgh Synod, G. S., and the com- 
mittee from other synods, shall constitute a Ways and Means Com- 
mittee on Merger. 


3. That the Ways and Means Committee shall be charged with the 
duty and given full power to draft a proposed charter and constitution 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 169 


for the uniting synods, and to arrange the mode of procedure to be 
followed in perfecting the merger of the synods concerned; for this 
purpose to employ such legal counsel as it may deem necessary; and 
further, this committee shall be a committee of conciliation and advice 
to the congregations. 


4. That the expenses of this committee be borne conjointly by the 
synods joining in the merger. 


5. That a nominating committee be appointed at this session, who 
shall present suitable nominations for this committee to be elected at 
this convention.” 


This committee was composed of President G. Franklin 
Gehr, eDoctor’ CP Machavehin, preys WE! Frey, Professor 
O. F. H. Bert, and Ralph W. Smith, E'sq., of the General Coun- 
cil} sand: President “Il. Crouse, Doctor, J, E. Bittle, Doctor 
Thomas A. Himes, Charles F. Stifel, and Robbin B. Wolf, Esq., 
of the General Synod. After his election as president of his 
synod, Doctor .G. Arthur Fry took the place ‘at Rev. ‘T.-L. 
Crouse. No less than eleven meetings were held by the Ways 
and Means Committee, preparing the way of the merger. Many 
interests were involved and it was necessary to devote much time 
to their consideration, as well as to the preparation of a satisfac- 
tory constitution. In harmony with the wishes of many pastors 
of both bodies, it was agreed to merge the two synods under a 
special Act of Assembly of the State of Pennsylvania for the 
consolidation of religious corporations, by which the charter 
rights and privileges of both were preserved. In order to accom- 
plish this it was first necessary to amend the charter of the Pitts- 
burgh Synod of the General Synod, and this was duly authorized 
by that body, October 15, 1919. Both synods were then asked to 
adopt the following: | 

“Resolved, That the Pittsburgh Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran 
Church doth hereby decide to consolidate and merge into one body 
with the Pittsburgh Synod of the General Synod. of the Evangelical 
Lutheran Church in the United States of America (and vice versa) 
under the name, style and title of the ‘Pittsburgh Synod of the Evan- 
gelical Lutheran Church’, and the proper officers of this synod are 
hereby directed to join ‘with the proper officers of the said Pittsburgh 
Synod of the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the 
United States of America (and vice versa) in application to the Court 
of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, for a decree to 


that effect in accordance with the Act of Assembly in such case made 
and provided. And 


Resolved, Further: That this synod doth hereby authorize a joint- 
convention of the two synods aforesaid at such place and time as the 
Joint-Committee on Ways and Means may determine for the purpose 
of approving and adopting a proposed Constitution and By-Laws, elect- 
ing officers, and to take such other action as may be necessary or advis- 
able in the premises.” 


The final decree of the court, merging the two synods, was 
made, November 12, 1919, and the United Synod thereby given 
legal standing was none other than the PrrrspurGH SYNOD OF 


AYALAWNAD S.QTOUVH NI TWIYONAW TYOIGONAS 





HISTORY LOR LEE (PITTSBURGH SYNOD 171 


THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, organized in 1845, chart- 
ered in 1846, separated in 1867, reunited in 1919. The two 
synods held their first joint-meeting in First Church, Pittsburgh, 
Tuesday morning, November 18, 1919, and received the Sacra- 
ment of the Altar. Doctor Alonzo J. Turkle was elected tempo- 
rary president, and Rev. John J. Myers temporary secretary. 
The constitution presented by the Ways and Means Committee 
was then adopted, excepting the article on amendments, it being 
the desire of members of both bodies to give more time to the 
consideration of the document, with the right to make desired 
changes by a majority vote. The constitution of the new body 
was not finally adopted until 1923. On Wednesday, November 
19, 1919, the sessions of the synod were held in Trinity Church, 
Pittsburgh, where the by-laws were adopted and the following 
permanent officers elected: Rev. Ellis B. Burgess, D.D., presi- 
dent; Rev. John J. Myers, recording secretary; Rev. George H. 
Schnure Di Wessecretary Of statistics and beneficence; Rev. Gul. 
Rankin, treasurer; and Rev. J. Elmer Bittle, D.D., missionary 
superintendent. No doctrinal differences marred the harmony 
of the merger convention, since the doctrinal standards of the 
United Lutheran Church had already been unanimously endorsed 
by both bodies concerned. ‘The doctrinal basis of the new con- 
stitution read: 


Pies elint ob UNGroeNOD OFshHEROEVANGELICAL LUTHER- 
AN CHURCH holds and confesses that the canonical Scriptures of the 
Olid and New Testaments are the inspired word of God and the only infall- 
ible rule of faith and life; that the three General Creeds, the Apostles, the 
Nicene and the Athanasian, set forth the faith of the Church universal 
in accordance with the canonical Scriptures; that the unaltered Augs- 
burg Confession in all its parts is a correct exhibition of the Word of 
God, and is in complete harmony therewith; that the Apology of the 
Augsburg Confesion, the Small and Large Catechism of Luther, the 
Smalkald Articles and the Formula of Concord are a faithful develop- 
ment and defense of the doctrines of the Word of God and of the Un- 
altered Augsburg Confession. All questions of the faith of the Church; 
its ministers and congregations, and of the administration of the Word 
and Sacraments, shall be decided and judged according to this doctrinal 
statement.” 


On questions of church practice the new body showed a 
fine spirit of Christian charity, knowing that these would adjust 
themselves in harmony with its sound doctrinal standards. Fol- 
lowing strict Lutheran usage in all her official work, her con- 
stitution safeguarded the rights of the individual parishes. ‘The 
hardest problem was the readjustment of institutional support, 
but even this yielded under the logic of merger principles. 


The merger of the Women’s Missionary Societies was 
effected in Bethany Church, Pittsburgh, November 19, 1919, 
when a new charter was secured and Mrs. C. L. Herbster chosen 


Wiz HISTORY ORDER EAP EOL SBURG TL movin CD 


as the first president. ‘The first Women’s Missionary Society on 
this territory was organized by Mrs. G. W. Leisher in Bethel 
Church of Armstrong County in the summer of 1878. The fol- 
lowing prophetic statement concerning this important work 1s 
found in the report of the Committee on Foreign Missions to the 
Pittsburgh Synod of the General Synod of 1878: 


“The organization of Children’s and Women’s Foreign Missionary 
Societies has inaugurated a new period in the history of missionary 
work. That was a happy thought which expressed itself in the selec- 
tion of a children’s missionary. The hope of evangelizing the heathen 
world rests mainly in the training and Christian education of the heathen 
youth, and who better than our children can be enlisted in such a cause? 
Besides, who as much as woman can feel the wrongs of heathen women, 
oppressed by heathen tyranny and crushed by a slavery unalleviated by 
the Christian’s hope? The Foreign Missions Committee would urge the 
pastors of this Synod to organize Women’s and Children’s Societies in 
every congregation if possible. Wheeling, Worthington, and Apollo 
report Children’s Missionary Societies prosperous. Venango and Amity 
report Women’s Missionary Societies, and the Kittanning charge two 
Women’s Missionary Societies, also Children’s Missionary Societies in 
each of its fotr congregations. The Women’s Missionary Society of 
Bethel congregation of this charge has transmitted to synod a memo- 
rial endorsed by the Women’s Missionary Society of Emmanuel congre- 
tion. We suggest that these papers be read, and according to their re- 
quest the committee offer the following resolutions: 


¢ . ° . . ’ 

_ Resolved, That Synod at this meeting organize a Synodical Women’s 

Missionary Society, to which all the societies of congregations of Synod 
shall be auxiliary. Also 


Resolved, That the Conferences of this Synod at once arrange for 
meetings in the congregations in their bounds, whereby our people may 
be both instructed and impelled to organize Women’s and Children’s 
Missionary Societies.” 


The action of the synod was favorable, but the organization 
was not effected until October 24, 1879, in Hebron Church, 
Leechburg. The following women constituted the first conven- 
tion: Mrs. K. C. Schwartz and Miss Annie Earhart of Worth- 
ington, Mrs. Jane George and Mrs. Harriet Darbaker of Bethel, 
and Miss Lucetta Heilman and Mrs. Kate R. Leisher of Emman- 
uel. An outstanding feature of this society was its steady and 
unfailing progress. No synodical footsteps ever turned back- 
ward, whatever the fate of a few of the weaker auxiliaries may 
have been. Its local specials were the mission churches of Craf- 
ton and Butler. At the time of the merger the society reported 
117 auxiliaries, 3796 members, and contributions of $10,124. 
The presidents of the organization were: Mrs. Kate R. Leisher, 
1879-1880; Mrs. Jennie Reamer, 1880-1883; Mrs. Kate R. 
Leisher, 1883-1885; Mrs. R. B. Starks, 1885-1889; Mrs. Isaiah 
Irvine, 1889-1890; Mrs. Sophie Caw, 1890-1891; Mrs. Eli 
Miller, 1891-1892; Mrs. Alexander Maclaughlin, 1892-1895; 
Mrs. 5. D. Daugherty, 1895-1896; Mrs. I. M. Derrick, 1896- 
1898; Mrs. Lewis Hay, 1898-1901; Mrs. Margaret B. Culp. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 173 


1901-1902; Mrs. R. H. Hay, 1902-1905; Mrs. Lewis Hay, 1905- 
1906; Mrs. C. P. Wiles, 1906-1908; Mrs. J. W. Schwartz, 1908- 
Psieevirs tive (Reller, 19LO=1913-"Mrsy 1.1). Grouse,) 1913- 
1916; Mrs. G. W. Englar, 1916-1919. 


The General Council women were thirty years later in 
getting their work organized, but it had a quick development as 
soon as the synodical society was established. The sentiment for 
such an organization crystallized in the Thiel Summer School; 
and the society was organized in First Church, Pittsburgh, Octo- 
ber 29, 1909, when 317 delegates and visitors were present. Such 
missionary zeal characterized this first meeting that a large 
number of auxiliarres were organized within a few months. At 
the merger convention the society enrolled 127 auxiliaries, 
3755 members, and contributions of more than $10,000. ‘The 
Spring Garden Mission was one of their most popular specials. 
Their presidents were: Miss Zoe I. Hirt, 1909-1915; Mrs. C. L. 
Herbster, 1915-1919. 


The Merger Pittsburgh Synod began its work with 244 pas- 
tors, 318 churches, and 64,582 confirmed members; but this - 
large reunited constituency did not by any means include 
all the Lutherans of western Pennsylvania and the Ohio 
Valley. Missour1 and Ohio still retained strong organizations, 
and separate synods were also maintained for the Slovaks, 
Swedes, Finns, and Danes. Many of the irregularities arising 
from the competitive days of 1868-1919 remained, and there was 
still some overlapping of synods on the western, eastern and 
southern borders of the Pittsburgh Synod. Because of the 
strength needed to maintain the institutions of the synod, no at- 
tempt was made at the moment to effect readjustments. In the 
following table of the Evangelical Lutheran Churches of the ter- 
ritory all the churches of 24 counties of western Pennsylvania 
are given, in addition to such Pittsburgh Synod churches as are 
beyond these borders: 


HISTORY ‘OF “THE ‘PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


174 
























































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2 

YOLS Vd HOYNHO 





CHAPTER VIII 
PASTORS OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


January 15, 1845 - June 15, 1924 


“How beautiful upon the mountaims are the feet of him that 
bringeth good tidings’. 


The outstanding weakness of the Evangelical Lutheran 
Church of western Pennsylvania has been her failure to provide 
an adequate ministry. The greater part of the pioneer mission- 
ary work was done by free lances, men without synodical con- 
nection or theological training. After the organization of the 
Pittsburgh Synod in 1845, in spite of the missionary zeal of 
many of its members, their educational work failed to meet the 
requirements of the times. Many pastors of the synod were 
young men from the churches of Ohio, Maryland, eastern 
Pennsylvania and the Fatherland. ‘The academies at Zelienople, 
Leechburg, and Greensburg produced but a limited number of 
ministers. Thiel College was not incorporated until 1870; and 
then served only that part of the Church in connection with the 
General Council. The records show that 980 pastors were con- 
nected with the two synods for varying periods from January 
15, 1845, to June 15, 1924. It is interesting to note that 429 of 
these pastors served in the General Council; 387 in the General 
Synod; and 75 in both General Council and General Synod dur- 
ing the period of division, 1868-1919. It was the last named 
class that did much to prepare the way for the merger of 1919. 
During the course of the years thirty-three names were stricken 
from the ministerial roll, thirteen by deposition. In consulting 
the appended table it must be remembered that names of par- 
ishes were frequently changed, and that large parishes were of- 
ten divided. While long pastorates have not been the rule in the 
synod, it is worthy of note that thirty-four have exceeded twenty 
years. The record pastorate is that of Pastor Carl Ernst Coss- 
man, who served the churches of Nova Scotia throughout his en- 
tire ministerial life of 62 years. Ten of these long pastorates 
had not been concluded in 1914, and are marked with an asterisk. 
Carl Ernst Cossman, Nova Scotia, 1835-1897, 62 years; John M. 
and Michael J. Steck, Greensburg Parish, 1791-1848, 57 years; 
Adolf L. and Gustave A: Benze, St. John’s Church, Erie, 1872- 
1924*, 52 years; J. W. Schwartz, D.D., Worthington Parish, 
1867-1919, 52 years; John G. Goettman, D.D., Trinity Church, 
Pittsburgh, 1863-1905, 42 years; John G. Amschler, Natrona 
German Parish, 1883-1924*, 41 years; John G. Reinartz, IDES DB): 


188 His LORY) OR THESPT EDS bURGISSYNGD 


St. John’s Church, Fast Liverpool, O., 1886-1924* 38 years; L. 
M. C. Weicksel, Zion Church, Renovo, 1887-1924*, 37 years; 
Ivan Dietrich, St. Thomas Church, Pittsburgh, 1887-1924* 37 
years; Lewis Hay, Zion Church, Indiana, 1884-1915, 31 years; 
John H. Tarnedde, McKees Rocks, German Parish, 1894-1924*, 
30 years; William E. Frey, Zion Church, Erie, 1895-1924*, 29 
years; James W. Shaffer, Homer City Parish, 1889-1897, 1900- 
1919,-e27 "years: tlessemmlerovmeviilerwe Wes \GraccumGnitneds 
Youngstown, O., 1897-1924*, 27 years; Abraham Weills, Wash- 
ington County Parish, 1836-1862, 26 years; Jacob H. Wright, 
Pleasant Union Church, 1862-1888, 26 years; John A. Waters, 
Christ. Church, Chalk Hill, 1885-1911, 26 years; Claudius H. 
Oevermann, St. Luke’s Church, Millvale, 1896-1922, 26 years; 
Ellis B. Burgess, D. D., Trinity Church, Connellsville, 1895- 
1920, 25 years; Michael Kuchler,»Mercer County Parish, 1828- 
1839, 1860-1874, 255 years; vAlonzo Jo) Lurkle, 3D.D a9 lainity 
Church, Pittsburgh, 1899-1924*, 25 years; Isaac O. Baker, D.D., 
Luther Memorial Church, Erie, 1881-1905) 25 vears; Shanes 
E. Lemcke, Rochester German Parish, 1877- 1902/1225) syearsy 
Frederick W. Kohler, Trinity Church, New Brighton, 1890- 
1900;:-1907-1922; -25) years-aplohneCe CG) tocheer elirsts, German 
Church, Beaver Falls, 1896-1920, 24 years; Robert W. Woods, 
Church of the Redeemer, Pittsburgh, 1900-1924*, 24 years ; Ernst 
Goessling, Trinity Church, Woods Run, 1888- 1912, 24 years; C. 
L,. Streamer, Smicksburg Parish, 1858-1869, 1995- 1897, 23 years ; 
C. L. Boecele, St. James Church, Altoona, 1898-1920, 22 years; 
Gottlieb Bassler, Zelienople Parish, 1843-1864, 21, years yWee Ae 
Passavant, D.D., Baden Parish, 1858-1879, 21 years; R. Morris 
smith, D.D., Baden Parish, 1887-1907, 20 years; Herman C. 
Reller, First Church, Aspinwall, 1896-1916, 20 years. 


89 


1 


HISTORY- OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


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CHAPTER IX 
CHURCHES OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY 


1800-1924 


“A little one shall become a thousand, and a strong 
one a small nation.” 


WAIHE first religious services of this county were conduct- 
ed by Romanists. Some ascribe this honor to Father 
Bonnecamp, who accompanied the expedition of De 
Celeron, who took possession of the Ohio Valley in 
1749 in the name of the King of France; others give 
the honor to Father Denys Baron, a chaplain of 
Captain Contrecour, who held services on the site of Fort Du- 
quesne in 1754. Both men were French chaplains, who did not 
remain long upon the field. The first Roman Catholic Church 
of Pittsburgh was not dedicated until 1811. The Rev. Charles 
Beatty, a chaplain of the English army of General Forbes in 
1758, conducted the first Protestant services here. This chap- 
lain complained that only a few of the soldiers attended his 
services, and the Commandant increased the attendance by allow- 
ing the weekly allowance of whiskey to be distributed imme- 
diately after the benediction. !The next minister to preach here 
was a licensed pastor of the German Reformed Church, John 
Conrad Bucher, who came out in 1764 as a captain of the 
“Pennsylvania Foot”. Pastor Bucher preached to the Germans 
at Fort Pitt, Fort Redstone and at the “Grand Crossings of the 
Yough”. On November 29, 1764, he baptized John Heinrich 
Miller and Mary Smith at Fort Pitt. Some of the Germans to 
whom he preached were permanent settlers, who had taken up 
lands in close touch with the fort for the sake of protection from 
the Indians. It is evident that some of the earliest settlers of 
the county were Germans.* While the Scotch-Irish are gen- 
erally credited with the settlement of the county, these people did 
not come in large numbers until a later period. The first min- 
ister to conduct services for the Presbyterians of Pittsburgh, 
after Chaplain Beatty, was Rev. Joseph Smith, who was sent by 
Redstone Presbytery in 1784. Beatty and Duffield visited the 
town as travelling missionaries in 1766, but the Presbyterians 
whom they sought were then country folk, and they did not 
tarry long in the town. 


ire 
ae 


a 





1—Fathers of the Reformed Church, Harbaugh, Vol. II, p. 113. 
2—Old Redstone, p. 327. 


224 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


The first regular German pastor of the county was Pastor 
Johann Wilhelm Weber, who ministered to both Lutherans and 
Reformed, and organized the Smithfield Street German Evan- 
gelical Church in 1782, ‘This is the oldest religious organization 
of the city, since the First Presbyterian Church was not organ- 
ized until 1787, and Trinity Episcopal Church not until 1790. 
Pastor Weber of the Reformed Church lived in his log cabin 
home in Westmoreland County for a long time, suffering many 
hardships and laying the foundations of many of the Reformed 
churches of western Pennsylvania. He had a large family of 
eighteen children, but his descendants now spell the family name 
Weaver. The Pittsburgh Church was Pastor Weber’s chief ap- 
pointment and his salary was fixed at *“‘eighty pounds sterling in 
money, one hundred bushels of wheat, a free dwelling house and 
yearly fire-wood”. So far as we can learn, he provided the 
dwelling house and the fire-wood*by his own hard labor. Some 
of the prominent Lutheran families of western Pennsylvania 
possess hand-made baptismal certificates, which were the handi- 
work of this pastor. ‘Two years after the organization of the 
First German Church of Pittsburgh, a Mr. Arthur Lee visited 
western Pennsylvania and made the following interesting entry 
in his diary: + ‘Pittsburgh is inhabited almost entirely by Scots 
and Irish, who live in paltry log houses, and are as dirty as in the 
north of Ireland or even Scotland. There is a great deal of 
small trade carried on, the goods being brought at the vast ex- 
pense of forty-five shillings per cwt. from Philadelphia and 
Baltimore. They take in the shops money, wheat, flour and 
skins. ‘Chere are in the town four attorneys, two doctors and 
not a priest of any persuasion, nor church nor chapel’. 


Colonel May, in his account of a similar jaunt through 
western Pennsylvania about the same time, says that “the peo- 
ple in the town of Fort Pitt are chiefly Germans”. Evidently 
Colonel May’s observations must have been very superficial, for, 
while there were a number of Germans in the vicinity of Fort 
Pitt at this time, there were but few in the town itself. The 
Scotch-Irish and English were the traders of the frontier from 
the beginning. ‘True to their disposition, the Germans had all 
taken up little tracts of land in the country, where they could 
enjoy the independent privileges of agricultural life and build 
up homes of their own. In the neighborhood of East Liberty, as 
well as along the banks of the two rivers, there were quite a 
number of these German settlers, and certain streets and com- 
munities of the greater city still bear their names. In Lower St. 
Clair ‘Township along the Brownsville road, there was quite a 
strong German settlement as early as 1788. These Germans 


3—Minutes and Letters of the Coetus, p. 377. 
4—Pennsylvania Historical Collections, Sherman Day, p. 81. 


PICTORYO OR, THE PLT TSBURGH SYNOD 225 


were chiefly from eastern Pennsylvania and Virginia, and were 
in closer touch with their fellow Germans of the Fayette and 
Washington County settlements than with those around Fort 
Pitt. They were chiefly Lutherans, and were probably organized 
into a congregation by Rev. John Stauch, the pioneer pastor of 
Fayette County before his removal to Ohio in the fall of 1800. 
The oldest official document now in the possession of this or- 
ganization 1s'a deed to their property, which bears the date, 
August 20, 1810. To old North Zion, therefore, belongs the dis- 
tinction of being the oldest Evangelical Lutheran Church of Alle- 
gheny County. 
In the Pittsburgh German congregation there were a num- 
ber ‘of Lutherans. ~lhis-\is evident’ from the fact that, in the 
original grant of land made ‘by the Penns, June 18, 1787, the 
“Unaltered Augsburg Confession” is distinctly specified.° The 
congregation was organized as a union church, similar in almost 
every respect to all the Lutheran and Reformed churches organ- 
ized in Westmoreland County in pioneer days, but neither of 
these elements was strong enough to break away from the union. 
Rev. John M. Steck of Greensburg visited them occasionally be- 
fore the year 1800, and his hand writing is found in several — 
places in the baptismal records of the congregation. In 1813 the 
congregation selected Rev. Jacob Schnee, an honored member 
of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, as pastor. Rev. Heinrich 
Geiszenhainer and Rev. Heinrich Kurtz, who served the church 
from 1821 to 1826, were also Lutheran pastors. The congrega- 
tion maintained its union status, however, in spite of one or two 
strong efforts to break it, and is now a German Evangelical 
Protestant Church, connected with the Congregationalists. 
There was an earnest demand at times for the organization of a 
distinctive Lutheran congregation, and this demand was given a 
satisfactory answer by Rev. J. C. F. Heyer in 1837. The Evan- 
gelical Lutheran Synod of West Pennsylvania had instructed 
Pastors Rosenmiller, Scharretts, and Martin to visit Pittsburgh 
and see what could be done in the way of organizing a Lutheran 
Church, but, when this committee failed.to carry out their in- 
structions, the burden fell upon the broad shoulders of one of 
the greatest missionaries of the American Church, Father Heyer. 
The manner in which this work was done, laying down the 
foundations for three of the strongest Lutheran congregations of 
Pittsburgh, 1s told in his autobiography, which is quoted in part 
in connection with the history of the First Church, recorded in 
this chapter.° Among the oldest German families of Pittsburgh 
and vicinity, a fair percentage of which were Lutheran, were 
those of Wilhelm Diehl, Jacob Weitzel, Conrad Weinbeutler, 
5—Geschichte der Ersten Deutchen Gemeinde zu Pittsburgh, Fr. Ruoff, p. 28. 


6—Autobiography of J. C. F. Heyer, translated by W. A. Lambert, in ‘Lutheran 
Church Review.” : 





PASTOR JOHN CHRISTIAN FRIEDRICH HEYER 


HISLORV ORGIES PT TLS BURGH SYNOD e2/ 


Wilhelm Wusthoff, Johannes Small, Jacob Weitz, Philip Frantz, 
Reinhard Andes, Johannes Wolf, Christian Wyant, Hendrick 
Woolry, Dietrich Zweitzig, Johann Metzger, Nicolaus Bausmann, 
Johann Rothermel, Heinrich Neumann, George Lichtenberger, 
Alexander Negley, Johann Trumbo, Daniel Reischer, Jacob 
Mayers, John Fischer, Samuel Ewalt, John.Dausmann, Michael 
Stein, Jacob Miller, Heinrich Scheffer, Gottlieb Hubler, Jacob 
Jones, Augustin Liebhard, Stephen Durstly, Christian Reyne- 
mann, Christian Maure, Wilhelm Wortlein, Jacob Grub, Jacob 
Haymacher, Michael Huffnagel, Bastian Friedrich, Jacob Knight, 
Peter Bergemann, Christian Cabble, Johannes Metz, Jacob Wine- 
miller, Heinrich Stiesing, Jacob Conrad, Jacob Neu, Michael 
Schuhmacher, John Bail, Jacob Reien, Adam Funk, Conrad Her- 
Diane damm ellen |onas) Roup, sileinrich jtloter, Eleinrich 
Bollinger, Wilhelm FEichbaum, Jacob Warmkessel, Daniel Belz- 
huber, George Roemelly, Thomas Copeland, David Berlin, Sam- 
uel Hubley, Felix Brunot, George Anschutz, Martin Waury. 
Nicholas Voegtly, George Weymann, John Schneider, Martin 
Raum, and Louis Peters. Allegheny County is classed as the 
banner Lutheran county of western Pennsylvania, having no 
less than 127 churches with 31,910 confirmed members. This 
does not mean that the percentage of Lutherans among church 
members is higher here than in the other counties, but only that 
the total membership runs into higher figures. Intensive mis- 
sionary cultivation has been chiefly responsible for the splendid 
showing. ‘The General Synod in particular concentrated her 
home mission energies in this field, 1888-1915, and reaped a won- 
derful harvest. Looking over the list of Pittsburgh Synod 
churches in the county, one is more impressed by their youth 
than by their age. Only eleven of the sixty-nine were founded 
before the year 1870. In the year of the merger, the Lutheran 
forces of Allegheny County were distributed as follows: 





Synod Churches Members 
[25 ReS OVW ctad ei, (Renietayeh cts Set TAL Zs eee ise at fee © er A ROMAN gn eee eae 69 17,409 
OTRO VU OCMOTELG) iQue ert cM nee ea Sot ee 24 6,289 
OCC OLLCCCT Cog a ee eee yc ee ese ait le were 26 6,778 
ANELEaEIS enn. Faye toyae EN LE Sar ge SOL ce tea ee i are 6 1,120 
BititalomoyuOdee see sod Yes CASON RM a Ca ae eS ee ee 1 300 
SHENGY ane) cS RicaVeleh 22005 Bes Fare Po NG a SE ONO sO TE nee ee ee 1 14 


SHEA Lo ONE Ak Bete ba See ek Ee ad ae i274 31,910 


The Evangelical Lutheran Church of this great county is 
only in her infancy. Her power and influence are growing every 
day. A great wealth of prayers and money has been expended 
on this territory, and results are being achieved, of which the 
entire Church of Christ may be proud. The success of our de- 
voted missionaries in every part of the field is a prophecy of a 
great future for the Church of the Reformation among the iron 
and steel workers of western Pennsylvania. 


228 ELS LORY (Ob Mr Eie PS BURG Fs YIN Os 


NORTH :ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
BROUGHTON PAL 


This is the oldest Lutheran Church in Allegheny County, 
and one of the oldest in western Pennsylvania. As early as 1762 
Lutheran pioneers began to cross the Allegheny Mountains and 
build their little log cabins in the midst of the unbroken wilder- 
ness. Their first church was established in the Harold’s settle- 
ment in Westmoreland County in‘1772. The number of German 
settlers in Allegheny County was not large in pioneer days. 
Those who came settled chiefly in Lower St. Clair Township, 
and were supplied with such preaching services as Rev. John 
Stauch of Fayette County was able to give them, when he vis- 
ited the old Stecher’s settlement in Washington County. Pastor 
Stauch served them in this occasional manner until he removed to 
the state of Ohio in 1806. In his private diary Pastor Stauch says 
that he had ten preaching places in western Pennsylvania, and 
one of these was doubtless the settlement at West Salem or 
North Zion. Whether he ever organized the people into a regu- 
lar congregation may be questioned, since regular organizations. 
as we know them were not the rule. The men of the settlement 
usually came together by appointment, and selected one of their 
number as “Schatzmeister” This officer visited the Lutheran 
homes of ee community and secured such funds or produce as 
he could for the pastor. Sometimes a log church was built be- 
fore a pastor ever visited the settlement. When a pastor. was 
secured, he frequently advised the appointment of some good 
man to fill the office of elder, and that completed the organiza- 
tion, if. organization it could be called. It is probable that a 
provisional organization of this character existed here as early 
as the year 1800, since Pastor Stauch was too good a missionary 
to ask these people to walk all the way to Stecher’s in order to 
attend services. Among the earliest members of the congrega- 
tion were the Verners, Esslins, Pomerenes, Hornings, Sick- 
manns, Crocos, Linharts, Flowers, and Mowrys. ‘The last of 
these names alone appears upon the old register of the Pittsburgh 
German Church, which is good evidence that the two communi- 
ties were separate and distinct. After Pastor Stauch’s removal 
in 1806, the church was shepherdless for three years. In 1809, 
Rev. G. Heinrich Weygandt, a licensed pastor of the Ministerium 
of Pennsylvania, accepted a call to the Washington“ County 
churches, living in the vicinity of Ginger Hill. He also sup- 
plied the Jacobs Church in Fayette County and West Salem 
Church. Living w ithin twelve miles of the latter church, he was 
able to give it closer pastoral oversight than Pastor Stauch had 
done. Th 1810 he encouraged them to secure three-fourths of an 
acre of land for a church and cemetery. This land was conveyed 


i) 
Ke) 


HIS LORY OF (CHES PITTSBURGH SYNOD 2 


fone Lhereutch, lutheran :Congregations-of Lower St). Clair 
Township”, and the title deed bears date of August 20, 1810. A 
log church, built on this site in 1812, served the congregation as a 
house of worship for a quarter of a century. ‘The appointments 
of this church, as might be expected, were very crude. It hada 
puncheon floor and a clapboard roof. The pews were split logs; 
the altar a rude table; but the pulpit was of the high wine glass 
pattern in common use in all the pioneer Lutheran churches of 
that day. The singing was always congregational and spirited. 
Everybody s sang. The: congregation usually elected three clerks 
to lead the singing, one of whom was required to “‘line out the 
hymns”. Pastor Weygandt was a strong Lutheran by conviction, 
and one of the leading spirits in the organization of the Evan- 
gelical Lutheran Synod of Ohio in 1818. The first preliminary 
conference of this body was held in his church at Ginger Hill, 
DP Pe coperalo tol 2a. lt 1629, aiter servings this, church. tor 
twenty years, he resigned. He has left a numerous posterity in 
western Pennsylvania, but many of his descendants spell their 
name Wiant. The third pastor was Rev. John Brown, who 
served from 1829 to 1838. He is not to be confused with Rev. 
Jeremiah Brown who entered the ministry at -.a later period. 
This is easily done, however, since the names of both appear in 
the synodical records as “J. Brown”. During his pastorate the 
old log church was replaced by a more modern frame church, 
which was dedicated in 1836 as the “West Salem Evangelical 
iineran Church. Rey.;]. ©..h Heyer and Rev. Nicholas’ G, 
Scharrets preached the dedicatory sermons in German and 
English. From the records it appears that the church was accus- 
tomed to monthly preaching services on Mondays and Saturdays, 
and to “ three sacramental sabbaths a year”. Pastor Brown 
died, May 29, 1838, and his body les in the West Salem grave- 
yard. In 1841 Rev. George St. Clair Hussy took charge of the 
congregation, but almost destroyed it by his wild-fire revivals. It 
ipppatd that this pastor, preacheds1or therlutherans. to please. his 
Waitvera wile. waiter, ner, death, “hepmartied ias Baptist. ‘and 
preached for the Baptist Church. His methods were so dis- 
tasteful to the conservative Germans of the congregation that 
they withdrew temporarily from its fellowship. This unhappy: 
pastorate came to a close in 1844. The officers of the church at 
this time were: George Sickmann and John Horning, elders; 
Jacob Horning, Philip Linhart, and Jacob Sickmann, deacons. 
The next regular pastor was Rev. Solomon Weills, 1846-1855, 
who served them in connection with Stecher’s and Pigeon Creek. 
For the first three years he preached in the old frame church, 
and then, on March 30, 1849, it was decided to build a new 
church on lands of Jacob Sickmann and Jacob Horning, about 
one and one-half miles distant. To distinguish the new church 


230 HISTORY OHETHEePLPLSBURCH SS Y NOD 


from the old frame church it was dedicated as North Zion, 
October 13, 1850. The congregation retained title to both proper- 
ties. When the new church was wrecked by a tornado in 1858, 
another brick church was erected on the same site, which was 
dedicated, September 25, 1859. As soon as the congregation va- 
cated the old frame church, the German Lutherans of the com- 
munity, who had been organized into a congregation by Rev. 
Daniel Maier of McKeesport, secured a twenty-five year lease. 
In October, 1867, they were granted a lease of 99 years, pro- 
vided they, would Keep jthe property | in jgood) repaim 
Later, they purchased the property outright. The church 
was connected with Birmingham Parish, 1864-1866; with Chart- 
iers Parish, 1866-1868; with Turtle Creek, 1874-1876; with 
Ginger Hill and Bethel, 1876-1886; with Ginger Hill, 1886-1893 ; 
with Castle Shannon Parish, 1893-1896; with Mt. Olivet Parish, 
1901-1905; with Homestead Parish, 1905-1908. From 1910 to 
1923 it was dependent upon supplies, and then it was taken under 
the pastoral care of Pastors Mois Wlessnen toms Carrick 
North Zion reached the height of her prosperity during the pas- 
torate of Rev. Alexander Maclaughlin, when she set a high 
standard of benevolence for all the churches of the synod. From 
1874 to 1901 the congregation lost practically all her younger 
members by removal to the city; since that time the drift of the 
city population has turned in her direction, and there is once 
more a good prospect of building up a strong congregation. ‘The 
coal under the church land was sold in 1901, and the proceeds 
were used in beautifying the church. A list of pastors is as fol- 
lows: Rev. Johannes Stauch, 1800-1806; Rev. G. H. Weygandt, 
1809-1829; Rev. John Brown, 1829-1838; Rev. Abraham Weills 
(supply), 1838-1841; Rev. G. S. Hussy, 1841-1844; Rev. 
Solomon Weills, 1846-1855; Rev. J. S. Lawson, 1855-1858; Rev. 
John Welfley, 1859-1864; Rev. H. W. Roth, 1864-1866; Rev. J. 
S. Lawson (second term), 1866-1868; Rev. Alexander Mac- 
Laughlin, 1868-1874; Rev. J. H. Houseman, 1874-1878; Rev. C. 
S. Coates, 1879-1882; Rev. Samuel Stouffer, 1883-1884; Rev. 
J. K. Hilty, 1884-1886; Rev. M. L. Furst, 1886-1890; Rev. J. E. 
F. Hassinger, 1893-1895; Rev. J. H. Keller, 1901; Rev. G. B. 
Weaver, 1901-1905; Rev. W. C. Spayde, 1905-1906; Rev. C. R. 
Dunlap, 1907-1908; Rev. George Noden (U.B.), 1910-1923; 
Rev. M. H. Messner, 1923-. 


Sly JOHN'S EVANGELICAL VU THERAN® CHUGH 

HIGHLAND STATION, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PA. 
“The German Church of St. John’s in Allegheny County” 
was incorporated under the laws of Pennsylvania, May 2, 1829. 


The petitioners for the charter were John Winter, Andrew 
Emerick, George Grubbs, John Creis, Sr., Henry Thomas, Sr., 


His a hve eee ChE SBU REE SYN OD Za 


Christopher Wineman, 
David Creis, Henry Creis, 
Jacob Rodensteel, John 
Mam@reise. Philip? Satber, 
John Emerick, Samuel 
rors er Ola Creis tel rs 
Michael Young, Andrew 
Creis, George Creis, Peter 
Wineman, and John Bol- 
lender. This charter does 
not define the ecclesias- 
tical relations of the cor- 
poration; neither do we 
have any record of its 
pastors until 1845, when 
it was sought out and 
served by Rev. Michael 
Schweigert. When Pastor 
Schweigert resigned in 
1851, his successors failed 
to look after this little 
flock, and it was served for a long time by pastors of the Cum- 
berland Presbyterian Church. For this reason it was frequently 
called the “Cumberland Church”. On April 15, 1860, it was re- 
organized by Pastor Henry Reck of Pittsburgh with twenty-two 
members, only three of whom were Lutherans prior to that time. 
Seven persons were confirmed by Pastor Reck on the day of 
reorganization. His record of baptisms gives the following fam- 
ily names: Grubbs, Wright, Canaan, Deer, Cabbage, Sarver, 
Black, Calender, and Trax. Pastor Reck resigned, July 1, 1861, 
and was succeeded by Rev. Josiah McPherrin. ‘his pastor was 
licensed by the synod in 1861, but withdrew from the Lutheran 
ministry in 1863, and the church then united with Zelienople and 
Middle Iancaster to form a new parish, which was served by 
Rev. Jonathan Sarver until 1866. A new mission was then 
erected, known as the Manchester-Pine Creek Parish, but no 
missionary was available, and the church disappeared from the 
records of the synod until 1878, when it was reorganized a sec- 
ond time by Rev. G. H. Gerberding. This reorganization was 
probably effected, August 24, 1878, when the following persons 
communed: 

































lemon | EEE i NS 











(r 
— 





= 
6 


Canaan, John J. Keown, Thomas Reineman, William 

Canaan, Mrs. John J. Neuman, William Reineman, Mrs. William 
Canaan, Maggie Reineman, Mrs. David Reynolds, Elizabeth 

Deer, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Reineman, Mrs. Mary Ann Roe, Mrs. Mary Ann 

Deer, John M. Reineman, Thomas Sarver, Mr. and Mrs, Jacob 
Deer, Maggie Reineman, Mrs. Thomas Sarver, Luella 

Deer, Elizabeth Reineman, George Sarver, Mrs. Leonard 
Keown, Nancy Reineman, Mrs. George Sarver, Phillip, Jr. 


The four deacons of the reorganized Church Council were 


232 HISTORY (OF WHE er PS BURGE SYN Ol 


Thomas Keown, William Deer, John J, Canaan, and Jacob 
Sarver. A new constitution was adopted at this time, which 
binds the congrégation to the Unaltered Augsburg Confession 
and Luther’s Smaller Catechism. It is also stated that the con- 
gregation shall be “in union with the Pittsburgh Synod”. During 
the pastorate of Rey. Peter Riffer, a new frame church was 
erected at a cost of $2,047. The corner stone was laid, October 
7, 1894, and the church dedicated, February 17, 1895. This 
church was remodelled at a cost of $1,200 in 1912, when the 
chancel arrangement was made to conform to Lutheran ideals of 
worship. It was rededicated by Pastor Paul G. Klingler. One 
of the sons of St. John’s, Rev. Walter L. Winner, was ordained 
by the Pittsburgh Synod in 1921. This entire section of country 
has been greatly improved in recent years by the erection of a 
fine class of homes along the Perry Highway. One of these 
homes was the new parsonage of St. John’s, which was completed 
in 1923. ‘This parsonage is located in one corner of the Espey 
peach orchard, which was donated by Mrs. Espey for the pur- 
pose. For many years the church was connected with Trinity 
Church, but has been a separate parish since 1922. The follow- 
ing pastors have served here since the second reorganization: 
Rev. G. H. Gerberding, 1878-1881; Rev. W. P. Shanor, 1881- 
1888; Rev. F. P. Bossart, 1888-1890; Rev. Peter Riffer, 1890- 
1895; Rev. J. H.. Meyer, 1895; Rev. i. Luepke, 1895-1896; Rev. 
C.F. Tiemann, 1896-1899; RevooP. J.-C. Glatzert 1 90041006 
Rev. P.. G. Klingler, 1907-1921; Rev: Willard D. Allbeck, 1922-: 


FIRST ENGLISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
PITTSBURGH, PA. 


Among the first settlers to take up lands about the Forks of 
the Ohio were a number of Germans. The majority of these 
early Germans were Reformed, but the presence of a number of 
Lutherans among them is evidenced by the fact that the Un- 
altered Augsburg Confession is specified in the original grant of 
building ground by the Penns, June 18, 1787, to the newly or- 
ganized German Church. 


‘According to the custom of the day, their church was or- 
ganized as Reformed and Lutheran. Their first regular services 
were conducted by Rev. Johann Wilhelm Weber, a Reformed 
pastor of Westmoreland County, but the Lutheran associate of 
Pastor Weber, Pastor John Michael Steck of Greensburg, also 
visited them and administered baptism before the year 1800. In 
1813 this German congregation called Rev. Jacob Schnee, a mem- 
ber of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, as their pastor. Pastors 
Heinrich Geiszenhainer and Heinrich Kurtz were also Lutherans ; 


7—Geschichte der Ersten Deutschen Gemeinde zu Pittsburgh, Ruoff, page 28. 


BISLOR Ys. OP tik PrreropUuRGH SYNOD 2335 


but the congregation pre- 
served its status as a 
union church. The Lu- 
therans made at least one 
strong effort to dissolve 
this union but failed. 
There was an earnest de- 
sire for both an English 
and a German [Lutheran 
Giin.chiwini:Pittsbureh} 
however, and this. desire 
was gratified in 1837. 
When the West Penn- 
sylvania Synod met in 
Lewistown in 1836, a let- 
ter ‘was. tceeived from 
Rev. Rosenmiller of Per- 
rysburg, Ohio, in which 
he asked the synod to 
what extent it would aid 
him in founding an 
English Lutheran Church in Pittsburgh. After a discussion of 
the subject, Pastors Rosenmiller, Scharretts and Martin were 
named as “suitable persons” to begin the work. ‘The sickness of 
some of these men interfered mith their plans, and the task was 
assigned to Father Heyer of Somerset County. The great mis- 
sionary tells of his Pittsburgh experiences in his autobiography 












. 
: Se ONS =X 
ae) 















































8“Mr. George Weyman, a quiet but Christian man, took a specially 
active part in the establishment of an English Lutheran congregation in 
Pittsburgh. On Sunday morning and evening | preached in the Cumber- 
land Presbyterian Church. On the following Tuesday, seven or eight 
heads of families came together to discuss what further could and should 
be done to attain our purpose. Among other things it was resolved to ac- 
cept with thanks the promised assistance of the West Pennsylvania 
Synod. Further, a committee was appointed to look for a suitable build- 
ing in which meetings could be held in the future. All were urged to 
hunt up the English-speaking members of out church in and around 
Pittsburgh, and to encourage them to take part in the establishment of 
an English congregation. Some weeks after the begininng had been 
made, Brother J. Martin went to Pittsburgh and preached very acceptably 
in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. When | came to Pittsburgh the 
second time, the Unitarian Church oh Smithfield Street had been rented 
for our use for six months. At the first meeting in this building a con- 
stitution was proposed, and adopted and signed by eleven or twelve heads 
of families. Soon after this I received instructions from the Missionary 
Society to remain in Pittsburgh to carry on the work.” 


In 1837 Father Heyer also organized the dissatisfied Ger- 
mans of the Smithfield Street Church into the First German 
Ivangelical Lutheran Church, now in connection with the Mis- 


8—Lutheran Church Review, Supplement, April, 1906. 


234 HISTORY OF SCAR TEE USBURGI VO YNOD 


souri Synod. It was not his intention to organize this second 
congregation at this time; but, when he was refused permission 
to preach to these Germans in the Union Church, he said to their 
pastor: “If I can’t preach to Lutherans on the inside of their 
church, I can preach to them on the outside”. Accordingly, it 
was done. The St. John’s Lutheran Church of the North Side 
was also organized by him in the early part of 1838. Father 
Heyer possessed rare missionary judgment, for the work estab- 
lished by him rarely failed to reach large development. ‘The 
names of those who signed the original constitution of the First 
Church are not given, but the following list probably contains 
the names of all who were connected with the congregation dur- 
ing the first three years: 


Anschutz, William J. Haselbach, Catherine Plitt, Mrs. 
Barclay, Anna Frances Heilman, Eliza Jane Propheter, Eliza 
Berkley, Andrew W. Heisely, F. A. Ream, Charles 
Brown, Henry Heisely, Catherine Ream, Margaret 
Caufman, Henry W. Hersh, John Richart, William 
Caufman, Mrs. H. W. Hoffman, Jacob Ritz, Jeremiah 
Cook, Samuel Huber, Mrs. Jane Ritz, Rachel 
Dobler, Jacob Hubley, Samuel Royer, George 
Ebright, Margaret Hubley, George Royer, Elizabeth 
Egolf, Michael Jackson, Robert Runyan. John 
Egolf, Mrs. Mary Kreiter, Margaret Runyan, Elizeabth 
Fahnestock, Samuel Lauman, Catherine Runyan, Rebecca 
Fahnestock, Peter Leffingwell, C. W. Schuler, W. 
Gabel, John P. Leffingwell, Mary Sheets, J. 
Gearing, Elizabeth Venhart, Christopher Shrefler, Lydia 
Geissenhainer, C. P. Marthens, Henry C. Smit, Daniel 
Gould, Eliza Mitchell, Daniel Streamer, Elizabeth 
Graff, Mary Mitchell, Henriette Wentz, Anthony 
Graham, Mary Nicklin, Mrs. Weyman, George 
Groff, Daniel Phillips, Levi H. Zug. Mrs. Eliza 


The first Church Council consisted of George Weyman, F. 
A. Heisely, Jeremiah Ritz, and W. J. Anschutz. The formula 
published in the General Synod Hymn Book was adopted for the 
government of the congregation. The missionary foresight of 
Father Heyer is evidenced by his organization of a purely Eng- 
lish Lutheran Church in Pittsburgh at that early day. Many 
pastors at that time believed that the only possible way to estab- 
lish a successful Lutheran Church was by the use of the German 
language. Father Heyer saw the coming of a day when the 
English would be the dominant language of the Lutheran 
Church in America, and laid the foundations of this historic con- 
gregation accordingly. ‘The oldest English Lutheran congrega- 
tion in western Pennsylvania is Hebron Church of Blairsville; 
First Church of Pittsburgh stands second. The most serious 
problem of First Church at the beginning was an acceptable 
place of meeting. The Cumberland Presbyterian Church, the 
Unitarian Church, the old Market street court house, and a school 
house on the banks of the river where the Monongahela House 
now stands were used in succession. Tradition tells of a com- 
munion held in the schoolhouse, at which Father Heyer impro- 
vised an altar by making use of the blackboard. The Sunday 


HISlvORY QheLTHE PITTSBURGE, SYNOD Zoe 


School was organized at the same time with the Church, be- 
ginning with five teachers and seven scholars. Both German and 
English were used in the instruction; and, when the Germans 
withdrew to form their own organization, five teachers and 
thirteen scholars remained on the roll. ‘The field was ripe for 
mission work, since Pittsburgh at that time was a city of 20,000 
people, with an additional 15,000 in its environs. ‘Ten years 
later the pastor of First Church found it possible to found addi- 
tional Sunday Schools in a number of these suburbs and thereby 
lay the foundations of other congregations. The superintendents 
of the Sunday School of First Church, 1837-1920, were the fol- 
lowing: The Rev. J. C. F. Heyer, Michael Egolf, John R. Hersh, 
William Gillespie, George Hubley, James Shane, Thomas H. 
Lane, J. Harvey Wattles, and Horace W. Bikle. At a meeting 
of the Church Council, January 24, 1838, a committee was ap- 
pointed to secure a building site, and another to secure a pastor. 
A plot of ground on the corner of Seventh avenue and Milten- 
berger alley, 66x100, was secured by Mr. Weyman for $8,400. 
This was a large sum of money for the young congregation to 
invest in a church site, but it was made possible by the generosity 
of Mr. Weyman himself, who provided much of the interest until 
the congregation was able to assume the burden. The pastor se- 
cured was Rev. Emanuel Frey, who began his work, November 
14, 1838, but resigned because of ill health five weeks later. The 
salary was fixed at $500, of which $300 was paid by the congre- 
gation and $200 by the Missionary and Education Society of the 
West Pennsylvania Synod. 

The third pastor was Rev. John McCron, whose term of 
service extended from May 9, 1839, to November 9, 1842. The 
congregation secured a charter, March 11, 1840, and proceeded 
with characteristic devotion to the task of building a church. 
The building plans called for the erection of a brick church, 
60x70, with a basement and gallery, that would be completed in 
time for the convention of the West Pennsylvania Synod, 
October 1, 1840. Pastor McCron made three trips to the East 
in order to collect building funds, securing about $1,200. This 
was considered a large sum to invest in church extension in those 
days, but all the pastors of the West Pennsylvania Synod were 
interested, and anxious to see their banner mission prosper. The 
church was completed on schedule time; the synod met accord- 
ing to arrangement; and the building was dedicated by Doctors 
Charles Philip Krauth and Samuel $. Schmucker, October 4, 
1840. Doctor Schmucker was quite popular in First Church in 
those days, and presented the congregation with a large number 
of his latest pamphlets as a contribution to the building fund. 


The successor of Pastor McCron was Pastor William H. 
Smith, who served from April 12, 1843, to May 14, 1844. He 





SISTER LOUISA MARTHENS 
FIRST AMERICAN LUTHERAN DEACONESS 


MIip LORY SOP Dib Pir S BURGH SYNOD RVG 


was a great admirer of Rev. William A. Passavant of Baltimore, 
and pressed his case so warmly that the Church Council deter- 
mined to secure him as their next pastor. Their first effort was 
unavailing, but a second call was accepted in June, 1844. The 
gifts of the new pastor fitted him eminently for the great mission 
field of this district. ‘The congregation soon caught his mission- 
ary. spirit and began to grow. As soon as he had firmly estab- 
lished himself in the parish, he inaugurated a missionary policy 
that resulted in the organization of a number of mission schools 
of permanent influence. For the express purpose of doing more 
effective mission work in western Pennsylvania, he led the move- 
ment that resulted in the organization of the Pittsburgh Synod in 
this church, January 15, 1845; and, so closely has this synod 
and First Church been associated through the life and labors of 
this great leader of men, it would not be possible to separate them 
in history. A visit to Europe by Rev. Passavant in 1846 greatly 
modified his ministerial life. He saw there the Evangelical Lu- 
theran Church in the fulness of her power, and was glad to lay 
aside the revival methods of his earlier ministry for the more 
evangelical methods of his own Church. His visit to Kaisers- 
werth also gave him an introduction to that type of institutional 
work, which eventually so absorbed his time and interest that he 
felt compelled to resign his parish, January 8, 1855. 


The successor of Doctor Passavant also filled a large place 
in the history of this congregation and of the synod. It would 
be difficult to say which of these two great leaders, Passavant 
the missionary or Krauth the theologian, wielded the greater in- 
fluence. As pastors of First Church they gave to this parish a 
place of historic importance second to none other in the United 
Lutheran Church. The congregation entertained the General 
synod in 1859, and the General Council in 1868. It was here 
that the Pittsburgh Synod was organized in 1845, and here that 
the opening session of the merger convention of 1919 was held. 
While pastor of First Church, Doctor Krauth occupied a front 
rank among the ministerial forces of the city. Huis services were 
in constant demand; and his appearance on special occasions al- 
ways added to his popularity and to the prestige of First Church. 
During his pastorate here a number of Lutheran boys, among 
whom was Duncan M. Kemerer, were students in the Presby- 
terian Seminary. These boys would come to him with their 
theological problems, and it was his work in helping them to 
meet misrepresentation of Lutheran doctrine that laid the foun- 
dations of his classic, The Conservative Reformation. An emin- 
ent layman of First Church, Thomas H. Lane, often urged him 
to publish such a work, that it might serve as an antidote to 
Schmucker’s Popular ‘Theology. The pastorate of Doctor 
Krauth continued from-November 1, 1855, to September 12, 


238 HISTORY OF SCH EMP Tio DURG Haas YIN © By 


1859. The next pastorate was that of Doctor Reuben Hill, 
January 1, 1860, to July 1, 1866. During this pastorate, a valu- 
able lot on the corner of Penn avenue and Ninth street was se- 
cured and held in trust for the congregation by a number of 
laymen. It proved to be a, fine investment later on. The suc- 
cessor of Doctor Hill was Doctor Samuel Laird, who served the 
congregation through troublous times, May 1, 1867, to July 1, 
1879. As he began his work the synodical controversy was just 
coming to a head. First Church was quickly swept into the tur- 
moil. A section of the by-laws of the congregation forbade any 
minister becoming their pastor unless he was “‘a member of some 
synod in connection with the General Synod of the Evangelical 
Lutheran Church in the United States’. Members of the con- 
gregation, favorable to the cause of the General Synod, demand- 
ed the enforcement of this by-law; and litigation followed that 
was not settled until after a decision of the Court of Allegheny 
County had been confirmed by the Supreme Court of Pennsyl- 
vania. After the final decision, forty members of First Church 
withdrew, organized Messiah Church, bought a good property 
on Ninth street, and worshipped there for a number of years as 
a General Synod congregation. The pastors of Messiah Church 
were the following: Rev. J. H. W. Stuckenberg, D.D_, -1868- 
1873; ‘Rev- “T. C.- Billhenmer, D5D2 1187421377 Rev Gee 
Bowers, D.D., 1878-1881; Rev. C. IT sSteck, 1882-1883. This 
congregation was quite prosperous at first, the membership 
reaching 167; then a series of discouragements ensued that fin- 
ally led to disbandment in 1884. The greater part of the re- 
maining members united with Trinity Church. 


When the call of First Church was extended to Doctor 
Laird, he declined on the ground that he was not a pastor of the 
General Synod, but after the objectionable by-law had been re- 
moved by congregational action, January 30, 1868, the call was 
renewed and accepted. During his pastorate of twelve years he 
rendered splendid service. It was during his pastorate that First 
Church did some of her most effective mission work. It was not 
the policy of the congregation to encourage its members to unite 
with the suburban missions, but the purses of the people were 
ever open to any missionary, who could show that he hadi 
fertile field. 


The next pastor was Doctor Edmund Belfour, who served 
from February 1, 1880, to July 1, 1892. During this period the 
present church was erected and dedicated. The first step was 
taken, January 12, 1885, when the trustees were authorized to 
sell the Penn avenue lot for not less than $75,000; the second 
step was taken, August 12, 1885, when it was decided to pur- 
chase the lot on the corner of Grant street and Strawberry alley, 
120x94, at a price that was finally adjusted at $55,900; the third 


PPS CORY OPS Re PITESRBURGHYSYNOD 239 


step was taken, January 3, 1887, when Thomas H. Lane and 
William F. Lang were appointed to negotiate the sale of the old 
church; and the final step was taken, January 24, 1887, when the 
congregation decided to celebrate its Jubilee by the erection of a 
worthy temple. The corner stone of the new church was laid, 
November 6, 1887, and the beautiful and churchly building 
dedicated to the praise of the Christ, November 4, 1888. Doctor 
Samuel Laird preached the dedicatory sermon. It is a Gothic 
stone structure, cruciform in design, the nave having a depth of 
seventy-four feet with an equal width in the transepts, providing 
a seating capacity of five hundred. On the northeast corner is a 
graceful spire 170 feet in heighth. The total cost of the ground 
and building was about $150,000. Since the dedication a number 
of beautiful memorials have been placed in the church, among 
which are the Black memorial window in the north transept, the 
Thorwaldsen font, placed by B. F. Weyman in loving memory of 
Octo ely ec autiemane sthesnichechancelsmosaicsyee| hehis- 
tory of the liturgical development of First Church is interesting. 
“The first difficulties arose from the discussion and adoption of 
the synod’s recommendation of a service designed to secure more 
uniformity in its congregations. The service itself was exceed- 
ingly simple and moderate, including little of a liturgical char- 
acter beyond the recital of the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. 
Much sentiment in favor of such a service had been quietly de- 
veloped in the congregation by the use for many years in the 
Sundaye ochoolmoimthes reed ord. sebrayer, ‘and, various, ,re- 
sponsive readings. ‘The final adoption of the synod’s service 
placed the congregation on the firing line, and developed an op- 
position to conservative usages which had much to do with Mr. 
Hill’s final resignation; and this, notwithstanding the fact that 
he had not been in the least an agitator’. Strange as it may seem, 
however, this opposition party was so eager to secure the serv- 
ices of Doctor Joseph A. Seiss as the successor of Doctor Hill 
that they were willing that he should wear the clerical robe if he 
came. ‘The Church Book of the General Council was used for 
the first time, November 8, 1868. The full service was not used 
at that time, however, for it was believed that the people were 
not yet prepared for it. On January 2, 1888, the following reso- 
lution was adopted: “Resolved, That, as the complete usages in 
the services of the Evangelical Lutheran Church are approved by 
this congregation, the Council is authorized to procure the clerical 
robe commonly used in the Lutheran Church, and further that 
its use shall be introduced at the consecration service of the new 
church edifice’. When the Common Service Book was pub- 
lished, it was introduced at once. The historic service of the Lu- 
theran Church now seems such a natural thing in First Church 


9—History of the First Church, published in 1909, page 92. 


240 HISTORY <OP) TEV PITTSBURGH sSY NOD 


that it would be hard to displace it. As a return for the gifted 
line of ministers, who have occupied the pulpit of First Church, 
the following young men have been sent out into the ministry: 
John Rugan, Asa H. Waters, J. H. W. Stuckenberg, Albert F. 
Siebert, William A. Passavant, Jr., Oscar Holmgren, G. Ed- 
ward Krauth, George B. Holmes, J. Q. Waters, Franklin Rich- 
ards, G. H. Gerberding, Detmar L. Passavant, J. L. Fischer, and 
EF. W. Barry. The more recent pastors of the’ congregation, 
each one of whom has wrought a good work, are the following: 
Rev; David "Hi wGeissinger, »D,DeaApril) 23, 1893) sto ee prieee 
1906; Rev. David H. Geissinger, D.D. (Emeritus), April IF 1906, 
to! March’22, 1907 *\ Reva "George 4] 7’ Gorigaware, Diy April i 
1906, to 1913; Rev. ‘I’. O. Keister, D.D., November 15, 1913, to 
December 31, 1917; Rev. C. P. MacLaughlin, D.D., October 15, 
1918s to Manchat 1925: 


e 


TRINITY GERMAN EVAN. LUTHERAN CHURCH 
FRANKLIN TOWN sede yy ATL DEG EUG IN M750 Ge Nils agar 


This church is located in one of the older German settle- 
ments of Allegheny County, and still bears the name ‘““German’’ 
in its charter and upon the front wall of the church building. 
The German language, however, has been unknown to its public 
services for a number of years. An examination of the grave 
stones in the adjoining cemetery reveals the fact that a number 
of people, born in Hanover, Baiern, Wuertemberg, and Hesse 
Darmstadt before the close of the eighteenth century, lie at rest 
here under the green sod of Pennsylvania. The majority of the 
German settlers: of this region were Roman Catholic, and the 
Redemptorist Fathers did everything in their power to make the 
entire community such; but at least twelve families were staunch 
Lutherans, and remained true to their faith. Pastor Michael 
Schweigert sought them out in 1845 and organized them into a 
congregation. This faithful pastor came from McKeesport every 
two weeks, generally on foot, in order to minister to them. One 
of the faithful Lutherans of the settlement, Philip Brandt, 
donated two acres of ground for church and burial purposes, 
September 4, 1858; and a few years later, when it became desir- 
able to build a new church on higher ground, persuaded Benja- 
min Bradford to donate two and one-half additional acres. 
Pastor Schweigert preached for them, 1845-1851, after which 
the church was made a part of the Beaver Mission, and brought 
under the? pastoral’carevot ‘Pastor vble Kaehler > hemuren 
church was built’ of logs, 2314x25, and dedicated by Pastor 
Schweigert, October 31, [S47 Theme walls were kept white- 
washed every year, and all the furnishings, including the plain 
slab seats, were painted white. .-The cost of this: church is not 


HISTORY OF ATH BIPITTSOBURGHESYNOD 241 


known, but the actual cash outlay amounted to very little. It 
was heated by one stove placed in the center of the building. No 
provision was made for lighting, for no evening services were 
held. According to an established custom, the men sat on one 
side of the church and the women on the other. Pastor Kaehler 
served the congregation, 1851-1862, during the greater part of 
which his parish consisted of seven congregations. Many of his 
appointments were made on foot, and he was held in high esteem 
among the people. Among the family names found in his record 
of baptisms are the following: Fischer, Meier, Baumgarten, Will, 
Bauerlein; Sperber, Hollein, Midemeir,: Werner: Lehrheuser, 
Eckert, Koenig, Killian, Scharf, Sorgel, Hoffman, Brandt, Seiple, 
Uhlenberg, Schnabel, and Réicher. After the resignation of 
Pastor Kaehler, the church was supplied for a time by pastors 
from the city. The most helpful service was given by Pastor 
Henry Neumann of Pittsburgh, who helped them to secure a 
legal charter, June 6, 1863. The: petitioners for this charter 
were: Rev. Henry Neumann, Philip Brandt, John M. Graf, John 
Kempf, John Sorgel, J. L. Mueller, John Beirlein, J. M. Reum- 
scouesscl,, rlenry, Kletter. Philip» Beyer; W.° Broermann; >and 
George Brandt. The corporate title assumed was “Trinity Ger- 
man Evangelical Lutheran Church of Franklin Township, Alle- 
gheny County, Pennsylvania”. The charter is one of the strictest, 
and binds the congregation to the Pittsburgh Synod. The 
church was formally admitted to the synod in 1864. In 1864 the 
church united with St. John’s, Wuertemberg, and St. Paul’s in 
forming) -lrinity ‘Charge’; and. a call’ was extended. to’ Rev. 
Herman Gilbert, who rendered highly acceptable service. In 
1867 he relinquished the Wuertemberg and St. John’s congrega- 
tions, and accepted St. Matthew’s of Wall Rose in their stead. 
During the earlier part of his pastorate he lived in the vicinity of 
Trinity Church, boarding with one of the families of the church; 
later he lived in Zelienople, from which he would frequently walk 
the long distance to Trinity on Saturday to meet his catechetical 
class, and then, after the Sunday morning service, continue his 
walk to Wall Rose or Glenfield. It was during his pastorate that 
the old log church was torn down, and a good brick church 
erected on the higher ground of the Bradford tract. The corner 
stone. was laid, April 19, 1868, and the burtlding dedicated, 
October 11, 1868. Rev. Henry E. Jacobs preached the dedica- 
tory sermon in English. The church was built of brick, burned 
on the farm of Philip Brandt, and cost complete about $5,000. 
Pastor Gilbert resigned in 1874, and his immediate successors 
were Rev. Johannes Muelhauser, 1874-1878; Rev. Joseph Rech- 
steiner, 1878-1882; and Rev. Ivan Dietrich, 1882-1889. In May 
of 1883. Pastor Dietrich occupied the new parsonage, erected at a 
cost of $1,500 on ground across the road from the church. One 


242 HISTORY) OF <THE SPInTSBURGH SYNOD 


of the most successful pastorates in the history of this church 
was that of Rev. Paul G. Klingler, who took charge of Trinity 
and St. John’s in 1907 and served them until 1921, when each 
congregation was sufficiently strong to support its own pastor. 
Extensive repairs were made to the church in 1908 and 1919. 
Since the beginning of the pastorate of Rev. Klingler, all serv- 
ices have been held in English. A consecutive list of pastorates 
is as follows: Rev. Michael Schweigert, 1845-1851; Rev. H. C. 
Kaehler, 1851-1862; Rev. Henry Neumann, 1862-1864; Rev. 
Herman Gilbert, 1864-1874; Rev. Johannes Muelhauser, 1874- 
1878; Rev. Joseph Rechsteiner, 1878-1882; Rev. Ivan Dietrich, 
1882-1889; Rev. Henry Reumann, 1889-1891; Rev. Philip 
Lamerdin, 1891-1893; Rev. J; H. Meyer, 1893-1894: Revi}: 
Luepke, 1895-1896; Rev. C. F. Tiemann, 1896-1899; Rev. P. J 
C. Glatzert, 1900-1906; Rev. P. G. Klingler, 1907-1921; "Rey, 
C.E. Dozer, 192151925) 


GRACE EVANGELICAL EU LHR RAN SCE i 
> OUSDE ess HD tome tealy sa UR Geren 


This congregation was organized through the missionary ef- 
forts of Rev. William A. Passavant, February 20, 1852, under 
the ‘name* of | The ,Grace _ Evangelical” Lutherans Churceimas 
Birmingham and South Pittsburgh”. Birmingham was then a 
busy little manufacturing town, which presented a fine field for 
Missionary operations, and the pastor of First Church was too 

good a missionary to over- 

look it. On his own re- 

es a sponsibility he let a con- 
D 4 WES a tract for a church in Sep- 
ES ROE em. -tember,.. 1350; togmeeost 
a $1,775;00.4 “REV Vee 
Roedel, who was never a 
member of the Pittsburgh 
Synod, assisted the found- 
er in much of the prelim- 
inary work. ‘The mission 
church was formally 
opened for services by 
Revi. "Wis AGEL Rassanmng 
and Rev. Michael Eyster 
in November, 1851. The 
congregation was not or- 
ganized until February 
20, 1852, when the follow- 
ing persons applied for 
membership: Mrs. Goehr- 













































HISTORY OFF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 243 


ing, Sr., Job Wareham, Mrs. Susan Keene, R. A. Bausman, Mrs. 
Eliza Baer, William Hunter, Mrs. Nancy Wareham, and Mrs. 
Charlotte Moorehead. ‘The first pastor was Rev. Henry Reck, 
who was granted ad interim license by the president of the Pitts- 
burgh Synod in order to perform ministerial acts. His salary 
was small, but he served Grace in connection with Chartiers, and 
received no mission aid. The most encouraging feature of the 
work of the new mission was the Sunday School; the children of 
many unchurched families were drawn into it, and eventually be- 
came members of the congregation. When Pastor Reck resigned 
October 1, 1858, Grace Church became a separate parish under 
the care of Pastor C. D. Ulery, who served from 1859 to 1861. 
Because of a severe business depression the church was accepted 
as a mission of the synod, and was known as the “Birmingham 
English Mission”. In 1861 the church had increased to 65 mem- 
bers, and the Sunday School enrolled 280. The success of this 
school was such that the missionary was asked to organize a sec- 
ond school in connection with St. Paul’s German Church. At 
that time St. Paul’s Church was served by a pastor of the Pitts- 
burgh Synod. Student Henry W. Roth was the missionary in 
charge from October 20, 1861, to June 9, 1863, when he was 
licensed by the synod and became the regular pastor. Under his 
care the membership of Grace increased to 101, and the last of 
the church debt was paid. A nine-room parsonage was built in 
1868 at a cost of $4,000. According to the records of the church, 
Pastor H. W. Roth resigned, August 8, 1870, but continued to 
supply them until March 26, 1871. The next pastor was Rev. J. 
K. Melhorn, 1871-1889, during whose long pastorate many acces- 
sions were made to the church and great good accomplished. 
The mission became self-sustaining in 1873. St. John’s Church 
of Homestead was organized by Pastor Melhorn in 1874, eight of 
the members of Grace becoming charter members. The two 
churches were united in one parish until July 3, 1887. Pastor 
Melhorn was an indefatigable worker, and able to report a 
strong congregation of 287 members when he resigned. His suc- 
cessorss were Rev, Ht) .G. Holloway, 1889-1891 and Rev. J. C: 
Kunzmann, 1891-1899. During the last named pastorate the 
present house of worship was erected at 23rd and Sidney streets, 
several blocks from the first church. The population of the 
South Side was shifting so fast at that time that there was no 
opposition to the relocation. The corner stone of the new church 
was laid by Pastor Kunzmann, July 3, 1892, and the completed 
church dedicated, March 28, 1893. The building was constructed 
of brick and stone, and cost, including the lot, $30,000. During 
the long pastorate of Doctor D. Luther Roth, there were large 
accessions to the church, but once again the population began to 
shift to the hills beyond the river fog and smoke, and church 


244 HISTORY*OP PHE PITTSsURGH swNOD 


work became increasingly difficult. In 1923 an arrangement was 
made by which the pastor could minister to both Grace and St. 
James congregations, holding a chief service in each church every 
Sunday morning, but this ceased in 1925. The order of pastor- 
ates was as follows: Rev. W. A. Passavent (supply) 1852; 
Rev. Henry Reck, 1852-1858; ‘Rev. C. D. Ulery, 1859-1861; 
Student H. W. Roth (supply), 1861-1863; Rev. H. W. Roth, 
1863-1870; Rev. H. W. Roth (supply),1870-1871; Rev. J. K. 
Melhorn, 1871-1889; Rev. H. C. Holloway, 1889-1891; Rev. J. C. 
Kunzmann, 1891-1899; Rev. D. L. Roth, 1899-1914; Rev. C. B. 
Foelsch, 1914-1920; Rev. J. Kent Rizer, 1921-1925. 


MT. CALVARY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
McKEES ROCKS, PA; 


While this church is now located in the town of McKees 
Rocks, it was started on the hill beyond in a rural district. The 
need of a church was deeply felt by the people, since bad roads 

3 and high water from the 
river at certain seasons 
of the -year ‘made uta 
most impossible to attend 
services in the city. To 
meet this need Martin 
Clever, Sr., donated one 
acre of ground to the Lu- 
theran Church for church 
burial purposes in May, 
. 1852) Anxious tovseesine 

hopes of the people real- 
ized, Pastor Henry Reck 
of Birmingham held serv- 
ices in the home of Mar- 
tin Clever, Sunday  eve- 
ning, February 27, 1853. 
Rev. W. A. Passavant 
followed this with a sim- . 
ilar service, Monday eve- 
ning, March 7, 1853, when 
Ephraim J. Brooks, Martin Clever Jr., and Cornelius Scully were 
appointed as a church building committee. A fund of $1,000 was 
soon raised, and the contract for the building of a small frame 
church was let to John Glass of Pittsburgh at that figure. This 
building was dedicated as Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Sep- 
tember 4, 1853, Rev. William A. Passavant, Rev. Henry Reck, 
and Rev. F. W. Tuerk of the Lutheran Church being assisted by 
Rev. Jennings of the Presbyterians. A number of Episcopalian 















































HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 245 


ladies were deeply interested in the furnishing of the little 
church. The congregation was not regularly organized until 
November 12, 1853, when the following applied for membership: 


Clever, Mrs. Mary M. Clever, Rebecca Ellen Patterson, Mrs. Susan 
Clever, Martin, Jr. Magnus, Mr. and Mrs. P. J. Powell, Mrs. Catherine _ 
Clever, Mrs. Elizabeth Patterson, James S. Rea, Martha 


Of these first members, Mrs. Elizabeth Clever and Rebecca 
Ellen Clever were confirmed; James S. Patterson and Mrs. 
Susan Patterson were received from the Cumberland Presby- 
terian Church; Martha Rea came from the Presbyterians; the 
others were former Lutherans. The leader of this movement, 
Martin Clever Sr., was not included among the original members, 
for the reason that he believed that his Fatherland confirmation 
was all the “church-joining” he needed. He was persuaded to 
unite with the congregation several years later. Martin Clever 
Jr., and James S$. Patterson were elected as the first deacons, and 
Matin clever, and? >| wVidgnuS-as the first trustees; VA ‘call 
was then extended to Rev. Milton Valentine, it being stipulated 
that he should preach every alternate Sunday morning at an 
annual salary of $150. Pastor Valentine served the church less 
({Hatiea year, and *his successor, Kev. Henry ‘Reck, served it in 
connection with Birmingham, 1855-1859. The congregation was 
legally chartered, October 1, 1855. In the spring of 1890 part of 
the church ground was leased to an oil company. Three wells 
were drilled, and the people of the congregation suddenly found 
themselves reaping dividends at the rate of $100 a day. This 
rich return continued until the treasurer had received about 
$6,000, when it was decided to use the money in rebuilding the 
church. The new church was dedicated by Pastor J. Q. Waters, 
February 22, 1891, when Doctor Passavant preached the sermon. 
A sweet-toned bell was donated by Mrs. Henry Johnston and a 
new communion service by Mr. C. Kircher. The total cost of the 
improvements was about $6,000. When Mt. Calvary was or- 
ganized it was in an isolated rural field; as the years went by 
the town of McKees Rocks grew up at the mouth of Chartiers 
Creek, and a relocation became highly desirable. On May 31, 
1896, it was decided to build a new church in the town. ‘Three 
lots on the corner of Furnace street and Chartiers avenue, 
72x100, were bought from John A. McKee, and the way thus 
opened for the building of the third house of worship. The 
corner stone was laid, May 9, 1897, and the church dedicated by 
Pastor Robert R. Durst, November 21, 1897. It was built of 
frame, costing together with the site about $6,900, but the raising 
of the building above flood level in 1907 cost $1,300 additional. 
The erection of this church gave the congregation two places of 
worship. Services were continued at both places until 1911, 
when those at the upper church were discontinued except on 


246 HISTORY OF THE, PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


funeral occasions. ‘This upper church was razed to the ground 
in 1923. In 1903 the parsonage at the upper church had been 
sold and removed. ‘The second parsonage was built on Mary 
street in 1907 at a cost of $7,300, but this was sold in 1920, in 
order to secure the property on the corner of Dale street and 
Russelwood avenue at a cost of $10,500. Here a beautiful church 
costing $78,000 was dedicated by Pastor john J. Myers, Octo- 
ber 18, 1925. Mt. Calvary Cemetery is the pride of Mt. Calvary 
Church. To the original donation of 1852, ten acres were added 
by purchase from the Clever heirs in 1912, and ten more by pur- 
chase from the Heinauer heirs in 1920. ‘The following pastors 
have served in this parish: Rev. Milton Valentine, 1853-1854; 
Rev. Henry Reck, 1855-1859; Rev. J. S. Lawson, 1859-1868; 
Rev. W. A. Passavant, D.D., 1868-1876; Rev. G. H. Gerberding, 
1876-1879; Rev. A. N. Bartholomew, 1879-1885; Rev. J. Q. 
Waters, 1885-1895; Rev. R. R. Durst, 1896-1911; Rev. John 
J. Myers, 1912-1925; Rev. M. R. Kunkelman, 1925—. 


STS LUKE'S EVANGEEICAT SU Hi RANG Gil Uiixiey 
SHAT ER FLOW NSELLPS ALE G ELE IN. COCHIN a Nees 


This church was organized by Pastor John George Mueller 
of the Evangelical Church early in 1861. The first services were 
held in the Bauer and Sauter homes in German. Ground for 
church and burial purposes was donated by Martin Bauer, on 
which a small frame church, costing $1,500, was dedicated by 
Pastor Mueller in 1861. It was located along the Evergreen 
road, about a quarter of a mile above the present church. Many 
of the original members were gardeners, who sold their produce 
in the Allegheny market. The Bauer family had five members 
in the first confirmation class of 1861, and the entire community 
was commonly known as Bauerstown. Pastor Mueller served 
faithfully until March 27, 1887, and was succeeded by Pastor 
Ursinus Hangaertner, who was ordained in the old church, May 
8, 1887, and served until July 27, 1890. ‘These two pastors were 
members of the Evangelical Synod, but the congregation re- 
mained independent. After the retirement of Pastor Hangaert- 
ner, Pastor Claudius Heinrich Oevermann was introduced to the 
congregation by Pastor Ivan Dietrich, and served them from 
September 14, 1890 until death, July 24, 1922. During this long 
pastorate there were many vital changes. For the first ten years 
he held German services in the frame church every Sunday 
morning, but his free afternoons and evenings enabled him also. 
to serve as pastor of the German Evangelical Church of Tar- 
entum. A more desirable church site, containing two acres, was 
bought for $1,300 in 1883, and this ground increased in value so 
rapidly that the trustees were able to sell several lots for $8,000, 


Bis tORYVOb et hie er iLasBURGHeSY NOD 247 


and to erect a good brick church at a cost of $11,000. This 
brick church was dedicated by Pastor Oevermann in June, 1900. 
A frame parsonage was then erected on ground adjoining the 
church. The old frame church was remodelled as a dwelling in 
1902, the rentals from which were used for church purposes. 
The congregation retained its burial ground of five acres, known 
asiot. Luke’s Cemetery, which has béen in use since 1861. Dur- 
ing the latter part of his pastorate Pastor Oevermann introduced 
English services for the young people, with the result that the 
language problem of St. Luke’s was solved without appreciable 
loss. Realizing the dangers of congregational independence, 
Pastor Oevermann persuaded the people to adopt a new consti- 
tution in 1922, and to unite with the Pittsburgh Synod. The 
successor of Pastor Oevermann was Pastor F. C. Frommhagen, 
who conducted all services in English except an occasional Ger- 
man service for the older people. After 1923 the German was 
entirely eliminated. The church and parsonage were completely 
renovated in 1923 and 1924 at a total cost of $4,600, and a serv- 
ice of rededication was conducted by Pastor Frommhagen, 
November 16, 1924. The pastors served in the following order: 
Rev. J. G. Mueller, 1861-1887; Rev. Ursinus Hangaertner, 1887- 
1890; Rev. C. H. Oevermann, 1890-1922; Rev. F. C. Fromm- 
hagen, 1922- 


(NEN The VAIN GELICAT AT OTH RAN CHURCH 
Fee ho bs Wats Cr ely ke ane 


The foundations of Trinity Church were laid in a humble 
mission school, opened by Rev. William A. Passavant in May, 
1846. 1°It began its career in the old “Temperance Ark” with 
seven teachers and thirty-six scholars. Some of the deeply inter- 
ested workers were Adam Epply and his sister, the Misses Clatk, 
John Allison, J. N. Eckert, C. Berenger, and Miss Conrad. This 
school was maintained for three years, when the building changed 
ownership and the school was left homeless. An effort was made 
to secure another room, but the workers lost heart and the school 
disbanded. ‘There were many unchurched children in the neigh- 
borhood, however, and two ladies of the Episcopal Church de- 
termined to do something for them. Failing to interest their own 
rector, they appealed to Doctor Passavant, who gladly availed 
himself of this second opportunity to plant a Lutheran Church in 
Allegheny. A lady, who taught a select school on Martin street, 
offered her school room for Sunday afternoons. Later the upper 
story of a fire-engine house on the same street was secured. It 
was no ideal location; the dirt and din was disheartening; but the 
heroism of the teachers outlived it all. That old fire-engine 


10—Articles in The Missionary, August 7, 1856, and November 29, 1860. 


248 HISTORY: OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


house was one of the 
bright spots on the re- 
ligious map of Pittsburgh 
from 1850 to 1854. Among 
the teachers were the 
Misses King, Conrad, 
Wade, Hewes, Greatrake, 
andiGiadg be rt Ghieaae 
Messrs. Philips, Totten, 
Heckert, and Johnson. 
Such was the character of 
their work that no prophet. 
was needed to tell the city 
that the foundations of a 
great church were being 
laid? The use! onesie 
chapel of these cosed 
Presbyterian Church was 
secured in the winter of 
1853, and Rev.» Milton 
Valentine of Chartiers 
gave them occasional Sunday evening services. This church was 
bought for $1,962 in 1854, and some more money was spent in 
making repairs, but all the needed money was raised except 
$1,000, which was funded as a debt. In 1854, there were 200 
scholars enrolled in this school; in 1859 there were 350. At this 
time Allegheny City had a population of 28,000, which was min- 
istered to by nine Presbyterian, seven Methodist, three Roman 
Catholic, one Episcopalian, one German Evangelical, one Ger- 
man Lutheran and several smaller churches. As yet no pro- 
vision had been made for the English Lutheran work. ‘The 
English Lutherans crossed the river to Pittsburgh when they at- 
tended church, and the Pittsburgh congregation did not want 
them to withdraw their membership. When they made their 
wishes known to the Church Council, they met with opposition, 
and this opposition was shown in an official protest to the Pitts- 
burgh Synod in 1860. All these objections were overruled by the 
great Head of the Church, however, for the “First English 
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Allegheny” was organized on 
October 21, 1800, with forty-eight members, thirty-six of whom 
received letters of dismissal from First Church of Pittsburgh. 
These original members were the following: 






































Barnes, Mrs. Amanda Duve, Julius J. Hambright, Mrs. Sarah 
Blair, Kinder Duve, Mrs. Anna Heckert, Benamin 
Blair, Mrs. Augusta Evans, Mrs. Margaret Holler, Susan 

Blair, Mrs. Catherine Gebhart, Jacob Inghram, Mrs. Mary 
Clever, John M. Gebhart, Mrs. Elizabeth Kurtz, Jeremiah 
Clever, Mrs. Eliza Graham, Nathan Kurtz, Mrs. Caroline 
Cooper, Marshall Graham, Mrs. Elizabeth Lehman, T. H. 


Cooper, Mrs. Catherine Graham, Harriett Lehman, Mrs. M. F. 


HISTORY NORA THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 249 


Lehman, Manette Ruper, Mrs. Julia Smith, Mrs. Caroline 
Lindsay, Mrs. Elizabeth Schreiver, Mrs. Christina Waters, Mrs. Juliet 
Manspeaker, Daniel Seibert, Jacob Waters, Anna M. 
Manspeaker, Mrs. Rebecca Seibert, Mrs. Sophia Waters, Mary E. 
Manspeaker, Susan Schackleford, Mrs. C. E. Wharen, Mrs. Susan 
Richardson, Mrs. Jane Shaner, Barbara Wiederhold, Mrs. Emma C. 
Richardson, Margaret Shaner, Sophonia Yeager, Christian 

Ruper, Emanuel Singleton, Mrs. Rebecca Yeager, Mrs. Elizabeth 


The name adopted at the organization was retained until 
December 6, 1876, when tt was changed to Trinity. The first 
pastor was Rev. Henry Reck, who served from December 15, 
1860, to July 1, 1863. His salary was fixed at $400. 


His successor was Rev. John George Goettman, who began 
a long and fruitful pastorate, November 29, 1863, and closed it 
in death, November 5, 1905. A more ideal relation between 
pastor and people is not found on the records of the synod. With 
an intense love for the distinctive doctrines of the Lutheran 
Church that ever gave dignity and strength to his labors, with 
natural graces that made him at home among all classes of peo- 
ple, with a consecration fire in his heart that was never allowed 
to smoulder, John G. Goettman was eminently fitted to become 
the pastor of a church that was destined to fill a strategic position 
in the developing life of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of 
western Pennsylvania. During the synodical controversy he 
proved a tower of strength to General Synod interests. After 
the stress of this period had been relieved to a certain degree, 
the congregation took up the question of building a new church. 
The old church on Washington street was sold in 1870 for $9,000, 
and the Stockton homestead, corner of Stockton avenue and 
Arch street, was bought for $10,000. Something over $30,000 
was spent in the building and furnishing of this church, which 
was dedicated by the pastor, May 26, 1872, Doctors F. W. Con- 
rad and L,. A. Gotwald preaching the sermons. ‘The pipe organ 
was built by H. Knauff and Sons of Philadelphia, and the open- 
ing concert was given on Friday evening, May 24, 1872. From 
1889 to 1899, Doctor Goettman was given an assistant pastor, in 
order that he might have more free time to prosecute the great 
home mission work so dear to his heart. ‘These assistants were 
Rev. W. E. Main, Rev. A. S. Fichthorn, Rev. E. E. Blint, Rev. 
W. lL. Heuser, Rev. Henry Anstadt, Rev.. Samuel T. Nicholas, 
and Rev. J. B. Markward. On May 11, 1897, Doctor Goettman 
bowed beneath the weight of his heavy burden, and a few months 
later relinquished the pastorate. His resignation was accepted, 
October 26, 1898, when he was elected pastor emeritus. Nothing 
in the history of Trinity Church shines with a brighter lustre 
than her tender care of the stricken pastor until the final sum- 
mons came, November 5, 1905. 


His successor was Doctor Alonzo J. Turkle, who began his 
pastorate, February 1, 1899, and maintained the same high 


250 HiSTORY@O RCE bial Do BURGH SY VOD 


standards of service set by his predecessor. ‘The church building 
was given a thorough renovation in the summer of 1922 at a cost 
of $9,839, and was reopened for servicés, September 17, 1922) 
While the membership of Trinity is scattered throughout the en- 
tire Pittsburgh district, a great company of people worship be- 
fore her altar every Sunday morning. Two of her young men 
have entered the ministry: Lewis Hay .and Wilkins Blair Claney. 
With a membership of more than six hundred, her devoted peo- 
ple believe that there is yet a great and vital work for her to do 
among the Evangelical Lutherans of western Pennsylvania. 


SPHPAULStGE RMA NSE V AON ALEVE RANG Cit Uk Gor 
CALIDAD ay 


The pioneers of this community were chiefly Germans, many 
of whom were Lutheran in faith, but no church services were 
held until 1860, when they were visited by Rev. W. A. Passa- 
vant and Rev. (HH! © "kaehlen™ Pastors Waehlerspreachea ion 
them occasionally for more than a year, but effected no organiza- 
tion. The congregation was regularly organized by Pastor 
Robert Neumann, February 8, 1863, with twenty-five communing 
members. In the early synodical records it is known as the 
“Kilbuck Church”. On April 11, 1863, an application was made 
for a charter, which was signed by Pastor Robert Neumann, 
Jacob» Fetter,-Péter Arras) Adami Roeder,” |ohannesmcctpers 
Friedrich Opperman, P. VonStein, H. Heinlein, Lorenz Wendel, 
John Fundis, Philip Fetter, Matthias Huettner, Martin Weiss, 
and Johann Dietz. This charter bound the congregation to the 
Pittsburgh Synod, and the attempt of a German pastor in later 
years to represent it as independent was deeply resented by the 
people. In 1864 the church united in forming Trinity Parish, 
which then extended a call to Pastor Herman Gilbert. Pastor 
Gilbert rendered faithful service during his pastorate, 1864-1872, 
but was unable to add many members to the congregation. At 
the beginning of his ministry a beautiful and elevated church site 
was donated by Mr. C. Behringer, on which a small frame church 
was erected. This church was dedicated by Pastor Herman 
Gilbert on Ascension Day, May 30, 1867, Rev. G. A. Wenzel 
preaching in German and Rev. Henry W. Roth in English. This 
church was enlarged and beautified in 1887, during the long pas- 
torate of Rev. Ivan Dietrich, by the erection of a tower, chancel 
and sacristy. A bell was installed in the tower during the fol- 
lowing year. From 1864 to 1878 the church was connected with 
Trinity Parish; from 1879 to 1886 with several mission stations 
of the synod; from 1887 to 1910 with Woods Run; from 1910 to 
1917 with Economy; from 1917 to 1920 with Trinity German 
Church of Pittsburgh; from 1920 to 1922 with St. James Church 


HISTORY, OF THE PITTSBURGH? SYNOD 251 


of Pittsburgh; after which it was served as a separate parish 
until better arrangements could be made. ‘The comparative 
strength of St. Paul’s is shown by the fact that there were only 
204 baptisms and 117 confirmations during the first thirty years 
of her history. All services are now held in English. The present 
membership of the congregation is 53. A consecutive list of the 
pastorates follows: Rev. Robert Neumann, 1863-1864; Rev. 
Herman Gilbert, 1864-1872; Rev. Carl Jaeckel (supply), 1873; 
Rev. John Muehlhauser, 1874-1878; Rev. Solomon Munsch, 
1878-1879; Rev. Joseph Rechsteiner, 1879-1882; Supplies, 1882- 
1886; Rev. Ivan Dietrich, 1886-1910; Supplies, 1910-1912; Rev. 
G. M. Kaiser, 1913-1914; Rev. John Mueller, 1915-1917; Rev. 
F. J. Fuerst, 1917-1922; Rev: Paul E. Porath, 1922-1925; Rev. 
ete ohanenel O20 


Bia ARKeS PE VANGEULICATAEUREERAN CHURCH. 
SPRINGDALE, PA. 


So far as we can learn, the first Lutheran services of this 
community were conducted by Rev. A. C. Ehrenfeld, then pastor 
of the Hankey Church of Westmoreland County. After a year 
of missionating in the valley he succeeded in organizing a con- 
gregation of thirty-eight members in Tarentum, February 17, 
1860. ‘This congregation disbanded in 1866, and a number of 
its members united with others in organizing a church in Spring- 
dale, May 25, 1867. The charter members numbered eighteen, 
and this number would doubtless have been larger but for the 
synodical controversy that was raging at the time. ‘The corner 
stone of a frame church was laid by Pastors J. K. Melhorn, W. 
PemiassaVaii Gren aavWenzel. sand, tienry W Roth Aucust 6, 
1867, and the completed building was dedicated by Doctor Passa- 
vant, March 8, 1868. The church was supplied during the sum- 
mer of 1868 by Rev. Henry Eyster Jacobs, and in the fall of the 
same year a new parish was formed, consisting of Kittanning, 
Natrona, and Springdale, which was served by Rev. John A. 
Kribbs. After the withdrawal of the Kittanning Church from 
the parish, September 1, 1872, the two other churches were so 
weak that they could not support a pastor, and their only services 
for the next eleven years were conducted by supplies. Many of 
the members were so disheartened by this experience that they 
were afraid to undertake large tasks for a long time. Pastor J. 
Leonard Fischer accomplished a fine work for the congregation 
when he helped them to secure, part by donation of Mrs. Lavinia 
Metsker and part by purchase, two fine lots on the corner of 
Pittsburgh street and Colfax lane. Here ground was broken for 
the erection of a churchly brick chapel, July 28, 1912, with the 
oldest member of the congregation, Michael Shoop, handling the 


252 HIS DORY ORS TEE PLL DS BURGH Ss WN OD 
shovel. The corner stone was laid, November 24, 1912, and the 
church dedicated by Pastor Fischer, May 18, 1913. The font was 
presented by Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Sunedecker, the pulpit by Mr. 
and Mrs. C. EF. Cornman; the Bible by Mrs. W. J. Spahr, the 
lectern by St. Peter’s Church of Evans City, the pews by Grace 
Church of Rochester, memorial windows by a number of inter- 
ested friends, and a fund of $2,000 for a future parsonage by 
Mrs. Lavinia Metsker. It was a great day of triumph for the 
people of St. Mark’s. During the last ten years there has been 
a large influx of people into the community, and more aggressive 
plans were made to care for them. In the summer of 1923 a 
beautiful parsonage was erected at a cost of $11,000. Fifty new 
members were added to the congregation during the Easter sea- 
son of 1923, and the church became self-supporting in 1926. 


A complete, list’ of (they regular ‘pastorates™ 1s ace c.. 
lows: Supplies, 1867-1868; Rev. J. A. Kribbs, 1868-1872; Sup- 
plies, 1872-1883; Rev. John Welfley, 1883-1888; Rev. R. E. Mc- 
Daniel, Ph.D., 1889-1900; Rev. E. O. Graham, 1901-1908; Rev. 
J; Di Roth; 1909-1911 Rev J Ue bischer, 1911210 lS) see eee 
Dennig, 1913-19153 (Rev. Aw Me Hahn, 1015*1916 Shey stants 
Ruff, 1916-1920; Rev. W. S$. Bonnell, 1921-1922; Rev. C. W. 
Baker jr 1922- 


CHRIST SE VANGHIIGAT. WT Til hear UG 
PIPL 6b UR Gb EAS 


Credit for the founding 
of this church is given to 
Doctor Samuel Laird and 
Doctor William A. Passa- 
vant. The» first services 
were held in the winter 
off 1868-=1869°9 11 Se 
Peter’s German Church; 
then an English Lutheran 
Sunday School was or- 
ganized in the old Lincoln 
avenue school building. 
This school enrolled six 
teachers and forty schol- 
ars on the first day. The 
place of meeting was soon 
changed to Liberty Hall, 
corner of Penn and Cen- 
ter avenues. The’ first 
regular pastor of the mis- 
sion! ‘was Rew ae 












































HISTORY. OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 253 


Waters, who organized the congregation in the home of Daniel 
Hilty, June 25, 1869. The first members were the following: 


Brown, Henry Hilty, Daniel Tabor, Cordelia 
Brown, Mary C. Hilty, Mary VanPool, Elizabeth 
Dalzell, William Hilty, M. S. Wagner, George 
Dalzell, Rebecca Hilty, Richard Walker, William 
Dodds, Lavinna R. Tritle, L. Winter Walker, Margaret J. 
Fry, Gabriel and Hannah Tritle, Catherine Waters, Annie C. 
Fry, Mary Tim, Elizabeth Woolslare, Elizabeth 


The mission was launched under encouraging conditions, 
and the synod made an anual appropriation of $400 for the sup- 
port of the pastor. A small building -was purchased on Station 
street for $1,500, the first floor of which was converted into a 
chapel. Here a Sunday School of 125 children was soon gath- 
ered, but the quarters were so overcrowded and unsatisfactory 
that two lots on the corner of Broad and Sheridan streets, 
60x150, were bought for $2,500 in the following year. The 
corner stone of a chapel was laid on the rear end of the new 
site, April 25, 1872, and the building dedicated by Pastor Waters, 
November 28, 1873. It was a two-story brick chapel, 33x55, and 
cost about $7,000. It was a time of financial distress throughout 
the land, and Pastor Waters proved himself a fine leader in 
piloting the mission through its most trying days. When he 
closed his pastorate, July 1, 1875, he was succeeded by’ Rev. 
L. H. Geschwind, who served from October 1, 1875, to February 
1, 1879. Pastor Geschwind was a good missionary, but he 
labored under difficult conditions in Christ Church, and could 
report but 93 members at the time of his resignation. The third 
pastor was Rev. Jacob S. Lawson, who served from 1879 to 1888. 
During his pastorate the front part of the Broad street site was 
sold, and he was severely criticized for the action; but, as a later 
pastor has said, if this had not been done the fine property on 
the corner of Margaretta and Beatty streets would never have 
been secured. As the sunshine ever follows the rain, so a 
happier day dawned for Christ Church, when Rev. W. A. Passa- 
vant Jr. was installed by his father as the fourth pastor, July 15, 
1888. In less than three months he succeeded in adding forty-six 
new members to the congregation and gathering $3,000 for the 
church debt. When he resigned to accept the position of Super- 
intendent of General Council Home Missions, August 1, 1889, it 
was accepted with great regret. During the pastorate of Rev. 
H. J. Kuder that followed, 1889-1891, the mission reached the 
position of self-support. 


The longest pastorate in the history of Christ Church was 
that of Doctor Jacob Lawson Smith, who served from April 2, 
1892, to December 1, 1905. Doctor Smith was a hard worker, 
and received many new members into the church. The church 


254 HISTORXM OF THE PITT SBURGHY SYNOD 


holdings were increased by the purchase of the Winslow property 
at a cost of $4,500, and a generous fund was accumulated for the 
erection of a new church. Although Doctor Smith’s retirement 
from the parish came before the time of his death, it was con- 
sidered highly fitting that his funeral service could be held 
in the new Christ Church, for which he had so earnestly 
labored. ‘This new church became a reality during the pastorate 
of Rev. Ernest Anton Trabert, who served the congregation from 
September 1, 1906, to February 1, 1913. With a great faith in 
God, the congregation purchased the lot on the corner of Mar- 
garetta and Beatty streets for $14,000, and laid plans for the 
erection of a great church. Realizing that the times demanded 
something more than an ordinary structure, Pastor Trabert gave 
much time to the study of Lutheran architecture, and when the 
beautiful building was completed and dedicated, May 8, 1910, it 
was regarded as one of the finest types of church building in the 
Pittsburgh Synod. ‘The total cost was $70,000, but its value was 
estimated at $150,000 in 1922. Pastor Trabert was assisted in 
the service of dedication by his father, Doctor G. H. Trabert, 
and by Pastors J. QO. Waters, J. L. Smith, George J. Gongaware, 
J. L. Fischer, and William Jentsch. The eighth pastor was Rev. 
Frank C. Oberly, who served from March 1, 1913, to July 12, 
1914. During this short pastorate the church debt was reduced 
from $32,000 to $26,000. When Rev. John I. Shaud became 
pastor, April 1, 1915, plans were at once made for the payment 
of the debt, and the mortgage burning was celebrated with much 
rejoicing, February 13, 1921. While the congregation was al- 
ways deeply concerned about the heavy debt, it was never al- 
lowed to interfere with their synodical obligations. A consecu- 
tive list of pastors is as follows: Rev. J. O. Waters, 1869-1875 ; 
Rev. 1. He Geschwind; 71875-1879 Revs [feo lawson 
1888; Rev. W. Ay Passavant Jr, 1888-1889; Rev so) shudem 
1889-1891; Rev a Jal pomith; Deis S92-)O0 5. evi mae 
Trabert, 1906- 1913. Revi. -C. Oberly, 1913- 1914; Revell 
Shaud, 1915- 


ST PE DER SEN GETS EBV AINGrs by ae RE HRA INGE Toh taco 
NATRONA, PA. 


Preliminary work, ees toward the organization of this 
church, was done by Rev. J. K. Melhorn, who held services in 
the school house. The organization was effected by Rev. Jona- 
than Sarver, June 7, 1873, and the constitution then adopted is 
still the law of the congregation. The health of Pastor Sarver 
failed in the summer of 1874, and Student G. H. Gerberding 


HIS TORY*OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 255 


assisted in the services. For the next ten years all the preaching 
was done by supplies, and yet the congregation managed to sur- 
vive. Occasionally a few members would be added to the con- 
gregation, but the people knew that they could not expect any- 
thing like a proper development without a regular pastor. In 
1884 Rev. John Welfley became pastor of the Allegheny Valley 
Mission, living at Springdale and serving mission stations at 
Springdale, Natrona, Tarentum, and Verona, of which only the 
first two were organized. Pastor Welfley continued his labors in 
the valley until the summer of 1889, when he was succeeded by 
Pastor R. E. McDaniel. The division of the parish was author- 
ized in 1894, and Rev. J. K. Melhorn took charge of the Tar- 
entum and Natrona congregations, March 19, 1895. At this time 
St. Peter’s had but 31 members, and the services were still con- 
ducted in the school house. Under Pastor Melhorn the con- 
gregation began to gather strength, and plans were laid for the 
building of a church. The congregation had existed for twenty- 
five years without a church, and many thought that they were 
too weak to build one. Pastor Melhorn thought otherwise, and 
soon persuaded others to adopt his views. On May 16, 1898, 
ground having been purchased, application was made for a legal 
charter. A building committee, consisting of William A. Walter, 
George D. Claasen, and John A. Walter, was then appointed. 
The corner stone of a new church was laid, September 25, 1898, 
and the completed building dedicated, July 23, 1899. It was built 
of brick, well finished throughout, churchly in its appointments, 
and cost about $6,000. Pastor Melhorn was a man well ad- 
vanced in years at the time, and was warmly congratulated by his 
brother ministers for the achievement. ‘The church was made a 
separate parish in 1903, and reached the position of self-support 
under the leadership of Pastor J. W. Myers in 1912. A resi- 
dence adjoining the church was bought in 1912 for a parsonage 
at a cost of $3,500. During the pastorate of Rev. John W. 
Myers, lots were purchased on Natrona Heights, on which a 
small frame chapel was built for Sunday School and evening 
services. About one-half of the members of the congregation 
now live on the heights, and are planning the organization of a 
separate congregation. A consecutive list of pastorates follows: 
Rev. Jonathan Sarver, 1873-1874; Supplies, 1874-1884; Rev. 
John Welfley, 1884-1889; Rev. R. E. McDaniel, Ph.D., 1889- 
1895; Rev. J. K. Melhorn, 1895-1899; Rev. E. O. Graham, 1900- 
1903; Rev. E. H. Kohn, 1903-1904; Rev. j. E. Richards, 1904- 
1908; Rev. J. W. Myers, 1909-1915; Rev. M. A. Meier, 1915- 
1919; Rev. R. R. Durst, 1919-1924; Rev. Adam Boerstler, 1925-. 


256 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


ST. JOHN’S GERMAN EVAN. LUTHERAN CHURCH 
INVARERGOINAGE PAG 


This congregation was organized in the school building by 
Rev. M. F. Dethlefs, April 14, 1872. The following persons 
were present and united with the new organization: 


Adler, Heinrich Huggi, Mrs. E. Schlicker, Heinrich 
Bergman, Heinrich Koch, Wilhelm Scholl, Jacob 
Bollinger, Louis Koedel, Henry Schumm, John 
Haug, Mrs. Maria Krueger, Michael Steinbach, Albert 
Heinle, G. Lucas, Christ Urban, Jacob 
Hoffman, Edward Leukner, Frank Vogele, Mrs. Mary 
Hofling, Julius Meckel, Joseph Vohr, Johann 
Holder, John Reinert, August Voight, Frantz 
Holderman, Martin Roth, Karl Zimmerman, Frantz 


Schelm, Heinrich 


The church began its work under bright skies, and pros- 
pered during the two years in which Pastor Dethlefs served them. 
After ill health led to his resignation, he was succeeded by four 
“free preachers”, whose work yielded no fruitage to the church 
or community. The Pittsburgh Synod gained access to the con- 
gregation in 1879, and it was then associated with the German 
Clean of Freeport in a new mission parish. ‘The first mis- 
sionary under the new order was Rev. C. F. Tiemann, who began 
his work immediately after ordination. ‘This meant the dawn of 
a new day for St. John’s Church, and the following statement is 
found in the report of the missionary superintendent of the 
synod in 1880: “The brethren at Natrona have organized and 
adopted a constitution and form of charter for the congregation, 
and expect to be received into synodical connection at this meet- 
ing’. ‘This application was made and the congregation formally 
received. The corner stone of a new church was laid by Pastor 
Tiemann, September 19, 1880, and the church dedicated, March 
27, 1881. This church was a substantial brick edifice, 32x50, and 
met the needs of the growing congregation for a number of years. 
At the time of the dedication, the church reported sixty commun- 
ing members. Pastor Tiemann resigned in May, 1883, and was 
succeeded in July of the same year by Pastor John George 
Amschler, who served them throughout his entire ministerial 
life. Hus first task was the establishment of a parochial school, 
which was a source of great strength to the church. This 
school was at first held in the public school building, then in the 
parsonage, for a short time in a stable, then in 1890 a small 
frame school house was built on the rear of the church lot. 
After 23 years of service this school building was replaced by 
the present parish house. The devoted pastor taught in this 
parochial school for thirty-five years, when his health failed and 
he was compelled to give it up. In 1898, an addition was built to 
the church, and a new altar, pulpit, pipe organ and heating system 
were installed. The first parsonage was sold in 1903, and a new 


HISTORY. OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD aa 


home erected for the pastor at 25 Sycamore street. The entire 
church was remodeled at a cost of $25,000 in 1920, and re- 
dedicated by Pastor Amschler to the service of Christ.  5t. 
John’s now possesses a fine plant, with a communing membership 
of 210, and well organized auxiliaries. All services are held in 
the German language. ‘The pastors have served in the following 
order: Rev. M. F. Dethlefs, 1872-1874; Free pastors, 1874-1879; 
Rev. C. F. Tiemann, 1880-1883; Rev. T G. Amschler, 1883-1925. 


Se OLN al V ANGE GICAL AT UL TR aoNeCELUR CEL 
HOMES LA De PA, 


This is the oldest Protestant Church of Homestead, and was 
organized by Pastor J. K. Melhorn in 1874. Eight of the twenty 
charter members came from Grace Church, South Side. The 
early development of the congregation was slow, only twenty-two 
members being reported to the synod in 1879. It was served in 
connection with Grace Church until 1885, when it was made a 
separate mission parish. No missionary was available, however, 
and Pastor Melhorn continued to supply the church every alter- 
nate Sunday for two more years. Their first church was built of 
frame on Fourth avenue at a cost of $4,811, and dedicated by 
Pastor Melhorn, October 11, 1874: In 1887 St. John’s was 
formed into a new parish with Trinity Church of Braddock, 
which extended a call to Rev. Elmer F. Krauss, July 3, 1887. 
The newly organized St. John’s Church of McKeesport was also 
placed under the care of Pastor Krauss, and the young man had 
his hands more than full in attempting to minister to three im- 
portant mission centers at one time. It could not be done, and 
Pastor Krauss moved to Homestead in January, 1889, and served 
it as a separate mission parish until January 1, 1893. This ar- 
rangement made it possible for Homestead to have regular morn- 
ing services for the first time, and the good results were imme- 
diately apparent. The services were well attended, and a par- 
sonage was built on the church ground at a cost of $1,400. At 
the time of his resignation Pastor Krauss could report 93 com- 
muning members and a Sunday School of 110 scholars. The 
mission became self-supporting in 1900 under the leadership of 
Pastor G. S. Seaman, when 165 communicants were enrolled. 
The present church was erected during the period of the World 
War.. Shortly after Pastor FE. L. T. Engers took charge of the 
parish, September 1, 1915, the plans took definite shape. One of 
-the best church sites in the city was purchased for $10,600, and 
the old property sold for $9,000. ‘The new parsonage was erected 
first, and then the church with which it is connected. ‘The corner 
stone was laid, July 1, 1917, and the completed church dedicated, 


258 HISTORY: OF SEH Ee rrigiobURGH eVuNOD 


September 14, 1919. Doctor G. Franklin Gehr read the service 
of dedication, and Doctor Elmer F. Krauss preached the sermon. 
The church was built of brick and stone at a cost of $50,000, on 
which a heavy debt of $31,000 remained. The interior is modeled 
after historic Lutheran ideals, and is one of the most attractive 
churches of the synod. During the pastorate of Rev. W. J. Sei- 
berling, there was a strong, healthy development in the life of the 
congregation, which was able to report a membership of 234 in 
1923. A Sunday School is also conducted in Whittaker. The 
pastors of St. John’s have served in the following order: Rev. J. 
K. Melhorn, 1874-1887; Rev. E. F. Krauss, 1887-1892; Rev. J. 
W. Myers, 1893-1895; Rev. G. S$. Seaman, 1896-1904; Rev. J. A. 
Yount, 1904-1906; Rev. G. L. Rankin, 1907-1914; Rev. E. L. T. 
Engers, 1915-1920; Rev. W. J. Seiberling, 1921- 1925; Rev. C. 
E. Dozer, 1925-. | 


MT; ZION DE VANGELICATSALU THE RANGCHULR GEE 
NORE SIDE SRL SB G Halen 


For many years it was the desire of the Pittsburgh Synod to 
establish an Evangelical Lutheran Church in this community, 
since the greater part of the population was composed of German 
Protestants and their descendants, but this desire was thwarted 
by a deplorable lack of pastors. Rev. George H. Gerberding was 
a child of this community, and frequently preached in a school 

house during his semin- 
gE Stes _. *ary, vacations. /Convinced 


SIC that there was a provi- 
C 
OS 





dential opening here for 
the: founding, Foi aia. 
theran congregation, he 
\([ consulted with some of 
the pastors of the city, 






secured the purchase of a 
half-acre lot on the 
A Franklin road, and the 
\s erection of a small frame 
church. The corner stone 
of this church: wasmlaid: 
October 17, 1875, and the 
building placed ,under 
roof before winter set in. 


on m= =e anne The church was not dedi- 
er eee ean EY cated until December 14, 
He 1879, when Pastor Ger- 


berding was assisted by 























BistTORY,OR IME PIP isBURGHUSYNOD 209 


Doctor W. A. Passavant and Rev. Jonathan Sarver. Pastor 
Gerberding was ordained. by authority of the Pittsburgh Synod, 
April 19, 1876, and accepted a call to Chartiers. Hus friends in- 
sisted that he must also take charge of Mt. Zion, and this he was 
reluctant to do since it was the home of his childhood. Finally, 
he consented and began regular services. An interesting Sunday 
School was organized in May, followed by the organization of a 
congregation of seventeen members on the first Sunday of Octo- 
ber, 1876. ‘The first constitution was not adopted until April 12 
of the following year. The first deacons were H. Gerberding Sr., 
G. T. Seif, James Walton, and John Ott. Pastor Gerberding re- 
signed, May 1, 1881, leaving a congregation of 48 members. Mt. . 
Zion was then associated with St. John’s of Highland in West- 
view Parish. The next pastor was Rev. Wilbert Pierce Shanor, 
who began his pastorate, June 1, 1881, and closed it because of a 
fatal illness, September 1, 1888. Then followed the two-year 
pastorate of Rev. Frank P. Bossart and one of four years by 
Rev. Peter Riffer. 


During the pastorate of Rev. Thomas Shannon Brown, 
1895-1909, Mt. Zion was made a separate mission parish and 
given the full time of the pastor. The congregation then paid 
$360 and the synod $250 of the pastor’s salary. Under this ar- 
rangement the congregation grew rapidly in numbers, becoming 
self-sustaining in 1902. In the Church Record we find this entry 
in the hand of Pastor Brown: “There has been very little purely 
Lutheran material available, it being mostly from Protestant 
Evangelical and Reformed sources. This has given rise to fre- 
quent clamors for other than Lutheran ways and practices. But 
the congregation is now firmly established in the use of a 
churchly literature and worship. There is a large and interest- 
ing Sunday School using the graded series, an active and zealous 
Ladies’ Aid Society, and a Luther League both Senior and 
Junior.” ‘The next pastorate was that of Rev. John Howard 
Worth, 1909-1915, during which great forward strides were 
made by the congregation. Pastor Worth saw clearly the handi- 
cap under which he labored in a mislocated church, and, in the 
face of not a little opposition, helped the trustees to secure the 
splendid site at the corner of Waldorf street and Perrysville 
avenue. Here a beautiful stone church was erected at a cost of 
$36,000, and dedicated by Pastor Worth, June 21, 1914. Doctor 
T. O. Keister preached the sermon for the occasion. ‘The next 
pastor was Rev. Paul Hartzell Krauss, who began his work, 
September 4, 1915, and did much to build up the strength of the 
parish. His pastorate was interrupted by the World War, and 
he was given leave of absence in May, 1918, in order to accept 
the position of Camp Pastor. He returned in September, only 


260 HISTORY: OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


to leave again in December to become Navy Chaplain. His 
formal resignation became effective, March 1, 1919. During the 
absence of Pastor Krauss the congregation was supplied by 
Student William P. Gerberding. Pastor Carl William Becker 
took charge of the parish, September 19, 1919, coming from the 
naval transport, Sierra, on which he had been chaplain during the 
war. During his pastorate many improvements were made in 
the equipment of the church. ‘Twelve art-glass windows were’ 
placed in the auditorium, completing the builder’s design; a 
baptismal font of white marble and a new altar cross were pre- 
sented as memorials; two fine hymn boards were Christmas 
. presents of 1920; and the large three-manual pipe organ was 
installed and dedicated. More than 100 new members were re- 
ceived into the congregation from January 1, 1920, to January 2, 
1921. <A terrible shock was given to the congregation, May 31, 
1923, when it was learned that Pastor Becker had been almost 
instantly killed in an automobile accident near Fairmont, West 
Virginia. At the time’-of his: death, the membershipsotecie 
church was more than 400, and the Sunday School was admitted 
to be one of the strongest in the synod. The successor of Pastor 
Becker was his bosom friend, Pastor Grover Elmer Swoyer, who 
added large numbers to the congregation and secured valuable 
adjoining property, part .of which was converted into a 
parish house.” The’ entire’ cost of the’ addition tov@the 
church plant was $85,000. The pastors of Mt. Zion have 
served in the following order: Rev. G. H. Gerberding, 1876- 
1881; Rev. W. P. Shanor, 1881-1888; Rev. F. P. Bossart, 1888- 
1890; Rev. Peter Riffer, 1890-1895; Rev. T. S. Brown, 1895- 
1909; Rev. J. H. Worth, 1909-1915; Rev. P. H. Krauss, 1915>: 


1919; Rev. C. W. Becker, 1919-1923; Rev. G. E. Swoyer, 1923-. 


MEMORIAL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
NOR PE Co LDR Pi is 2 URC bless pas 


Until 1871 there was no Protestant Church on East street 
between North avenue and the rural section far beyond the city 
line. A union Sunday School was opened by other denomina- 
tions in the old Reserve Township school house, but it was soon 
given up. It was then reorganized by Mr. Dummet, a teacher of 
the public school, under whom it gave promise of success. Pastor 
G. H. Gerberding then learned of this school, and held occasional 
services for it on Sunday evenings until 1881. Rev. W. P. 
Shanor, his successor in West View Parish, followed up his 
labors, but found the school house unsuitable for his work. ‘This 
led to a meeting in the home of Jacob Craig, October 11, 1882, 
when it was decided to make an effort to build a church. Those 


HISTORY. OF THE PITTSBURGH ‘SYNOD 261 


attending this meeting were Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Heckel, Mr. and 
Mrs. C. A. Stimple, Mr. and Mrs. William Peters, Mr. and Mrs. 
Jacob Craig, David Beitler, Miss Annie Heckel, Miss Carrie 
Uhle, Miss Louisa Black, and Pastor W. P. Shanor. A rough 
sketch of the proposed church was presented and approved. The 
following statement is taken from the Memorial Church Record: 
“Mr. C. C. Heckel informed the friends that he had purchased 
a lot, which he would lease to the church building committee for 
church purposes for six years without any interest, rent or tax, 
and would sell at the end of that time, or at such time before as 
the congregation to be organized might desire, the front half of 
the lot at half the cost of the whole lot. His offer was gratefully 
accepted”. Mr. Craig continued to serve as treasurer, and Mrs. 
C. C. Heckel, Mrs. C. A. Stimple and Miss Annie Heckel set out 
with subscription books, and were quite successful in collecting 
funds. Ground was broken for the erection of a church in 
November, 1882, and Thomas Keown began on the carpenter 
work. The unplastered church was used for the first service, 
lebruary 4, 1883, when Rev. Henry W. Roth preached in 
Iinglish and Rev. G. A. Wenzel in German. Communion was 
administered, March 18, 1883, when twenty-two persons pre- 
sented themselves for membership. The congregation was regu- ’ 
laclyoreanized, Aprili9 31383, when C. C:-Eleckel; David Beitler, 
W. D. Stimple, William Roth, and William Peters were elected 
as the first church officers. The church was dedicated by Pastor 
Shanor, November 18, 1883. This one-story church was raised 
in the summer of 1887, and a basement built beneath for the 
accommodation of the growing Sunday School. Failing health 
led to the resignation of Pastor Shanor in 1888, and he was suc- 
ceeded by Pastor W. J. Finck, who served from 1888 to 1893. 
After supplying the church for several months, Doctor Edmund 
Belfour consented to accept a call, and served Memorial from 
June 1, 1893, to November 1, 1919. ‘This pastor at once began 
to wear the clerical robe and to observe all the festival seasons 
of the Church. On April 18, 1901, a two-manual pipe organ, 
presented by Andrew Carnegie, was dedicated by the pastor. In 
1897 and 1902 extensive repairs and improvements were made. 
A good brick parsonage was erected in 1906 at a cost of $5,000. 
The pastor moved into this home on October 19, 1906. Doctor 
G. F. Gehr supplied the congregation for several months after 
the resignation of Doctor Belfour, accomplishing much in the 
way of developing the financial strength of the discouraged 
church. The next regular pastor was Rev. Hugo L. Dressler, 
who served less than one year, resigning because of sickness in 
his family. Shortly before he left the parish, the church was 
rededicated, having been renovated and improved at a cost of 
$5,500. Another short pastorate was that of Rev. William F. 


262 HISTORY) OPSTHESP TES BURGH SYNOD 


Pfeifer, whose term of service began on November 1, 1921, and 
closed on August 1, 1923. The development of a strong Brother- 
hood was the feature of this pastorate. The pastors of Memorial 
Church have served in the following order: Rev. W. P. Shanor, 
1883-1888; Rev. W. J. Finck, 1888-1893; Rev. Edmund Belfour, 
D:D.} 1893-1919; RevieG: & Gehr,) D:Da\(supply ), Lo Ole 
Rev. H. L. Dressler, 1920-1921; Rev. W. F. Pfeifer, 1921-1923; 
Rev. O. E. Bluehdorn, 1924-1925; Rev. W. L. Winner, 1925-. 


ST. PAUL’S GERMAN EVAN. LUTHERAN CHURCH 
TARENTUM, PA. 


A German Evangelical Church was organized in Tarentum 
as early as 1854, but this was not satisfactory to the Lutherans, 
who were organized into St..Paul’s Church by -Pastor =] 9G, 
Amschler in May, 1886. ‘The following heads of families were 
represented in the organization: 


Bartsch, Herman Grimm, Johann Patz, Michael 
Bauschke, Karl Itchek, Frienrich Rigot, Joseph 
Beusch, Gustav Jordshak, Christian Stamm, Adam 
Dromershausen, Louis Kaptina, Johann Wobhleb, Mrs. Louise 
Dudek, Johann Muecke, Henry Zimmerman, Louis 


Unger’s and Dunlap’s halls were used for the first services, 
and the congregation was establshed without mission aid. A new 
church was built in partnership with Grace Church, which was 
dedicated, March 3, 1889. The German services on this occasion 
were conducted by Pastors Amschler and Ziegelmeier at the 
morning hour. The two congregations used the same place of 
worship until 1913, when the Germans bought the interest of the 
English. All the services of this congregation are conducted in 
German. Pastor Amschler resigned in 1925, leaving a congre- 
gation of 125 members. 


EMANUEL’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
BELLEVUE, PA. 


The beginnings of this congregation are readily traced to the 
missionary spirit of Doctor Passavant. When Manchester was 
a small town on the banks of the Ohio, separated by woods and 
meadows from Allegheny City, he secured a lot on Juniata street, 
and held“it in trust for a future lutheran’ Church) )Ayirame 
building was secured, with the intention of placing it on this lot 
and fitting 1t up as a chapel, but this building was wrecked by a 
storm, and the plans of the missionary were temporarily aband- 
oned. The ground was sacredly held, however, in the hope that 
it would some day serve the purpose for which it was given. 
When Rev. J. O. Waters accepted a call to Chartiers in 1885, he 


BS loOk Ya ORM LHE CPL TPS BURGH Yay NOD 263 


did so with the under- 
standing that he would 
be permitted to devote a 
large part of his time in 
developing a mission in 
Manchester. During the 
fall of that year he made 
a canvass of the com- 
munity, and found that 
there were a number of 
Lutherans who would 
welcome an organization. 
The mission chapel of the 
United Presbyterians was 
Secuream asa’ place. (of 
meeting wat’ a monthly 
rental of $10. The first 
service was held there on 
ittees unidaly’ before 
Christmas of 1885. Pros- 
pects seemed bright, and 
Emanuel’s Church was organized with twenty-one members, July 
31, 1886. ‘The constitution recommended by the General Council 
was adopted, but the first Church Council was not elected until 
August 16, 1886. The first officers were Rev. J. Q. Waters, 
pastor; E. A. Brown, Charles Graham and M. L. Durst, deacons ; 
FE. A. Brown and Claudius B. Durst, trustees. The Sunday School 
was organized, January 1, 1886, with an enrollment of three 
teachers and eighteen scholars. ‘The lot secured by Doctor 
Passavant was then placed at the disposal of the congregation, 
and plans were laid for the building of a church. ‘The corner 
stone of this church was laid, May 8, 1887, and the building 
opened for services, July 31, 1887, when Doctor W. A. Passavant 
and Rev. J. K. Melhorn preached the sermons. It was a frame 
building, 32x54, semi-Gothic, with slate roof and stained glass 
memorial windows. Pastor Waters remained until 1889, when 
Pastor C. W. Jefferis was installed as his successor. After a pas- 
torate of three months he resigned, so that little can be said of 
his work. The next pastor was Rev. William F. Ulery, who took 
charge of the mission, January 1, 1890, and continued to visit 
from house to house until the faith and courage of the people 
were restored. During a pastorate of two years, he added 36 
new members to the church and built up a Sunday School of 150 
scholars and teachers. The fourth pastor of the church was 
Rev. Jacob M. Hankey, who was installed, June 12, 1892. Dur- 
ing his pastorate a large part of the congregation, who preferred 
a General Synod Church, withdrew and organized Bethel Church 
























































264 HISTORY..OF THE PITTSBURGH YNOD 


with the full consent of the pastor of Emanuel’s, who accepted a 
call from the new organization. Bitter feelings at once de- 
veloped between the two congregations, and also between the two 
synods concerned. For a time it seemed as if Emanuel’s Church 
would be completely disorganized, but those who remained loyal 
to the original constitution rallied under the leadership of Rev. 
Jonathan Sarver, who, in a short but intensive pastorate of two 
years, added ninety members to the congregation. The sixth 
pastor was Rev. Luther D. Reed, 1895-1902, who raised $4,000 
of a burdensome debt, added 103 persons to the communing mem- 
bership, and resigned only because of ill health. Rev. C. K. 
Fegley, who had supplied the church during the absence of 
Pastor Reed in search of health, was then elected pastor, and 
served from 1902 to 1905. A long and distressing vacancy fol- 
lowed his resignation, during which a number of members with- 
drew and united with other congregations. A new era dawned 
with the coming of Pastor B. F. Hankey, March 3, 1907, but the 
call was accepted: with the understanding that new work should 
be begun at once in Bellevue. Accordingly, a Sunday School of 
seventeen scholars was organized in the W. C. T. U. Hall, Lin- 
coln avenue, March 17, 1907. The first church service was held 
at the same place on the evening of the same day, which was at- 
tended by twenty-eight persons. The pastor was installed in 
Bellevue, and thus the foundations of the new work were laid. 
The Manchester church building was sold for $7,400; but, before 
this was accomplished, it was found advisable to effect a tempor- 
ary organization in Bellevue, and this was done in W. C. T. U. 
Hall, September 22, 1907, when twenty-two persons entered the 
organization, adopted a constitution, and elected J. EF. Reed, W. 
E,. Marlatt, George Gillespie, J. F. Wulfetang, and Henry G. 
Ruehl as officers. This preliminary organization lasted only 
until December 19, 1907, when the two congregations were 
merged. The first Church Council of the merger church 
consisted of the following: Thomas Keown, Charles A. Bassler, 
Jacob Stauffer, William Fleming, Louis Acker, J. E. Reed, 
George Gillespie, and J. F. Wulfetang, deacons; and William 
Marlatt, Fred T. Roos, and Leander Goody, trustees. The Pitts- 
burgh Church Extension Society secured a lot for the mission in 
the early part of 1907 at a cost of $7,250. This society also 
agreed to loan $2,750 for the building of a church, making a 
total loan of $10,000. This gave great encouragement, and the 
contract was let at once to Moore and Ruehl. The corner stone 
was laid, July 19, 1908, and the church dedicated, February 7, 
1909, This church was built of stone, and furnished according 
to churchly ideals, at a cost of $17,347. Later a pipe organ was 
installed at a cost of $2,250, and a parsonage secured for $5,800. 
A stone tower was erected and furnished with a sweet-toned bell 


Bist ROOF SELB AP LDS BURGE <3 YN OD 265 


by Mr. Arnold Stucki in memory of his deceased wife, which 
was dedicated by Pastor Hankey, March 19, 1922. The property 
is now conservatively valued at $50,000. When Pastor Hankey 
began his pastorate he found a discouraged mission of 47 mem- 
bers; in 1923, after sixteen years of service, he was. able to re- 
port a church of 336 members, with an outlook second to none of 
the progressive churches of the synod. The pastors have served 
in the following order: Rev. J. Q. Waters, 1886-1889; Rev. C. 
WomleticHa oso Revivals Ulery 1890-18025 Revs}: My. 
Hankey, 1892-1893; Rev. Jonathan Sarver, 1893-1895; Rev. L. 
D. Reed, 1895-1902; Rev. C. K. Fegley, 1902-1905; Rev. B. F. 
Hankey, 1907-. 


ST. MARK’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
PITTSBURGH, PA. 


This church traces its beginnings to a Sunday School of 
seventeen children, which was organized and superintended by 
W. A. Rhodes in January of 1886. This school was held in 
Rhodes Hall, corner of East Ohio and Diamond streets, and was 
independent of any Church. Pastor J. M. Schneider of the Ger- 
man Evangelical Church then became interested, and organized 
them into “The First English Evangelical Church of Allegheny”. 
It was never the purpose of the founders to unite with the 
Evangelical Synod of North America, however, and when the 
time came to give consideration to synodical relations, they ad- 
dressed a letter to Rev. Isaiah Irvine, missionary superintendent 
of the Pittsburgh Synod of the General Synod, asking for pas- 
toral advice and care. In his report for 1889, the missionary 
superintendent made the following statement concerning the mis- 
sion: “On January 6, 1889, I preached to a band of worshippers 
on Third street, Allegheny, known as the First Evangelical 
hunger Alleshenyewhichs hads beenwservediby Rev). M: 
Schneider in connection with the Synod of North America. The 
services of the missionary president were offered them as a sup- 
ply until arrangements could be made to secure them a regular 
pastor, on the condition that they unite with the Pittsburgh 
Synod of the General Synod. The proposition was accepted, and 
a constitution adopted on the third day of February, 1889. The 
offices were filled as required by the constitution, and installed, 
and thus another Lutheran mission was established with twenty- 
one members, to which twelve have since been added. A promin- 
ent feature of the mission is the Sunday School, which numbers 
two hundred on the roll; besides that it is in a part of the city 
where the German language prevails among the older people, and 
where the children usually incline to English services”. During 


266 His TORY ORTH MaRS UR Gries NIC) L) 


the winter of 1888-1889, the congregation was furnished with 
supplies by the missionary superintendent, and increased to a 
membership of forty-six. 


The first regular pastor of St. Mark’s was Rev. C. B. King, 
who served them from July 1, 1890, to December 31, 1898. With 
characteristic business sense, Pastor King first saw to it that the 
congregation was legally incorporated, then a lot on the corner 
of North avenue and Middle street was bought for $6,200, on 
which a brick church was built at a cost of $9,100. This church 
was dedicated by the pastor, September 18, 1892, and fully paid 
for within two years. It has been claimed that not more than 
$1,500 of this was collected from members of St. Mark’s. Under 
the leadership of W. J. Patrick the Sunday School was increased 
to more than three hundred. In those days Mrs. C. B. King re- 
vealed her powers as a Sunday School worker, and many of the 
older members of the congregation can yet recall her instruction. 
After receiving mission aid for eight years the congregation was 
declared self-sustaining. The next pastor was Rev. H. S. Gil- 
bert, who served from February 12, 1899, to June 30, 1901. 
While this pastor possessed many of the qualities of a successful 
missionary, he soon created a division in the congregation which 
compelled his resignation. His opposition to St. Mark’s continued 
long after his resignation, and he assisted in the organization of 
a rival congregation, which was later absorbed by Spring Garden 
Church. In this unfortunate experience the congregation re- 
ceived a blow from which it was long years in recovering. ‘The 
task of repairing the broken ranks was entrusted to Pastor Eli 
Miller, who rendered faithful service from 1901 to 1907. For 
many years the work of the church was continued under dis- 
couraging conditions. In recent years Pastor Theodore George 
Shuey has added many new members by the use of theatre meet- 
ings and open air services in the parks. ‘The confirmed member- 
ship in 1923 was 423, and 215 were enrolled in the Sunday 
School. The pastors of St. Mark’s have been the following: 
Rev. Isaiah Irvine (supply), 1889-1890; Rev. C. B. King, 1890- 
1898; Rev. H. S. Gilbert, 1899-1901; Rev. Eli Miller, 1901-1907 ; 
Rev. Charles®Leonard 1907-191 ls) RevAiiwieG. sDunlap, Lol 
1912; Rev. M. A. Spotts, 1912-1914; Rev. H. A. Rinard, 1915- 
1918; Rev. T. G. Shuey, 1918-. 


GRACE EVANGEULICAT, LUTHERAN GHURGH 
TARENTUM, PA. 
In the spring of 1859 Rev. A. C. Ehrenfeld was engaged to 


preach in Tarentum and neighboring points with a view to or- 
ganizing the scattered Lutherans into a congregation. It was 


Hila hOKYVOR Stik PIPTSBURGHASYNOD 267 


high time for such work, for the Presbyterians had been on the 
ground since 1835, and the Methodists since 1810, moulding the 
religious sentiment of the valley and making it increasingly 
difficult for Lutheranism to secure a foothold. After 
preaching for nearly a year, Pastor Ehrenfeld organized a Lu- 
theran congregation in the German Evangelical Church, February 
17, 1860, with the following members : 


Bigley, Philip Huff, Eliza Remaley, James 
Bortner, Jacob Huff, Rachel Shoop, George, Sr. 
Bortner, Martha Itellar, Conrad Shoop, Mary 
Bortner, Mary Kuhn, Jesse Shoop, Michael 
Daily, Diana Kuhn, Magdalena Shoop, Sarah J. 
Ehrenfeld, Rev. A. C. Myers, Mrs. Elmira Shoop, George, Jr. 
Ehrenfeld, Maria E. Myers, Elmira Shoop, Mary 
Ehrenfeld, Mary Jane Negley, John Smith, William 
Fry, Anna Rebecca Negley, Regina Smith, Barbara 
Hairis, William Orris, John Wilson, William 
Harris, Susan Orris, Elizabeth Wilson, Julia 
Huff, Isaac Park, Catherine Wilson Mary Ann 


Their place of worship was an old school house, which was 
purchased and fitted up at a cost of $100, and dedicated by 
Pastor Ehrenfeld on May 13, 1860. . Pastor Ehrenfeld resigned, 
December 1, 1861, and was succeeded by Pastor P. G. Bell, April 
1, 1862. Encouraging progress was made, so that the congrega- 
tion became self-sustaining in 1863. Then a nasty scandal of 
some sort arose, which led to the disbandment of the congrega- 
tion. Some of the members united with the German Church of 
Natrona, others founded St. Mark’s Church of Springdale, but 
many were lost to the Lutheran Church. It was a blow from 
which Lutheranism has 
only recovered in recent 
years. Nothing was done 
in the way of reorgant- 
zation for about twenty- 
Dice yc ondethens 
Seta ee tO erelatem= the 
General Council and the 
General Synod tried to 
do something at the same 
time. When Rev. Na- 
thaniel Scheffer became 
pastor of Saxonburg Par- 
ish in 1885, he learned 
that some of his people 
had removed to ‘Taren- 
tum and were anxious 
for the establishment of 
a Lutheran Church. He 
made his first visit to 
Tarentume earch: 1 









































268 HISTORY) OF LAHEsSPITTSBURGH SYNOD 


1886, and made arrangements for a service in Staley’s Hall three 
weeks later. On the afternoon before this service, the people 
were obliged to give the place a thorough cleaning before they 
could use it. The same procedure was necessary in advance ot 
every service held in that room. Pastor Scheffer was assisted in 
this pioneer work by Pastor H. K. Shanor of Freeport, neither 
of the young men asking or desiring any recompense. The long 
drive over mud roads from Saxonburg at certain times entailed 
more or less hardship, and Pastor Scheffer merited the thanks of 
the synod. Pastor Luther M. Kuhns then undertook to estab- 
lish a General Synod congregation and serve it in connection with 
Freeport. He succeeded in organizing a congregation, August 
20, 1886, but a strong protest was raised, and the Board of Home 
Missions of the General Synod withdrew their missionary, Jan- 
uary 1, 1887, and the mission then disbanded. The organization 
of Grace Church was effected by Pastor Scheffer, July 11, 1886, 


when the following persons were enrolled: 


Atkinson, John W. Hensel, George and Sophia Schaeffer, L. Ann 
Atkinson, Margaret Hershberger, Belle Shearer, EF. J. 
Beatty, Maggie F. Hershberger, Anne Shearer, K. Ann 
Blot Klingensmith, Nicholas Shoop, George A. 
Biotiwelizziems: Schaeffer, Jackson Shoop, Lizzie M. 


The constitution adopted at that time is a document of such 
excellence that it remains in force unamended to the present day. 
The earliest congregational minutes are dated, July 25, 1886, 
when the following officers were elected: George A. Shoop, 
Henderson Elliott, Jackson Schaeffer, and Samuel Shearer. The 
first communion service was held, August 22, 1886, when twelve 
members and two visitors communed. A church was built in 
partnership with the Germans, which was dedicated, March 3, 
1889, a German service being held in the morning, an English 
service in the afternoon, and a union service of the two congre- 
gations in the evening. The first resident pastor was Rev. 
Reuben E. McDaniel, who served from April 28, 1889, to Sep- 
tember 30, 1894. The records of his pastorate were beautifully 
kept, a model of exactness for his successors. This pastorate 
closed under conditions, which the historian finds hard to relate 
in fairness to all parties concerned. A considerable portion of 
the congregation became dissatisfied with his services, and 
threatened to form a General Synod Church or unite with other 
denominations. Pastor McDaniel refused to resign for reasons 
that seemed good to him as well as many others; the threat of 
the opposition was carried out; and twenty-three members of 
Grace withdrew and helped to organize Trinity Church. Pastor 
McDaniel’s successor was Pastor J. K. Melhorn, 1895-1900, 
whose strong leadership brought order out of confusion and re- 
established the work of the congregation. On October 12, 1913, 
the congregation sold its rights in the frame church to the Ger- 


PlolLORY, OP Toi PIP SpURGH <5 VY NOD 269 


man Church for $3,000. A new site, corner of East Ninth 
avenue and Summit Way, was then secured. Here the corner 
stone of a new church was laid, July 19, 1914, and the completed 
building dedicated by Pastor C. A. Dennig, December 8, 1914. 
It was built of brick and stone at a cost of $14,000, and is a 
model of neatness and churchly art. ‘The basement was equipped 
for social and educational work. ‘The parish reached the posi- 
tion of self-support, February 1, 1926. The Common Service Book 
is used, and a vested choir leads the worship of the congregation. 
The pastors of Grace have served in the following order: Rev. 
Nathanael Scheffer, 1886-1888; Rev. R. E. McDaniel, 1889-1894 ; 
Rey. J. K. Melhorn, 1895-1900; Rev. E. O. Graham, 1901-1908; 
Rev. J. D. Roth, 1908-1911; Rev. J. L. Fischer (supply), 1911- 
1913; Rev. C. A. Dennig, 1913-1915; Rev. G. L. Weibel, 1917- 
Wiceukev Lo Wa Rupp lols 


BETHANY EVANGELICAT LUTHERAN CHURCH 
BANOO Ke AAs 


Bethany Church is a product of the merger established by 
the decree of the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, 
May 18, 1921, uniting First Church and Trinity Church as one 
corporation. ‘The history of the two merging churches, how- 
ever, covers a period of more than thirty-three years, during 
which they preserved a separate existence. Members of the 
Lutheran Church drifted into Braddock from the time of the 
founding of the Edgar Thompson Steel Works at Bessemer, but 
not in such numbers as to warrant the organization of a church 
until 1886. Prior to that time the field was canvassed by pastors 
of the General Council, but they were disappointed with the re- 
sults. The chief credit for the first organization is generally 
given to the families of Jacob Hoffman and George Day. Mr. 
Hoffman appealed to the Southern Conference of the Pittsburgh 
Synod of the General Synod, which requested the missionary 
superintendent to visit the field. Rev. Irvine accepted the invi- 
tation, rented a hall for services, interested a number of families, 
and organized a congregation of eighteen members, August 15, 
1886. Two weeks later he presented a constitution for the ‘First 
English Evangelical Lutheran Church of Braddock’’, which was 
adopted and signed by twelve of the eighteen founders. These 
did not represent the full strength of the mission, since there 
were a number of others ready to unite with the new congrega- 
tion as soon as they could secure letters. The people were en- 
thusiastic for the new venture, believing that it would be but a 
short time until they would grow into a strong congregation. But 
they learned that their unity was more apparent than real on the 


270 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


day of their first communion service. One of the members arose 
and moved that the church unite with the Pittsburgh Synod then 
connected with the General Council. This motion was ruled out of 
order on the ground that it required a change of constitution 
and legal advance notice. This ruling caused the meeting to 
break up in confusion, and led to the organization of Trinity 
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Braddock, February 8, 1887, 
with the following members : 


Carson G. E. Livinston, Sadie Weil, J. Lewis 
Carson, Nervis Swem, John B. Weil, Louisa 
Emmert, P. F. Swem, Caroline Weil, Gottlieb 
Emmert, Alice Swem, Charles E. Weil, Maggie 
Houtz, Jesse Swem, Julia R. Wolford, Jacob 
Houtz, Lizzie Thompson, J. E. and May Wolford, S. E. 


Of these nineteen charter members of Trinity, special men- 
tion is due John B. Swem, who conducted a Sunday School in 
his home for a long time, and then served as the superintendent 
of the church school until the day of his death, April 10, 1900. 
The first pastor of Trinity Church was Rev. Elmer F. Krauss, 
who served a large mission field, consisting of Homestead, Mc- 
Keesport, and Braddock, July 3, 1887, to January 1, 1889, when 
the parish was divided and the pastor assigned to Homestead. 
The First English Church remained under the pastoral care of 
Rev. Isaiah Irvine, who effected a complete reorganization of the 
congregation, December 5, 1886. Rev. Luther M. Kuhns: was 
commissioned by the Board of Home Missions of the General 
Synod as the first regular pastor, January 1, 1887. To guard 
against “future panics” a charter was secured, June 27, 1887. 
The petition for this charter was signed by the following mem- 
bers of the congregation: 


Day Gan Wie Ce Gustkey, L. E Marks, Wilson 


Day, Mrs. Clara Hoffman, J. A. Ormsa oo he 
Elder, H. J. Hoffman, L. G. Rotter eAcmen 
Gustkey, Edward Loutzenhizer, W. M. Steiner, M. A. 
Grubbs, M. B. Loutzenhizer, M. E. Steiner, D. D. 


The officers of First Church at this time were George W. C. 
Day, Jacob Hoffman, D. D. Steiner, and Wilson Marks. The 
natural antagonism between the two churches was shared by 
their respective synods. A protest was sent to the General 
Synod Mission Board, claiming the field as General Council ter- 
ritory; and that board was on the point of withdrawing their 
missionary, when the local General Synod men raised such a 
storm of counter protest that missionary aid was continued. First 
Church was supported by the General Synod Board from 1887 
to 1892, when it assumed self-support in order to secure a sep- 
aration from Mount Carmel Church of upper Turtle Creek. 
This action was premature, however, and it was once more re- 
ceived as a mission from 1894 to 1901. Trinity Church was a 
mission of the Pittsburgh Synod of the General Council, 1887- 


HISTLORYeOr Li BvELUTSBURGHESYNOD 271 


1918, when Pastor S$. K. Herbster brought it to the position of 


self-support. 
during the pre-merger years: 


GENERAL COUNCIL LINE 
melcaianeltviner (sttpply) sa 1886-1887 


The following pastors served the two churches 


GENERAL SYNOD LINE 
Reve ai imeny haw itatiss tse ee 1887-1889 


Reve Wuther eM Kuhns sh .n. 1887-1888 Revert hen Dinste(Suppliy)rete. nee 1889-1890 
Rev. Charles Reinewald .........8.... 1888-1892 iar Seana! Ak AD om ee 1890-1891 
Revere Liueopanclered. poe cee ks 1893-1893 SupplicSs mics, oat une nie cet, Leen 1891-1900 
Reviemulant yor lee wy abretn ee eee. 1893-1895 Reyes pnest ace Lraber tees ae 1900-1902 
Revar tase Derrickpaue* =enn 1895-1898 Revers Walliam* Bam bauet mse. one 1902-1909 
Reveee Williaa Buches se on 1898-1909 Rev. William A. Zundel ......000.000.... 1909-1913 
Gwe beet lormiesa Dell arcane 1910-1914 Rexeoantuctehe ellenbster asses 1913-1900 
Reva ii-vinen eS Leli see een 1915-1923 Rev. D. M. Kemerer (supply)........ 1920-1921 


It will be noted from the above record that Trinity Church 
was served by supply pastors from 1891 to 1900. This was due 
to serious troubles that arose during the pastorate of Rev. S. R. 
Elson, which almost destroyed the congregation. But for the 
fact that a valuable lot had been secured for the church at an 
early day, it is quite probable that the mission would have been 
abandoned. ‘This lot was bought for $1,500 in 1888, when $500 
of the purchase price was paid by members and friends of the 
mission. ‘Iwo years later, by the aid of generous friends, the 
balance was paid. At the time of the merger this ground with 
its improvements was valued at $18,800. In 1898 the synod de- 
termined to help Trinity by assisting in the erection of a chapel. 
This chapel was erected at a cost of $1,700, and the plans were 
published in the minutes of the Pittsburgh Synod for the guid- 
ance of mission churches. This chapel was dedicated by Doctor 
Edmund Belfour, July 9, 1899. Through the efforts of Rev. 
John Welfley, a member of the congregation, a pipe organ was 
secured from Andrew Carnegie, which is now in use in Bethany 
Church. During the pastorate of Rev. W. A. Zundel a parson- 
age was erected on the rear of the church lot at a cost of $4,000. 
First Church was not so fortunate in the selection of a building 
site. [wo sites were considered: one on Fifth street at $1,500, 
and the other on Fourth street at $2,000. The latter was much 
the better site, but the cheaper lot was chosen. The church was 
built by Mr. Steiner, and the basement occupied for the first 
time, April 13, 1890. The completed church was dedicated by 
Pastor Charles Reinewald, June 15, 1890. This church was built 
of frame at a cost of $4,500. After the merger of the two Pitts- 
burgh Synods, November 18, 1919,*the two Braddock congrega- 
tions began to discuss the possibilities of merger. The difficul- 
ties in the way, created by many years of antagonism, were great 
but not insurmountable. A series of “Merger Propositions”’ 
were submitted by the president of synod, and finally agreed to 
by both congregations, only a few minor changes being made by 
First Church. ‘These amended propositions called for a com- 


272 HISTORY OFC E Persp URGH > LINO 


mittee on ways and means, consisting of six members from each 
congregation. ‘The representatives of First Church were H. 5S. 
Leighton, H. G. Means, Albert Liston, EF. A. Getz, John Lowry, 
and Walter Bradley. The representatives of Trinity were Wil- 
liam ae Koehler, W. C. Koehler, Charles Wahlberg, Fred C. C. 
Heyl, F. W. Koehler, and Andrew Ballent, The joint-committee 
held lac meetings before they were able to come to an agree- 
ment. While there was general unanimity of opinion as to the 
desirableness of a merger, both parties soon learned that mutual 
concessions were necessary in order to effect that merger. ‘The 
use of the Common Service Book was readily agreed to, but the 
method of administering the sacrament of the altar caused much 
difficulty. Conferences were continued, however, until an agree- 
ment was reached; and Robbin B. Wolf was retained as the at- 
torney to secure the order of court that would unite the two con- 
gregations as one. The decree was signed, May 18, 1921, and 
from th'at day Bethany Church dates her birth. The first meet- 
ing of the united congregations was held in First Church, June 
5, 1921, when the work of the committee on ways and means was 
approved, and its members were duly elected to serve as the first 
council of Bethany Church. The constitution and by-laws rec- 
ommended by the United Lutheran Church were adopted, with 
a few minor changes to suit local needs. Rev. C. H. Stein was 
elected and installed as the first pastor of Bethany, and served 
the congregation until August 1, 1923. His successor was Rev. 
Jebel Harman, who began his work, October 15, 1923. Shortly 
before the work of the committee on ways and means had been 
completed, the trustees of First Church were authorized to pur- 
chase the property on the corner of Fourth and Mill streets, 
101x140, at a cost of $18,000. A large brick duplex house lo- 
cated on this property was occupied by the pastor. The total net 
assets of the two congregations on entering the merger were 
$38,748; and the total membership was classified as follows: 
communing, 385; confirmed, 455; baptized, 660. 


ST. JOHN’S GERMAN: EVAN. LUTHERAN CHURCH 
McKEBSsROCK S RAZ 


This congregation was organized by Pastor C. F. Bohnen of 
New Castle, January 9, 1885, On December 5 of the same year, 
two lots on Chartiers avenue were bought from Philip Stein- 
mueller as a church site. Mr. Steinmueller was the first delegate 
of the congregation to the Pittsburgh Synod, in 1886, and made 
an appeal on behalf of the new church that was answered by the 
formation of a new mission parish, consisting of Greenoch and 
McKees Rocks, and the commissioning of Pastor F. L,. Dietrich 
as the first missionary. The church was admitted to the synod 


HISTORY- OF VPHE, PITTSBURGH SYNOD 273 


at the same meeting. Shortly after the installation of Pastor 
Dietrich, May 22, 1887, the congregation decided to build a 
church. ‘The corner stone was laid, September 25, and the church 
dedicated, December 18, 1887, when Pastor Dietrich was assisted 
by Rev. D. M. Kemerer. At this time the congregation num- 
bered only thirty-seven members. Many German families were 
moving into the community, but the pastor found it hard to in- 
terest them in the establishment of the church. Pastor Dietrich 
was then a man well advanced in years, but worked so faithfully 
that the congregation became self-sustaining in 1892. When he 
resigned, September 18, 1893, he was succeeded by Rev. Johannes 
Schubert, whose short pastorate, October 1, 1893, to July 8, 1894, 
was marked by an endeavor to force the congregation to unite 
with the Missouri Synod. Of the twenty-seven families then 
connected with the parish, sixteen voted to go with the pastor 
and eleven remained loyal to the constitution and the Pittsburgh 
Synod. Two weeks later, Pastor John H. Tarnedde preached 
his first sermon to the loyalists, who furnished a faithful nucleus 
around which he was able to build up a strong congregation. A 
Ladies’ Aid Society was organized, October 18, 1894, and these 
willing women have done much to encourage the pastor in his 
work. Chartiers avenue was widened in 1896, and it then be- 
came necessary for the congregation to raise and move the church 
at a cost of $1,000. A parsonage was built in the rear of the 
church in 1900 at a cost of $3,000, in order to prepare the way to 
self-support. In 1907 the debt was fully paid, and five years 
later a building fund was started, which made possible the 
erection of a good brick church at a cost of $65,000, which was 
dedicated by Pastor Tarnedde, January 24, 1926. ‘This congre- 
gation is associated with the German Church of McDonald. 


ST. JOHN’S ENGLISH EVAN. LUTHERAN CHURCH 
McKEESPORT, PA. 


The necessity of establishing an English mission in this 
growing town was discussed by General Council leaders as early 
as 1883. The missionary superintendent spent much time in the 
winter of 1884-1885 hunting up the Lutherans and trying to in- 
terest them in the founding of a church. Services were held in 
a rented hall every four weeks for a period of eight months, but 
the results did not seem to warrant an organization. Nothing 
further was done until February of 1887, when Rev. J. C. Kunz- 
mann canvassed the town and found twenty-five Lutherans ready 
to enter a mission. A temporary organization was effected by 
Rev. W. A. Passavant Jr., August 14, 1887, under the name of 
St. John’s English Evangelical Lutheran Church. ‘Thirty persons 


274 HISTORY .OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


entered this organization. ‘The first regular pastor was Rev. 
Elmer F. Krauss, whose term of service extended from July l, 
1887, to June 20, 1889. He attempted to serve Homestead, Brad- 
dock, and McKeesport at the same time, and found it impossible 
to do justice to any of the three under those conditions. After 
his resignation the mission was allowed the full time of a 
pastor. ‘The population of McKeesport was fully 20,000 at that 
time, and the full time of a pastor was needed to place the con- 
geregation on equal footing with other well established churches. 
Pastor J. C. F. Rupp began his labors, March 1, 1890, under the 
handicap of a dismal place of worship, but soon gained the confi- 
dence of the people and interested them in the important task of 
building a church. A lot on the corner of Ninth avenue and 
Locust street was bought from the city for $6,300, which meant 
the assuming of a heavy debt by a small company of people, yet 
it was decided to go ahead with the erection of a suitable chapel. 
The corner stone was laid by Pastor Rupp, August 16, 1891, and 
the diverse elements of the new congregation were welded to- 
gether by a common interest. This interest was shown by the 
fact that $3,800 was paid on the lot while the chapel was being 
erected. It was built of brick and stone at a cost of $5,000, and 
was dedicated, February 21, 1892. Although an indebtedness of 
$7,800 now rested upon the mission, it was gradually reduced 
until April 25, 1910, when the mortgage was fully paid. A fine 
brick parsonage was erected on Locust street in 1910 at a cost of 
$5,000. After May 25, 1918, when the last of the parsonage debt 
was paid, the congregation began to gather a building fund, with 
which the church was thoroughly renovated in 1925. From hum- 
ble beginnings, through trials many and severe, St. John’s has 
steadily increased her forces until there are now more than 400 
communing members who pledge their faith at her altar. A 
number of strong auxiliaries are working together to advance the 
highest interests of the congregation. The pastors of St. John’s 
have served in the following order: Rev. EF. F. Krauss, 1887-1889 ; 
Rev. J. C. F. Rupp, 1890-1894; Rev. H. L. McMurray, 1894- 
1896; Rev. S. M. Mountz, 1897-1900; Rev. J. J. Brubeck, 1901- 
1904; Rev..L. ©. Benze, 1905-1909; Rev. J. F. Heckert, 19102 


FIRST ENGLISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURGE 
SAR PS BURG RAG 


Sharpsburg is one of the old towns of the Allegheny Valley, 
having large business interests as early as 1842. There were 
Germans living in this community at an early day, but no effort 
was made to gather them into a congregation until April 22, 


Hint ORVLOF hinkt Pil ESBURGH SYNOD 2/5 


1863, when Pastor M. F. Dethlefs organized the First 
German Evangelical Lutheran Church. Most of these families 
were former members of the German Evangelical Church of 
Etna. This congregation is now connected with the Missouri 
Synod. A second German congregation was organized in 
November, 1888, under the name St. John’s Evangelical Lu- 
theran Church. This church was independent for a number of 
years, but finally affiliated with the Synod of North America. In 
1887 an appeal was received by the Pittsburgh Synod of the Gen- 
eral Synod, asking that an English congregation be established. 
The result was that they were visited by Rev. Isaiah Irvine, who 
organized the First English Lutheran Church on June 26, 1887, 
with the following members: 


Bellman, George Keil, Jacob, Sr. Moore, Kate F. 
Cook a)eaS: Keil, Mrs. Dora H. Moore, Susan 

Cook, Mrs. Annie C. Krause, Balser Riley, W. W. 
CrickswmG sac: Kuhns, Carrie Riley, Mrs. Mary 
Cricks, Mollie Meyer, Mrs. Elizabeth Stilz, Augustus J. 
Dethlefs, M. F. Moore, G. H. Stilz, Wilhelmina 
Emrick, Lizzie Moore, S. E. Weckbecker, William 


The Sunday School was organized at the same time, and in- 
creased to more than one hundred scholars within a short time. 
Services were held in a rented hall by supplies, but the field was 
so ripe that the mission grew and prospered. A corner lot on 
North Main street was purchased for $2,500 in the spring of 
1888, and a modest chapel built for $1,768. This chapel was 
dedicated by Rev. Isaiah Irvine and Doctor J. G. Goettman, 
September 1, 1888. The first regular pastor was Rev. H. F. 
Long, who served from November 25, 1888, to December 7, 1890. 
His successor was Rey. Silas Davis Daugherty, who brought the 
mission to self-support, June 2, 1892. The parsonage on Linden 
avenue was secured at a cost of $4,650 in 1893. During the pas- 
torate of Rev. J. H. Main, an attempt was made to bring about a 
merger of this congregation with that of St. John’s; but the more 
conservative Germans of St. John’s were not satisfied, and the 
effort failed. When the pastorate of Rev. T. L. Crouse began 
there was still some talk of such a merger; but, when it became 
apparent that it could not be effected without considerable oppo- 
sition, First Church proceeded to the task of building a better 
house of worship for themselves. It was decided to rebuild on 
the old site, but to elevate the building sufficiently to guard 
against high waters. The corner stone was laid, October 24, 
1909, and the completed church dedicated by Pastor Crouse, May 
1,1910. It was built of brick and stone at a cost of $22,000, and 
was well finished throughout. A two-manual pipe organ was in- 
stalled at a cost of $3,200, and dedicated on Sunday, September 
26, 1920. Many changes have occurred in the population of this 
community during the last twenty years, but First Church still 


276 HISTORY Oh Ept ht DiS BGRGH SYNOD 


has an enrollment of 260 faithful members and is doing a great 
work in the community. A feature of this work for the last five 
years has been the vacation Bible school. This congregation has 
been the pioneer of this work in the Pittsburgh Synod. It began 
in a humble way, but has increased in efficiency every year until 
it now enrolls as many as three hundred children during a term. 
The following is a list of the pastorates: Rev. H. F. Long, 1888- 
1890; Rev. S. D. Daugherty, 1891-1896; Rev. I. P. Zimmerman, 
1896- 1898 : Rev. S. J. McDowell, 1898- 1900; Rev tries Berkey, 
1901-1903; Rev. J. H. Main, 1903- 1906 ; Rev. T. L. Crouse, 1906- 
1925. Re DeGeBurnite, 1925-. 


GRACH BVANCGEIICADSGU TELE LUA NS Gi GiGi 
SPRING GARDEN, PITTSBURGH (Pac 


The beginnings of Grace Church are found in a little mission 
school established by the Presbyterians in 1871, and conducted 
by them for sixteen years. ‘The number of Lutherans in the 
valley attracted the at- 
téntion) obsiRev aay eee 
Shanor, missionary su- 
perintendent of the Pitts- 
burgh Synod, and _ his 
services: tT h.en-earoused 
such an interest that the 
Presbyterians gladly sur- 
rendered the field. The 
entire equipment of this 
school, including a fund 
of $60, was turned over 
to the new workers. Pas- 
tor W. J.. Finck took 
charge of the mission, 
July. 3, 1887; sand} mwas 
able to organize a con- 
gregation of 33 members, 
March 25, 1888. After 
a charter had been secur- 
ed, the congregation was 
formally admitted to the synod, August 25, 1888. Pastor 
Finck’s ministry was greatly appreciated by the people of the 
valley, but he resigned on September 1, 1890. _His successor was 
Rev. J. H. Delo, whose pastorate lasted only a few months be- 
cause of ill health. The next pastorate was that of Rev. J. J. 
Brubeck, 1895-1901, during which the Church Extension Society 
of Pittsburgh bought a lot for them at a cost of $5,000, and en- 
couraged them to build. The corner stone was laid, November Ly 
1896, and the church dedicated, January 31, 1897. It was built 















































HISTORY, OF :THE; PITTSBURGH SYNOD 277 


of frame at a cost of $4,500, and the liberality of the members 
was such that a debt of only $700 was incurred. The next pastor 
was Rev. E. H. Daugherty, whose pastorate was also shortened 
by ill health. In the summer of 1901, a merger of Grace and St. 
James was effected, and the united congregations were able to 
declare themselves self-sustaining. Rev. G. Irving Lenker be- 
came pastor in November of 1901, and the opening years of his 
pastorate were full of promise; then sickness once more laid a 
heavy hand upon the Spring Garden pastor, and the work of the 
church declined until only 125 members were enrolled. He 
tendered his resignation, October 20, 1908, and removed to the 
South in the hope of recovering his strength. In its weakened 
condition the church once more appealed to the synod for aid, 
and was re-enrolled as a mission. 


The coming of Rev. G. E. Swoyer to Spring Garden Valley, 
January 19, 1919, meant much to the development of the field. 
During the first two years of his pastorate, such large numbers 
of new members were added to the church that self-support was 
once more assumed, May 1, 1920. Much of the debt was paid, 
and a fine location for a new church and neighborhood house 
secured at a cost of $6,500. In 1914 the Women’s Missionary 
Society of the Pittsburgh Synod (General Council) began social 
settlement work in the valley, and rented a building that was 
called the “Spring Garden Neighborhood House”. A deaconess 
was placed in charge of the work, and the entire community was 
soon made to feel the spiritual uplift. Hundreds of devoted 
Lutheran women became interested in its work, and it was placed 
under the management of the “Spring Garden Board” in June, 
1920. This Board was composed of nine members, three of 
whom were elected by the synod, three by the Women’s Mission- 
ary Society, and three by Grace Church. A campaign for funds 
was conducted throughout the synod in 1921, but the results 
were disappointing. Grace Church is now one of the best organ- 
ized congregations of the synod. Many workers prove their faith 
by their works, and the parish is a beehive of Christian activity. 
Miss Leila Fuhrmann was a settlement worker for several years, 
and she was succeeded by Miss Schultz in 1924. The Junior Lu- 
ther League has long held first place among the Juniors of the 
Lutheran Church. An annex to the church, built at a cost of 
$3,000, was dedicated by Pastor Muller, June 24, 1924. The pas- 
torates were as follows: Rev. W. J. Finck, 1888-1890; Rev. J. H. 
Delo, 1891-1892; Rev. J. QO. Waters (supply), 1892-1893; Rev. 
J. J. Brubeck, 1895-1901; Rev. E. H. Daugherty, 1901; Rev. G. 
I. Lenker, 1901-1908; Rev. W. FE. Bauer, 1909-1910; Rev. S. K. 
Herbster, 1910-1912; Rev. R. G. Rosenbaum, 1914-1918; Rev 
G. E. Swoyer, 1919-1923; Rev. G. J. Muller, 1924-. 


278 HISTORY “OP SUE Ese EVE SBU kG iim Ss yuNiGi) 


BETHANY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
PITTSBURGH, PA. 


Early in January, 1888, East Liberty was canvassed by the 
missionary superintendent of the Pittsburgh Synod, Rev. Isaiah 
Irvine. With the assistance of Doctor John G. Goettman, he or- 
ganized Bethany Church with thirty-three members, January 29, 
1888. The following covenant was entered into by the charter 
members: 


“In reliance upon the grace of God, and for the glory of His name, 
we, the undersigned, believing the doctrines of the Evangelical Lu- 
theran Church, and with the purpose of constituting a Christian con- 
gregation in East End, Pittsburgh, County of Allegheny, State of Penn- 
sydvania, in harmony with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in doctrine 
and worship, do herewith subscribe our names’’: 


Beighley, Emanuel Guepner, Regina Johnston, Mrs. Jane 
Beighiey, M. M. Guepner, Nealy ‘ Lawson, Kate V. 
Blyholder, Mrs. S. M. Haney, Jacob Lawson, Felicia H. 
Calpe We Harrison, Mrs. M. E. Murphy, Sarah 
Culp, Mrs. C. W. Baltya Gee We Obitz, Andrew 
Everett, Mrs. Hilty, Daniel Obitz, Margaret 
German Cw leer: Hilty, Mary Reamer, Mrs. Jennie H. 
German, J. W. Householder, Frederick Shotts, A. A. 

Graff, John C. Householder, Mrs. LL. Shivers, “ADs IRL 

Graff, Mrs. Elizabeth Hugus, E.R: Street, Mrs. 
Guepner, Mrs. H. Hugus, Mrs. F. Watt, Mrs. Margaret 


The first church officers were Daniel Hilty, Emanuel Beigh- 
ley, Frederick Householder, Abner A. Shotts, Jacob Haney, and 
James W. German. The constitution recommended by the Home 
Mission Board of the General Synod was adopted, but this gave 

place to another, July 11, 
1894. The congregation 
worshipped in Smith’s 
Hall on Center avenue, 
near South Hiland, until 
their first church sya 
dedicated "Fle seitigmess 
regular pastor was Rev. 
George L, Hamm) “who 
began his work, July 1, 
1888, and served _ for 
three years. The church 
let Son, the rcorneniye: 
North Hiland avenue and 
Kirkwood street was 
bought for $6,000 in 
1888. In order to secure 
' this a loan of $1,000 was 
obtained from the Board 
of Church Extension, 
but this was the only aid 





















































HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 279 


that the boards of the Church were required to give for the es- 
tablishment of this congregation. On the rear of the church lot, 
fronting on Kirkwood street, was a small brick house that was 
used as a parsonage for several years. A neat frame chapel was 
erected on the front part of the lot at a cost of $2,000, which was 
dedicated debt free, January 5, 1890. The second pastor of 
Bethany was Rev. John Weidley, who preached his first sermon 
to forty persons, July 5, 1891. Few men have ever been more 
warmly admired in western Pennsylvania than Pastor John 
Weidley, and the congregation steadily increased under his min- 
istry into a strong organization of 579 members. At a congre- 
gational meeting, July 11, 1894, a building committee was ap- 
pointed, consisting of William Pore, H. A. Guepner, and Fred- 
erick Householder, who supervised the erection of a new stone 
church. It is said that William Pore was never absent from the 
work for a day. The winter was very unfavorable to building, 
so that the work was delayed, but the first service was held in the 
Sunday School room, Wednesday evening, May 8, 1895. Five 
days later workmen began tearing down the frame chapel, which 
had been permitted to stand while the stone chapel was being 
erected. The corner stone of the new church was laid, June 23, 
1895, when Rev. A. J. Bean delivered the address. The church 
was dedicated by Pastor Weidley, October 20, 1895, during the 
convention of the Pittsburgh Synod, the sermon being preached 
by Doctor H. L. Baugher. The building was constructed of 
stone, Romanesque in style, at a cost of $35,500. It had two 
apartments, 60x53 and 57x40, each with a seating capacity of 
five hundred. The basement was equipped for social work. A 
mortgage of $23,000 was placed on the property, which was re- 
deemed by the personal gift of William Pore, December 31, 1902. 
After twenty-nine years of devoted service in Bethany, during 
fourteen of which he held the position of honorary elder, Mr. 
Pore was suddenly called to his reward, November 21, 1919. 
Two days before his death he had taken an interested part in the 
merger convention of the Pittsburgh Synod. A strong and 
courageous leader, loyal to his ideals and friendships, devoted to 
the highest interests of his Church, a grateful congregation will 
ever revere his memory. In the summer of 1901, the church was 
renovated at considerable cost under the supervision of William 
Pore, and reopened for service, September 8, 1901. . The As- 
sembly Hall was fitted up as a place of meeting for the Brother- 
hood in 1902. Doctor Weidley closed his pastorate in Bethany, 
March 1, 1906, and was succeeded by Doctor George W. Englar, 
October 1, 1906. ‘The success of Doctor Englar’s pastorate is 
attested by its fruits. From 1907 to 1923 he reported 271 infant 
baptisms, 897 adult accessions, $48,484 given to benevolence, and 
$209,110 contributed for all objects. Notable improvements 


280 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


were made in 1905 at a cost of $11,000, including the installation 
of amarble altar. Other improvements were made in 1912, 1918, 
1921, and 1924, the last named including a renovation of the 
basement at a cost of $30,480. The value of the fine property is 
now estimated at $200,000. Bethany Church is known through- 
out the synod as one of the most hospitable of churches. Many 
notable conventions, including the 42nd convention of the Gen- 
eral Synod, have been held here. Fifty of the young men of the 
congregation were enlisted in the World War, and a bronze 
tablet was dedicated to their honor in 1919. The pastors of 
Bethany have served in the following order: Rev. G. L. Hamm, 
Ph.D., 1888-1891; Rev. John Weidley, D.D., 1891-1906; Rev. G. 
M. Heindel, D.D. (supply), 1906; Rev. G. W. Englar, D.D., 1906-. 


MT. ZION ENGLISH EVAN. LUTHERAN CHURCH 
FORTY-FOURT HSS REE oP Ll TS BURGH ras 


What was known in earlier years as the Lawrenceville 
Fivangelical Lutheran Church was organized by Rev. Isaiah 
Irvine, March 18, 1888, in Arsenal Bank Hall, corner of Forty- 
Third and Butler streets, Pittsburgh. The original members 
numbered twenty-three, and the first church officers were Doctor 
Blyholder, G. H. Schauwecker, H. A. Grupen, H. C. Johnston, 
Fred Hagle, and Jacob Regelman. The constitution recommend- 
ed by the General Synod was adopted. Rev. B. E. Shaner sup- 
plied the mission during 
the summer, which was 
able to report 52 com- 
muning members and a 
Sunday, ;s5choole-d1 amare 
when admitted to synod 
in: the: fallsof- the ssanie 
year. The first! regular 
pastor was Rev. Charles 
AS sBritt.@ owho served 
from January 1, 1889, to 
November 1, 1890. Care- 
ful catechization was be- 
gun early, and produced 
a loyal constituency that 
meant much to Mt. Zion 
in later years, when the 
membership began _ to 
scatter. The church re- 
ceived mission aid from 
the Pittsburgh Synod un- 


















































HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 281 


til September 27, 1896, when it became a self-sustaining parish. 
Early in the pastorate of Rev. C. A. Britt a building fund was 
collected, but differences of opinion as to the proper location ot 
a church led to delay in selecting a lot. An agreement was fin- 
ally reached, and the lot on the corner of 44th and Sherrod 
streets was bought for $4,920. The second regular pastor was 
Rev. C. P. Harrah, who served from January 1, 1891, to the day 
of his death, April 23, 1893. He was an indefatigable worker, 
and soon the hall became too small to accommodate the people. 
The corner stone of the church was laid, October 3, 1892, and 
the first story completed and dedicated, March 19, 1893. Pastor 
Harrah performed the act of dedication, but was stricken down 
with typhoid fever on the following Sunday, and called to his 
reward within a few weeks. ‘To say that he was beloved by his 
people is meager praise. He gave all his strength in the service 
of those under his pastoral care, and labored hard with his own 
hands for the erection of the building in which he was never per- 
mitted to preach. His influence upon the spiritual life of the 
community was beyond the power of his parishioners to estimate. 
‘The next pastor was Rev. H. N. Follmer, who served with great 
acceptance from October 8, 1893, to February 1, 1901. During 
this pastorate the second story of the church was completed at a 
cost of $10,000. It was dedicated by Pastor Follmer, December 
18, 1898, Doctors John Weidley and Harry H. Weber preaching 
the sermons for the day. A pipe organ was donated by 
Andrew Carnegie during the following year. At a congregational 
meeting, April 29, 1900, the present name of the congregation 
was assumed. ‘The missionary spirit of this congregation was 
shown by the fact that, when it was still a mission, forty mem- 
bers were dismissed in order to found Christ Church of Millvale; 
and later, when it was the chief contributor to the charter mem- 
bership of Messiah Church of Morningside. Through all the 
years of its history, it has been a feeder to suburban churches. 
The successor of Pastor Follmer was Pastor Charles P. Wiles, 
who served from May 1, 1901, to March 1, 1908. The last dol- 
lar of an original debt of $8,000 was paid, May 7, 1907. Pastor 
Wiles endeared himself greatly to the people of Mt. Zion by his 
clear and simple presentations of the gospel, and his resignation 
was accepted with much regret. ‘The next pastorate was that of 
Doctor Taylor B. Yeakley, March 22, 1908, to March 8, 1916, 
during which many new members were added to the congrega- 
tion, and the church was given a thorough renovation at a cost 
of $6,229. The next pastor was Rev. H. FE. Harman, who began 
his work, October 1, 1916. At the beginning of this pastorate, 
the property at 4207 Sherrod street was bought by the congrega- 
tion for a parsonage. ‘The last of the debt incurred was paid on 
May 15, 1921. The Sherrod street parsonage was sold and the 


282 HISTORY OF THE’ PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


new parsonage on Waterford street bought in 1925. In the 
course of time Mt. Zion has gradually become a down-town 
church, but the widely scattered members retain their loyalty, and 
the work of the church moves steadily forward. ‘The pastors 
have served here in the following order: Rev. B. E. Shaner 
(supply), 1888; Rev Cy As Britt 1839-13890; Rev. ©. Peiarrany 
1891-1893; Rev. H. N. Follmer, 1893-1901; Rev. C. P. Wiles, 
1901-1908; Rev. T. B. Yeakley, Ph.D., 1908-1916; Rev. H. E. 
Harman, 1916-1925; Rev. D. E. Maxwell, 1925—. 


TRINIEY GERMAN. BV ANA OOELE RAN SG GLU 
WOODSURU NE iis Be RE Haas 


For some time before the year 1888, St. Paul’s German 
Church of Manchester had maintained a preaching station in the 
Woods Run district. On August 19, 1888, at a meeting conduct- 
ed by Pastor Schuh of the Ohio Synod, Trinity Church was 
organized. A constitution was adopted, and a call extended to 
Pastor E. Goessling, who had hitherto ministered to them. A 
legal charter was secured, October 6, 1888. Pastor Goessling 
served the congregation faithfully for twenty-four years, closing 
his long pastorate in death, January 12, 1912. ‘The pastor and 
congregation severed their relations with the Joint Synod of 
Ohio in 1894, and then united with the Synod of Iowa. Seven- 
teen families withdrew from Trinity during that same year, and 

formed a new congrega- 

ae 33 . + ‘tiongofAthe: Ohiossyn0g 

be { = From 1888 to 1903 ‘Trin- 
ity Church maintained 

her own parochial school, 
when the heavy financial 
burden compelled them 
to discontinue. After the 
death of Pastor Goess- 
ling the church extended 
a call to Pastor Otto 
Proehlwror, ithe lak one 
Synod, who served them 
from September 1, 1912, 
to) Decembersal, yaho le: 
The church then remain- 
ed vacant until July 1, 
1917, when Pastor F. 1 
Fuerst of the Pittsburgh 
Synod accepted a call. 
The congregation pros- 






cx 


Gs 








oI IY a 



































Hip PORY, OF LE EaPliblsSBURGH = sy¥YNOD 283 


pered under his care, and was admitted to the Pittsburgh Synod 
in 1921, after certain changes had been made in its charter, The 
church building is a two-story frame structure, located at 1247 
Woods Run avenue, and is valued at $14,000. Services are held 
in both German and English. A consecutive list of the pastor- 
ates is as follows: Rev. E. Goessling, 1888-1912; Rev. Otto 
Proehl, 1912-1916; Rev. F. J. Fuerst, 1917-1920; Rev. C. F. 
Frank, 1921-1922; Rev. F. W. E. Bockelmann, D.D., 1923-. 


Da OEUN SEEING LS Bob VANE YUE BRA NeG@ELUR CEL 
PITTSBURGH, PA. 


A Pittsburgh City Mission Society was organized by mem- 
bers of several Lutheran Sunday Schools of the city in 1865, for 
the purpose of establishing mission schools. The only permanent 
result of this organization was the founding of St. John’s Sun- 
day School, May 6, 1866. The first sessions were held in a third- 
floor room on the corner of Fifth avenue and Pride street. It 
was organized with twelve teachers and eighty-five scholars, and 
George Hubley was elected as the first superintendent. This was 
the time of the synodical controversy, when it was difficult to 
start missions, but finally the Sunday School of First Church de- 
cided to maintain it. The first place of meeting was soon aband- 
oned, and the school transferred to the German Church on Pride 
street, for which an annual rental of $150 was paid. Among the 
earlier workers, who succeeded Mr. Hubley as superintendent, 
were C. C. Baer, Charles H. Gillespie, Thomas H. Lane, William 
W. Wattles, and Charles A. Geissenhainer. Mrs. Henry Phipps, 
then Miss Anna Shaffer, played the organ and led the singing 
for a while. It was the wish of Mr. George Black to provide the 
site for a mission chapel, but death intervened. Knowing his de- 
sires, his wife gave a lot from her own ground at the corner of 
Forbes and Jumonville streets. A small chapel was then erected 
at a cost of $3,425, and dedicated on the Sunday after Christmas, 
1876. Mrs. Black presented another lot adjoining the chapel in 
1881, on which a parsonage was built in 1909 at a cost of $9,000. 
On November 7, 1889, ten young men of First Church petitioned 
their Church Council, asking that an assistant pastor be secured, 
whose chief duty would be to officiate in St. John’s.. This peti- 
tion was approved and commended, and Rev. Frank P. Bossart 
was called as an assistant pastor of First Church at a salary of 
$1,000. Regular Sunday morning services were then begun in 
the chapel, with such encouraging results that a request was soon 
made for the organization of a separate congregation. ‘This re- 
quest was granted, with the condition that Rev. Bossart should 
be the pastor, and that he and his successors in office should hold 


284 HISTORY OF THE PIETSBURGH SYNOD 


their appointments from First Church until the mission became 
self-sustaining. ‘The regular organization of St. John’s Church 
was then effected, December 31, 1890, with the following 
members : 


Best, George Hays, Millie Lingenfelser, John 

Best, John, Jr. Kaiser, William Lingenfelser, Mrs. John 
Best, Mrs. John, rs Keebler, Mrs. Mary Massingham, Sherman 
Bossart, Mrs. F. Kline, Lewis Massingham, Emma 
Bous, Maggie Kline, Fred Schreiber, Minnie 

Erbel, Rose Kline, Ella Schroeder, William 
Erwin, Charles Knost, Jenuie Schroeder, Mrs. William 
Erwin, Mrs. Charles Knost, Minnie Shenecker, John 

Erwin, Jennie Kremer, B. ee Siebert, William 

Friese, Henry J. Kummel, Jee: Spurl, George and wife 
Geissenhainer, QUA. Langkamp, George Stauff, Albert J 
Geissenhainer, William Lingenfelser, Fred Stauff, Dora 
Geissenhainer, Kmma Lingenfelser, Mrs. Fred Williams, James and wite 


A canvass was made in July, 1891, for the purpose of se- 
curing funds for the building of a new church. This canvass 
was so successful that a beautiful new church was dedicated, 
November 5, 1893, when the pastor of First Church, Doctor 
David H. Geissinger, preached the dedicatory sermon. This 
church was constructed of Pompeian brick, trimmed with brown 
stone, at a cost of $32,000. The auditorium is square, with 
arched recesses on either side, and has a seating capacity of 500. 
The building also includes a chapel, several class rooms, library 
and sacristy. One of the largest contributors to this work was 
Mrs. Jane Barclay Black, who also left a legacy of $2,000 to the 
congregation at her death. Pastor Bossart resigned, April 24, 
1895, leaving a congregation of 200 communing members. ‘The 
congregation became self-supporting during the pastorate of 
Rev. William H. Fehr, March 4, 1907, and assumed title to the 
property. Many changes have taken place in recent years in this 
community, thousands of -Lithuanians and other foreign-born 
people taking up the homes of the native Americans. As a con- 
sequence parish work has grown increasingly difficult, and many 
have urged the relocation of the church. The property was al- 
most freed from debt during the pastorate of Rev. John A. 
Yount, and is now valued at $125,000. The membership re- 
mains practically stationary at 225, the losses balancing the gains. 
The pastors of St. John’s have served in the order following: 
Rev. F. P. Bossart, 1890-1895 ; Rev. G. W. Critchlow, 1895-1901 ; 
Reév,..W, He Behr, sl901-1908 > Rey, Jodi smith? Dil, “(supple 
1909; Rev. J. L. Fischer, 1909-1917; Rev. J. A. Yount, 1917-. 


TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
VERONA, PA. 


A meeting of the Lutherans of Verona was called, August 
10, 1889, when Trinity Church was organized with 14 members. 
The first officers were Andrew Jack, C. EF. Knoch, and G. H 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 285 


Woolslayer. The organ- 
izing pastor was Rey. 
Reuben E. McDaniel, 
who also served churches 
at Tarentum, Springdale, 
and Natrona. ‘The con- 
gregation was admitted 
to the Pittsburgh Synod 
ie lov welt was aarecble 
iOcer ale (nem stant salt 
much patience was need- 
ed to lay the foundations 
deep and -secure. - The 
usual place of meeting 
Was.in the’G! A; Ri Hall 
on East Railroad avenue. 
In 1894 the congregation 
had increased to 36 mem- 
bers, and a Sunday 
School was then organ- 
ized, with Grant Young : 
serving as superintendent and William Shafer as his assistant. 
The Luther League and Ladies’ Aid Society were organized a 
few years later. A plot of ground at the corner of Front street 
and South avenue, 50x75, was donated to the congregation by the 
Brunot family. Pastor McDaniel resigned in 1901, and was suc- 
eecded. by Fastoreti. >. Gilbert.. “The parish then consisted of 
Verona and New Kensington. A charter was secured, March 15, 
1902, and a lot in the rear of the church ground, 25x50, was do- 
nated by H. M. Cribbs. The corner stone of a new church was 
laid, May 4, 1902, and the building dedicated, August 10, 1902. 
After a pastorate of eighteen months Rey. Gilbert resigned. He 
was succeeded by Rev. Ira M. Wallace, Ph.D., who served the 
parish from 1903 to 1909. During this pastorate the church 
debt was paid, and Trinity became a separate parish. The next 
pastorate was that of Rev. John J. Myers, during which much 
was accomplished for the church. He inspired a zeal for work 
that continues to bless the congregation. Following his counsel 
a clear title was secured for the church lot, which previously 
could be held only so long as used for church purposes. During 
the pastorate of Rev. W. F. Pfeifer, the parsonage on First 
street was bought for $3,800. The pastors of ‘Trinity have 
served in the following order: Rev. R. FE. McDaniel, Ph.D., 1889- 
LOOT Rev, HS. Gilbert, 1901-1902. ‘Rev’ Ira. M>. Wallace, 
Phe eLO03-1009" Rev. 1. jaaMyers, 1909-1912- Rev. -W: “P-. 
Eteireimelol 21010.) Rev beesb aot Opens 9 LO- LOZ) Revs oR 
N. Stumpf, 1920-. 















































286 HistTORY*Ol (iA Ber EUPSBURGH sy NOD 


ST. MATTHEW’S EVAN. LUTHERAN CHURCH 
DEES ATG ERAS 


German Lutheran services were begun by Pastor Ivan Die- 
trich in 1882 in a school house on Camp Hill road, about two 
miles from Leetsdale. Seven years later, through the efforts of 
Henry Rosenbauer and 
Mrs. Conrad Iches, serv- 
ices were begun in the 
PubliceLibrary.o tel eetes 
dale. These services con- 
tinued ) until PAprilasow 
1891, when Pastor Ivan 
Dietrich, George Shubert, 
Conrad Iches, Heinrich 
Baertges, Jacob Erzinger, 
Otto Ehlers, Heinrich 
Steinbach, Cihitas tis 
Beck, Blasius Kaelin, 
George Sohn, William 
Bauman, and Henry Ro- 
senbauer met at the home 
of William Bauman, and 


= Va, effected the organization 
os : 
































of a church by the adop- 

tion of a temporary con- 

stitution. This temporary 
organization included twenty-six members. ‘The Harmony So- 
ciety donated a lot on Beaver road, between Rapp street and 
Taylor alley, as a site for the proposed church; but this was 
returned as unsuitable, and a lot on the corner of Broad and 
Rapp streets was bought for $500. Here a frame church was 
erected at a cost of $1,500, which was dedicated by Pastor Diet- 
rich, April 9, 1893. German services were held in the after- 
noon and English services in the evening of dedication day, 
when Rev. E. Goessling, Rev. J. Q. Waters, and Rev.,D. L. 
Roth assisted as pastor. A charter ‘was secured, January 21, 
1893, the petition being signed by Rev. Ivan Dietrick, Otto 
Ehlers, Heinrick Baertges. Christian Beck, Conrad Iches, Wil- 
liam Sohn, F. A. Reinhart, Blasius Kaelin, M. B. Rudolf, Chris- 
topher Von Hofen, Charles Mattis, August Huemme, William 
Bauman, and Theobald Ludwig. The Sunday School was or- 
ganized in the spring of 1895, with William Werner as superin- 
tendent, and Blasius Kaelin, Mrs. William Sohn, Mrs. Eliza- 
beth Wahl, Mrs. Anna Woods, and Charles Mattis as teachers. 
The German language was chiefly used at the beginning, but 
this did not satisfy the desires and needs of the young people, 


HISTORY @Re LHEs PLL SBURGE SYNOD 287 


and English alone was used after the year 1910. The lot ad- 
joining the church was bought for $1,350 in 1919. During the 
earlier years the congregation was connected with different 
neighboring churches, in order to provide an adequate support 
for the pastor, but later it was given the entire time of the 
missionary. During the pastorate of Rev. E. O. Graham the 
Sunday School was graded, the envelope system introduced, and 
a new constitution in harmony with the charter of the congre- 
gation adopted. ‘The following pastors have served St. Mat- 
thew’s in the order named. Rev. Ivan Dietrich, 1891-1902; 
Rev. Paul Kummer, 1902- 1904; Rev. P. J. C. Glatzert, 1905- 
1909; Rev. E. O. Graham, 1910-1914; Rev. L. W. Rupp, 1915- 
1919; Rev. P. E. Porath, 1920-1922; Rev. J. R. Shuster, 1923-. 


Selgin et LEN EV ANG Le TC Ae GGL bie RNC ELL) R CEL 
Bil B ERG reer. 


This congregation was organized by Pastor Samuel R. 
Elson of Braddock, May 4, 1891. His first services were held 
in the old Wilkinsburg Academy, but were so poorly attended 
that several months of hard work were necessary before an or- 
ganization could be effected. The church applied for admission 
to the Pittsburgh Synod of the General Synod in 1891, under 
the name of “Grace English Lutheran Church of Wilkinsburg’, 
and was received and recommended to the Board of Missions 
for aid. ‘The officials of 
the General Council pro- 
tested this action in vain. 
After some time the con- 
gregation decided to relo- 
eate= in.) Brushton, > and 
held) their, Services in a 
frame school house. The 
wisdom of this was de- 
monstrated by the addi- 
tion of thirty new mem- 
bers to the original seven- 
feensein elias s ithan,)six 
months. A charter was 
pecurcautue |iilyem 1392: 
The church lot on the 
corner of Brushton and 
Hamilton avenues was 
secured through the kind- 
ness of Charles F. Stifel 
and J. Walter Hay, who 








SoCo oe 






































288 HISTORY OF This PrURUSBURGHY SYNOD 


held the property in trust until the mission would be able to 
pay for it. Unfortunately, the people did not consider them- 
selves able to take care of it. They accepted the corner lot 
at $2,000, but gave the two adjoining lots to others for a con- 
sideration of $2,100. A building committee was appointed, con- 
sisting of Pastor Elson, Charles) C. Vogeley, J. S. Weckerly, 
and W. A. Gilliland, who superintended the construction of a 
neat frame church, which was dedicated, March 26, 1893. A 
good pipe organ was donated by Andrew Carnegie. The total 
cost of the church and lot was $8,000. Pastor Elson resigned, 
July 30, 1893, and. was succeeded by Pastor A. J. Bean, who 
gave faithful service from November 1, 1893, to November 1, 
1895. Fifty-six new members were added to the congregation 
during this short pastorate. The third pastorate was that of 
Rev. F. H. Crissman, 1896-1897, during which thirty members 
were dismissed to form Calvary Church of Wilkinsburg. During 
the pastorate of Rev. Ernest R. McCauley, 1898-1900, the Com- 
mon Service was introduced to the great edification of the con- 
gregation. Under the leadership of Pastor Sanford N. Car- 
penter, 1900-1909, the mission became a self-sustaining parish. 


One of the most intensive pastorates was that of Rev. 
Charles M. Teufel, 1909-1918, during which so many new fami- 
lies were added that the congregation became one of the largest 
in the synod. The name of the church was changed from “Brush- 
ton “Avenue ‘Hvangelical” Muthéran (Church: ito) > ot eatenhnene 
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Pittsburgh” in March, 1907. 
This development called for extensive improvements to the 
church at a cost of $12,000, and the building was rededicated 
by Pastor Teufel, January 18, 1914. On Monday, March 20, 
1916, this church was destroyed by fire. Aside from partitions 
in the basement, sections of flooring and the foundation walls, 
nothing of value was left. Even the walls were not strong 
enough to bear the weight of a good building. The sum of 
$10,500 was received on the insurance, which might have been 
larger had the co-insurance clause of the policies been better 
understood. The people rallied to the call of their splendid 
leader, and a new church was erected and dedicated, February 
25, 1917. This church was built of stone in Old English Gothic 
style at a cost of $30,000. Many encouraging contributions 
were received from other congregations. During the pastorate 
of Rev. H. F. Baughman, St. Stephen’s continued to develop: 
along conservative Lutheran lines, and intensive parish work 
was prosecuted under the leadership of a deaconess from the 
Baltimore Motherhouse. From 1918 to 1923 the debt was 
gradually decreased from $19,850 to $16,475. The spirit of hope 
and confidence rules in every department of this church. The 


HISTORY: OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 289 


pastors served in the following order: Rev. S. R. Elson, 1891- 
1893; Rev. A. J, Bean, 1893-1895; Rev. F. H. Crissman, 1896- 
1807 Rev J, .Ce N, Bark, 1897~ Rey Beko McCauley, 1893- 
1900 ; Rev. S. N. Carpenter, 1900-1909; Rev. C. M. Teufel, 1909- 
(Ol Sethe. Her -Banzhmany 1913-19255 Rev. (Ho Ry-Shepter, 
1925-. 


FIRST ENGLISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
DUQUESNE, PA. 


The first Lutheran services of this city were held in the 
Presbyterian Church by Rev. H. B. Winton, missionary superin- 
tendent of the Pittsburgh Synod, March 27, 1892. Conlin’s Hall 
was rented a few days later, and here “Calvary Evangelical 
Lutheran Church” was organized, April 24, 1892. The field 
was ripe for the harvest, and the following persons signed the 
constitution that was adopted at that time: 


Benson, Sophia Hetmany Zac. Milslagle, Annie F. 
Bitler, Robert Heilman, Mrs. Rosanna Quade, Adolph 
Bitler, Alice S. Heilman, William J. Quade, Annie E. 
Brewer, John J. Heilman, Mrs. Mary Richert, Lena 
Brewer, Mary C. Heilman, Mrs. Hollis Rohrer, George F. 
Burton, Maggie Heiiman, Henry Rohrer, Clara G. 
Dreher, Christian F. Tsaman, Thomas Shaffer, Levi 
Dreher, Mrs. Anna Isaman, Rebecca Shaffer, Lucinda 
Fleming, H. N. Jorgensen, Knud Shick, Robert H. 
Fleming, Mrs. Anna Kitzmiller, John Shick, Ida 

Fulmer, Minnie V. Kitzmiller, Jennie Snyder, Elizabeth 
Furlong, Mrs. Eva Koestner, John F. Sumpter, Charles 
Graff, Caroline Koestner, Sylvania Sumpter, Lydia S. 
Grate voadaie M: Livingston, Lulu Vickers, Mrs. Cora 
Gratis lla sb: Miller, Mary Winkelvoss, Lewis 
Graff, Ruth Miller, Annie E. Winton, Charles H. 
Hanson, Charles Morrison, Adda Young, Mary 
Hanson, Mrs. Mary Morrison, Alice Young, Rosa 


At a congregational meeting, December 11, 1892, the name 
was changed from Calvary to that which it now bears. The 
charter was secured, August 12, 1893. It was the hope of the 
missionary superintendent that the congregation would be self- 
sustaining from the start, but the people were scattered by the 
great Homestead strike, and missionary aid was given until 
September 1, 1902. The first pastor was Rev. Ozias F. Harsh- 
man, who took charge of a discouraged congregation, November 
20me97 band sservedituntih june) 190 w' Three lots. von the 
corner of Fifth street and Kennedy avenue, 75 x 115, were 
bought for $2,000, but could not be held because of inability to 
borrow the necessary money. Mrs. Mary Oliver then donated 
two lots on the corner of Hamilton avenue and Second street, 
February 26, 1894, with the reservation that they should be used 
“for church purposes only”. The adjoining lot was then bought 
for $500. A small frame chapel was built on these lots at a cost 
of $810, which was dedicated by Pastor Harshman, December 2, 
1894. In this modest little chapel the congregation grew and 
prospered. It was wrecked by a tornado in the summer of 1925, 


290 HISTOR WOR THEE LE PSBURGH SYNOD 


but quickly repaired. The 


acs 54 second pastor was Rev. 
~ : 3 Ce William Ira Guss, who 
oe) Caer ate 


y eae) Gass fm served from August 18, 













wei 1901, to December 31, 


: i 1913. The chapel was then 
set upon a stone founda- 
| tion, and repaired within 








| and without at a cost of 
yy $1,200. A comfortable 
KAp Parsonage was built on 

\| the adjoining lot for $3,- 
400. The congregation 
steadily increased in num- 
bers until the chapel 
would no longer hold the 


ep era (ae eS people, and it became ne- 
a ye “e cessary to secure a larger 
ca 





























place of worship. Be- 
: cause of the undesirable 
location it was thought best to sell and build elsewhere, but, 
when they came to get a clear title to their property, they found 
that they were compelled to pay $1,000 to the Olivers to secure 
it. ‘This was done, and the congregation prepared to move. 
Further steps were taken during the pastorate of Doctor J. 
Fugene Dietterich, 1914-1918, when two lots on the corner of 
Kennedy avenue and Fourth street, 50 x 115, were bought for 
$3,600, and the old church and parsonage disposed of for $9.500. 
When Pastor Elmer F. Rice took charge of the congregation, 
September 1, 1918, he found the task of building a new church 
immediately before him. The corner stone was laid, June 29, 
1919, and the church dedicated by Pastor Rice, June 16, 1920. 
The building was constructed of stone in English Gothic style, 
and furnished throughout in harmony with strict Lutheran 
usage. The total cost of the fine plant was $57,600, ‘all but 
$12,000 of which was provided before the close of the dedica- 
tion season. The congregation is steadily gaining in numbers 
and power, and reported 393 confirmed members in 1923. The 
pastorates in consecutive order were as follows: Rev. O. F. 
Harshman, 1892-1901; Rev "Wile Guess 100121013 - Shey 
E. Dietterich, D. D., 1914-1918; Rev. Elmer F. Rice, 1918-. 


ibs LORVTOr pp bhinrr TELS BURGH ESYNOD 291 


GRACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
AUSCONG GER AIAL TeN MESON Cd: eae 


The organization of this congregation-is credited to the 
local home mission committee of Trinity Church, whose first 
work was the founding of the Troy Hill mission school. ‘The 
members of this commit- 


tee were Doctor John G. ate 


Goettman, Charles F. Sti- == 
Joe ani a 





fel, J. Walter Hay, John 
Fite; Henry .M. Schmitt, 
and F. W. Kieffer. This 
mission school was or- 
ganized in Reineman’s 
Hall, corner of Clark and 
Lowrie streets, on the se- 
cond Sunday of January, 
1397. e) bank J.) Krohns 
was elected superinten- 
let ee acral cictct = sec— 
retary, and Fred Baets, 
treasurer berursutea- 
chers were Howard Eg- 
gers, Jean Eggers, Ivy 
Eggers, Lulu Hay, Al- 
berta Hay, Lily Freund, 
Misrand —Mrs2 eV. web: ) 

Knodell, Harriet Graham, Anna Brinkman, Elizabeth Voltz, and 
Miss Eisenbeis. No more faithful mission work was ever done 
in this city than by these devoted members of Trinity, some of 
them being compelled to travel long distances in all kinds of 
weather in order to render service. Miss Brinkman was em- 
ployed by the committee to make a house-to-house canvass, and 
a large number of new friends were made for the mission. Oc- 
casional preaching services were also held by interested pastors. 
When Rey. S. T. Nicholas was elected as the summer supply 
pastor of Trinity Church; June 12, 1893, it was agreed that he 
should preach for the mission on the hill every Sunday evening. 
He began this service, June 21, 1893, and the work began to 
assume permanent form. Grace Church was organized with 
forty-six members, November 12, 1893, and the first constitu- 
tion was adopted eight days later. The Young People’s Society 
was organized nearly three months in advance of the congrega- 
tion. A lot on the corner of Hamilton and Tinsburry streets was 
bought for $2,800, and J A. Dempwolf donated the plans and 
specifications for a church. The corner stone was laid, July 15, 
1894, and the first story of the building dedicated by Pastor S. 


















































292 HISTORY OF TRE PLSD URGH or NOD 


T. Nicholas, October 7, 1894. The total cost of this place of 
worship was $10,000, testing the strength of the mission to the 
limit. It immediately gave prestige to the mission, and many 
new members were added. When Rev. B. F. Pick resigned as 
pastor of the First German Ewangelical Church of Allegheny in 
1895, a number of families were dismissed to unite with Grace. 
A number of railroad men from Blairsville settled on the hill 
about the same time, and nearly all of these became members. 
The mission committee of Trinity Church continued to help in 
the support of the pastor for six years, after which the congre- 
gation became self-sustaining. ‘The second story was added to 
the church building at cost of $10,000, and dedicated by Pastor 
Nicholas, February 19, 1899. When Pastor Nicholas resigned 
to accept the position of missionary superintendent, November 
12, 1902, he left a congregation.of 275 members, which already 
gave promise of developing into one of the strongest parishes of 
the synod. 

During the years that followed, the progress of Grace was 
steady and regular, ‘scarcely a year failing to show an advance 
in all good work over the preceding one, until in 1923 a confirmed 
membership of 672 could be reported. A two-manual pipe organ 
was installed at a cost of $2,675, which was dedicated by Pastor 
William H. Nicholas, June 24, 1906. The people of Grace are 
devoted to their church, and there is scarcely a year passes in 
which something in not done in the way of improving their church 
plant. The parsonage was secured during the pastorate of Rev. 
J. C. Nicholas, when a fine brick house on Lowrie street was 
purchased for $9,000. Another marked feature of the work of 
this parish is the large place given to the children. For many 
years the cradle roll has been large, and the principle of child 
nurture has had much to do with the development of the con- 
gregation. The pastors of Grace have served in the following 
order: Rev. S. T. Nicholas, 1893-1902; Rev. W. H. Nicholas, 
1902-1908; Rev. Paul Froelich, 1908-1909; Rev. W. A. Hartman, 
1909-1914°5 Rev. S$.) 7. Himes, Ph D5 1914-1919 -#Rev a aes 
Nicholas, 1919-. 


BETHEL ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH 
PITTSBURGH, PA. 


The first effort to plant a Lutheran congregation in this 
section of the city was made by Doctor John G. Goettman in 
1866. A mission school was organized by him in a hall on 
Chartiers street, and sustained for a considerable time. ‘The 
loss of their meeting place led to its temporary disbandment. In 
the meantime the interested workers of the General Council se- 
cured a vacant room and opened a school. The friends of the 


‘Wd ‘HOYUNASLLId “IVLIdSOH LNVAVSSVd AHL 





294 HISTORY (OF VCE ESE iS Gb URC reo NOE) 


General Synod then 
urged Doctor Goettman 
to start a rival school, but 
this he declined to do on 
the grounds that the Gen- 
eral Council had fairly 
captured the field. In the 
course of time the Gen- 
eral Council school ri- 
pened into Emmanuel 
Lutheran, Church; > Gen= 
eral Synod as well as 
General Council people 
were drawn into its fel- 
lowship, but the former 
: were dissatisfied with 
a 2 ae ee 1 SVUOdICal relation mmm 
a SMe ~ VERN veil withdrew to or- 
AA “  ganize Bethel Church. 

@ The meeting for this pur- 

pose 2wast held Singethe 

Sixth Ward School, July 16, 1893, at which M. J. Shaw served 
as president and W. C. Collmer as secretary. Fifty-one persons 
attended this meeting. A constitution in harmony with the Gen- 
eral Synod was adopted, and Rev. J. M. Hankey of Emmanuel 
called as pastor. Naturally this action raised a storm in synodi- 
cal circles. The General Council leaders believed that the Gen- 
eral Synod people had interfered with their mission and caused 
all the dissension. Pastor Hankey was dismissed from his synod 
by a vote of 76 to 4, but a few weeks later was admitted with 
the new congregation to the Pittsburgh Synod of the General 
Synod. A series of resolutions were passed by the latter body, 
October 12, 1893, expressing regret over the issue with the Gen- 
eral Council, but affirming a duty with respect to the General 
Synod people living in Manchester. As soon as the new synodi- 
cal relationship was established, the congregation proceeded to 
the task of securing a house of worship. Early in 1894 the lot 
on the corner of Washington avenue and Fulton street was 
bought for $9,500. A small brick chapel was erected on the 
rear of this lot at a cost of $3,500, which was dedicated by 
Pastor J. M. Hankey, July 8, 1894. Owing to ill health Pastor 
Hankey resigned, August 1, 1894, and was succeeded by Rev. 
Fuller Bergstresser, who served from October 1, 1894, to Sep- 
tember 16, 1900, and built up a strong congregation of 191 mem- . 
bers. The Sunday School shared in this progress, and enrolled 
450 scholars. The heavy debt of $10,000 was gradually reduced 
to $6,850. His successor in office was Doctor C. B. King, whose 



































ss 
s 








HISTOR YsOReLHE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 295 


pastorate extended from October 15, 1900, to October 1, 1917. 
_ During this pastorate of seventeen years Doctor King did a 
great work, building up a congregation of 600 members and 
one of the best equipped Sunday Schools of the city. The mis- 
sion became a self-sustaining parish, October 1, 1901, and the 
troublesome mortgage was consigned to the Hames, April 2, 1903. 
Because of the need for larger quarters, the little brick chapel 
was sold, and the Congregational Church on the corner of Frank- 
lin and Manhattan streets bought for $23,000. Since this build- 
ing had cost the Congregationalists $42,000, its purchase was 
considered quite advantageous for Bethel. The sum of $10,000 
was secured for the chapel, and the pastor collected $6,122 on 
the day of dedication, so that but little debt remained. The 
new house of worship was dedicated by Doctor King, September 
3, 1905. Extensive repairs were made to the Sunday School 
rooms in 1911 at a cost of $3,100. Doctor King’s successor was 
Rev. C. W. Barnett, who served from November 1, 1917 to 
May 1, 1922, and was able to report a congregation of 600 con- 
firmed members and a strong Sunday School of 456 members at 
the close of his pastorate. The next pastor was Rev. Frank 
P. Fisher, who was called from Altoona, July 1, 1922. At the 
beginning of this pastorate the parsonage on Liverpool street 
was bought for $10,000. The pastors of Bethel have served in 
the following order: Rev. J. M. Hankey, 1893-1894; Rev. Fuller 
Bergstresser, 1894-1900; Rev. C. B. King, 1900-1917; Rev. C. 
W. Barnett, 1917-1922; Rev. F. P. Fisher, 1922-. 


Aloe ner ve Cele CALs ULE RAN COURCH 
AOU ECAR EMO 18 al ed eae 
The Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church of upper Turtle Creek 


was organized by Rev. Michael Colver, August 4, 1872. This 
organization included the following members: 


Ament, Joseph Best, Jos. and Catherine Lenhart, Elizabeth 
Ament, Susannah Lenhart, Peter Lenhart, Ada 
Ament, Elizabeth Lenhart, Margaret Loutzenhiser, D. 
Ament, G. W. Lenhart, Frances Loutzenhiser, Sarah 
Ament, Hezekiah Lenhart, Henry Loutzenhiser, W. M. 
Bact ml peeheeeandehiantialy Lenhart, Adam Stough, Joseph 


The majority of these persons were former members of 
Hankey and Brush Creek churches of Westmoreland County. 
A constitution was adopted, September 14, 1872, when Joseph 
Ament and Joseph Stough were elected as the first church of- 
ficers. Pastor Colver served them but a few months. During 
1874 and 1875 they were served by Pastor J. H. Houseman in 
connection with North Zion. The church was then vacant for 
several months, during which Rev. Jonathan Sarver of Leech- 
burg visited the field and preached several times for the people. 


296 HISTORY OF ALHEAPIT TS BURGH OY NOD 


Such a degree of interest developed that he was able to organize 
St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church with 43 members, 
August 6, 1876. This was the situation that confronted the 
next General Synod pastor, Rev. O. F. Harshman, when he 
entered the field in October. He persuaded the greater part 
of the Lutherans of the community to return to the fellowship 
of Mt. Carmel Church, and built up a large Sunday School. 
The people then began to plan for the building of a church. 

There was a great difference of opinion on the question of a 
site, but the committee finally purchased a lot in upper Turtle 

Creek, only three members of the congregation dissenting. The 
great factories of East Pittsburgh and Wilmerding had not then 
been built, and the site was regarded as the most central that 
could be secured. ‘The corner stone of a new church was laid, 
April 19, 1878, and the completed building dedicated by Pastor 
Harshman, April 13, 1879. It is said that the pastor helped to 
lay the foundation, frame the building, and nail the shingles on 
the roof. “After his resignation, September 21,1879) the asa= 
lation of the church made it difficult to serve. Sometimes the 
Westmoreland pastors preached for them; sometimes the pas- 
tors of North Zion. It was finally added to Braddock Parish 
in 1887, and served in that relation until 1892. By that time 
the erection of the Westinghouse plants in Turtle Creek Val- 
ley had draw the greater part of the members of Mt. Carmel 
into the lower town; and the organization of a new church 
became necessary in order to meet the ease conditions. Rea- 
lizing this situation, a number of Turtle Creek Lutherans bought 
a lot on Airbrake avenue in June, 1891, which they were ready 
to turn over to a new congregation. Rev. J. E. Maurer, mission- 
ary superintendent of the synod, effected a temporary organiza- 
tion of fourteen members, November 12, 1893, and the consti- 
tution of Alpha Evangelical Lutheran Church was formally 
adopted, January 21, 1804, when the membership was_ in- 
creased to thirty. Twenty- one of these members came from 
Mt. Carmel Church, so that the two organizations are some- 
times considered as one. The services were held in Black’s 
Hall. The first pastor of the new institution was Rev. .Jona- 
than Elmer Bittle, whose natural missionary gifts led him into 
many homes and gave him a strong hold upon the young 
people. The synod made an appropriation of $200, but the 
mission was so vigorous that it became self-sustaining within 
two years. A brick church was erected on the Airbrake avenue 
lot at a cost of $7,000, which was dedicated by Pastor Bittle, 
January 27, 1895. During the course of the years many acces- 
sions have been made to the membership of the congr egation, 
but the floating character of the population has fade it hard 
to build-up a Jarge constituency. “Pastor * Bittle reportedsza2 


fist ORY Or eb PIS BURGH “SYNOD 297 


communing members at the time of his resignation in 1905, and 
this number had only increased to 269 in 1923. The develop- 
ment of the congregation in benevolence, however, was much 
more pronounced. The benevolence of 1905 was $413, and 
that’ of 1923 ‘reached’ a: total ‘of $2,102.’ Under’ the leader- 
ship of Pastor William A. Logan, the congregation was inspired 
to undertake large improvements to their church plant. A much 
more advantageous site was secured on Grant street, where a 
parsonage is the first unit of the church plant that 1s now being 
erected at a cost of $100,000. Another feature of the pastorate of 
Rev. Logan was the interest the congregation in the supply of 
pipeaeduate stuinistry sore tne= Church! sy im Orr the, sors of 
Alpha Church have recently started to prepare themselves for 
the sacred office. A complete list of the pastors of Mt. Carmel 
and. Alpha in consecutive order is as follows: Rev. Michael 
Colver, 1872; Rev. J. H. Houseman, 1874-1875; Rev. O. F. 
Harshman, 1876-1879; Supplies, 1880-1886; Rev. L. M. Kuhns, 
1887-1888; Rev. Charles Reinewald, 1888-1892; Rev. J. E. 
Bittle, D. D., 1894-1905; Rev. M. S. Kemp, 1905-1912; Rev. I. 
premassamian, 1913-1916 hey We A Loesan,  1917-, 


TRINITY ENGLISH 1 EER AEN CELLU RC 
MeKEBSRORTEPA: 


The first General Synod pastor to hold services in this city 
was Rev. H. B. Winton, whose place of meeting was a rented 
hall and later the Reformed Church. ‘The congregation was 
organized by Rev. J. E. Maurer in Blue Ribbon Hall, June 4, 
1893, with the following members: 


Brewer, John yee oe Rinehart, Mrs. Mary 
Brewer, Mrs. John Hilty.. Evins. “Ar. <M. Rinehart, Nannie 
Gerstner, Frank Mentzel, John and wite Roney, Albert 
Hargert, George Mentzel, Stella Roney, Mrs. Fannie 
Hargert, Mrs. George Mentzel, Mame Trauger, Frank 


The location of the mission was not favorable to develop- 
Mieniantsitewasemaved iosthe wh. of) Pe Hallvon’ Bast Fifth 
avenue. ‘This too was an unfavorable location, although a good 
Sunday School was maintained under the leadership of de- 
voted women. Not a man could be interested at that time. The 
first regular pastor of the mission was Rev. Ozias F. Harshman, 
who served it in connection with Duquesne from December 1, 
1893, to December 1, 1894. Rev. R. B. Starks was resident pas- 
tor for a short time in 1896, serving them in connection with 
TirtleGreek™ by. Parsons) sAie Boory, andsk. By Petti- 
crew also served as supplies. The next regular pastorate was 
that of Rev. A. J. Bean, 1898-1901, during which the mission 


298 HISTORY: OF pre Mists ty UR Gees iC) 


was connected with Glenwood. After worshipping in the K. of 
P, Hall for nearly nine years, the mission moved up to Scott 
street chapel, April 1, 1902, where the history of Trinity really 
begins. Pastor G. N. Lauffer served the mission in the new 
quarters from 1902 to 1903, enlisting the interest of a number of 
new families and starting it on the way of greater growth. The 
next pastor was Rev. P. T. E. Stockslager, who served from 
1904 to 1908, during which time the present place of worship 
was secured. The lot was-bought at a cost of $1,400, June 14, 
1905, and the completed church was dedicated by Pastor Stock- 
slager, October 18, 1908. “It was built of mottled * brick and 
dressed stone, 40 x 50, at a total cost of $8,200, of which $4,487 
was secured on the day of dedication. ‘The successor of Pastor 
Stockslager was Pastor Thomas A. Himes, who served from 
1908 to 1910 and increased the congregation from 100 to 127 
members. During the pastorate 6f Rev. Frank J. Matter, 1915- 
1923, there was a strong development in every department of 
work. A brick parsonage was erected in the lot at the rear of 
the church at a cost of $5,000, making it possible for the mission 
to assume self-support, November 1, 1919. The confirmed 
membership of the congregation was increased to 283, and 343 
were enrolled in the Sunday School. ‘The Common Service was 
introduced, and the practices of the congregation were made to 
conform more strictly with historic Lutheran usage. The next 
pastor was Rev. William F. Pfeifer, who began his work in the 
summer of 1923. The pastorates in consecutive order were as 
follows: Rev. O. F. Harshman, 1893-1894; Student S. FE. Par- 
sons (supply), 1895; Rey R. 1B? Starks "(Supply ))-1396-s5up- 
plies, 1897-1898; Rev. A. J. Bean, 1898-1901 ; Rev. G. N. Lauffer, 
1902-1903; Rev..P. T. E. Stockslager, 1904-1908; Rev. T. A: 
Himes, D. D., 1908-1910; Rev. U. A. Guss, 1911-1914; Rev. F. J. 
Matter, 1915-1923.) Rey Week eeteiterm O23) 


TRINITY “EVAN GED TOA Gb ELE IRIAIN SGI Gert 
REN Ge eee 


In the early spring of 1894 a petition was sent to Rev. 
John W. Poffinberger, signed by fifty persons who had with- 
drawn from Grace Church of Tarentum because of alleged dif- 
ferences with the pastor, asking that they be organized into a 
General Synod Church. This petition stated that they would 
unite with other churches if their petition was not granted. 
After giving the petition careful consideration, Rev. J. EK. Maurer 
was instructed by the Advisory Board of Home Missions of the 
Pittsburgh Synod of the General Synod to hold a service for 
the petitioners. He preached for them twice on Sunday, April 


HISTORY. OF (LHEA PITESBURGEH SYNOD Zu 


8, and organized them into a congregation, June 11, 1894. A 
constitution was adopted, July 29, 1894, and signed by the fol- 
lowing : 


BeUEy Is a oe Lelles, T. B. Spalige Ee We 
Beatty, Mrs. M. E. Maurhoff, C. H. Spahr, M. Carl 
Beatty, Etta E. Maurhoff, R. E. Spahr, Mrs. M. J. 
Cunningham, James Maurhoff, F. Walter Spahr, Mabel 
Cunningham, Mrs. A. M. Maurhotf, Annie E. Spahr, Daisy 
Felmly, C. IL. Sheanei oo Je Tuxford, W. R. 
Fleck, Margaret Shearer, Mrs. E. A. AhGpaverrels MMERSS AES Ae 
Fleck, Flora Shearer, Maude 


At a congregational meeting, May 24, 1896, the present 
name of the church was adopted, and the trustees were instruc- 
ted to apply for a charter. The congregation then worshipped 
in Dunlap’s Hall on Randolph street. A lot on Allegheny street 
was bought, where the corner stone of a new church was laid, 
November 4, 1897. The church was dedicated by Pastor Alex- 
ander MacLaughlin, September 11, 1898, the sermons for the 
day being preached by Doctors John Weidley, H. N. Follmer, and 
Samuel Schwarm. ‘The building was constructed of brick and 
stone at a cost of $7,000. The choir, rated as the best volunteer 
choir 1n the synod at that time, rendered excellent service. Dur- 
ing the pastorate of Rev. Braden FE. Shaner, 1900-1907, the 
mission became a self-sustaining parish. Coming from one of 
the oldest Lutheran families of Armstrong County, Pastor 
Shaner was well acquainted with many of the people of that 
county who came to Tarentum, and was able to interest them 
in the work of Trinity Church. The nervous breakdown that 
led to his resignation was deeply deplored by many of his minis- 
terial brethren. A fine parsonage was secured at a cost of 
$6,500 during the pastorate of Rev. FE. E. Oney. After the 
synodical merger of 1919, much of the antagonism between the 
several Lutheran congregations of the town abated, and both 
pastors and people showed a desire to cooperate in the common 
work of the United Lutheran Church. The following is a list 
of the pastors: Rev. J. K. Hilty, 1894-1895; Supplies, 1895- 
1897 ; Rev. Alexander MaclLaughlin, 1897-1900; Rev. B. E. Shan- 
Cope UU LO07e Reve Labo btnest )190/-19l/As Rev. Na. B. 
Yeiser, D. D., 1917-1919; Rev. E. E. Oney, 1919-. 


GER oleh ONL @aih ok Ab 
ARIES eOnRS Cal y dads 


The Rev. John Legum was born of Jewish parents in 
Odessa, Russia, February 23, 1861. His acceptance of Chris- 
tian faith meant disinheritance and emigration to America. 
After his graduation from the Chicago Seminary in 1904, 
he was ordained by the Joint Synod of Ohio as a missionary 
to the Jews. Finding the Pittsburgh field already occupied by 


300 HISTORY OF TRE SPC ETS BURGH SyNOD 


a pastor of the Ohio Synod, he united with the Pittsburgh 
Synod in 1906. A Jewish Mission was authorized by the 
synod at the same convention, and Pastor Legum was com- 
missioned as the first missionary. An annual appropriation 
of $300 was continued for several years, but it was pitifully 
inadequate for the work to be accomplished. The missionary 
rented a room, conducted services, taught classes in the ele- 
mentary school branches, held street meetings for those who 
were willing to hear the gospel, and did what he could to in- 
terest the churches of the synod in the spiritual welfare of 
Israel. Hundreds of Jewish children were instructed and given 
a better conception of the character and mission of the Church 
of Christ. - Many of the little folks of the Wylie avenue dis- 
trict learned to speak of the missionary as their friend. On 
one occasion the missionary was tricked by his landlord, so that 
he almost lost his equipment, but the people of St. John’s 
Church came to the rescue, and he was reestablished in better 
quarters. After three years of labor, a Jewish Mission Board 
was established by the General Council, and the Pittsburgh 
Mission was placed: under its care. ‘The first Jewish Mis- 
sion Board consisted of Rev. Edmund ee DabDt Revs 
M. Kemerer, D. D., Rev. W. E. Bauer, W. E. Bonzo and W. 
Warren Wattles. In order that Pastor ee might give all 
his time to mission work, Rev. Paul I. Morentz, one of his 
converts, was sent into the field as the agent of «the boand: 
This arrangement did not work well, and Pastor Morentz ac- 
cepted a call to another parish. A few years later, this pastor 
accepted a call to become the head of the Philadelphia Jewish 
Mission. No attempt was ever made to organize the converts 
of Pastor Legum into a congregation. The conditions under 
which his work was done made such an organization highly in- 
advisable. ‘Those who were led to accept Christian faith were 
counselled to unite with some established Lutheran Church of 
the city. Under an arrangement of the Pittsburgh Synod made 
in 1923, the congregations were asked to remember the Jewish 
Mission in their aster offerings. Plans for the purchase of a 
suitable building have been under advisement for some time. 
The death of Pastor Legum came suddenly in his room on the 
North Side, July 22, 1923, and three days later his body was 
laid to rest in Mt. Calvary Cemetery at McKees Rocks. His 
successor was Rev. S. P. Lapidos, who served from 1924 to 1925, 


PiswvORYeOr al fr PUPS BURG He SwNOD 301 


FIRST ENGLISHOERVAN, LUTHERAN CHURCH 
ASPINWALL, PA. 


The Lutherans of this residential suburb assembled in 
the home of H. R. Marshall, April 17, 1894, in order to con- 
sider the organization of a church. As a result of this confer- 
ence, a Sunday School 
was organized, but their | 










interest lagged and the 
school was allowed to dis- 
band. Pastor S. D. Daug- 
herty of Sharpsburg re- 
organized the school on a 
firmer basis, September 
22, 1894, and this second 
school developed into a 
permanent organization. 
ive pon flo Sob. the 
“First English Evangeli- 
cal Lutheran Church of 
Aspinwall” was organ- 
ized with fourteen mem- 
bers in the Public School 
building. Student Jerome 
Guss spent the summer of 
1895 with them, and suc- 
ceeded in increasing the 
membership to thirty-seven. A corner lot was purchased for 
$1,800, and the vacant parish bravely undertook the building of 
a church. While engaged in this work the members of the con- 
gregation pledged themselves to raise $30 monthly for the support 
of a pastor, and a call was extended to Rev. H. C. Reller. This 
pastor served them in connection with Freeport until November 
10, 1901, after which Aspinwall was given his undivided time 
until the time of his resignation, September 4, 1916. Their 
church was built of brick and stone at a cost of $3,000, and was 
dedicated by Pastor Reller, June 14, 1896. The church was 
seated with chairs, but these were replaced by pews in 1903. 
The mission reached the position of self-support, October 1, 1904, 
when it reported 104 members. The church was enlarged and 
much improved in 1914 at a cost of $7,000, the service of re- 
dedication being conducted by Pastor Reller, November 3, 1914. 
At the beginning of the pastorate of Rev. W. Roy Goff in 1923, 
a good parsonage was bought for $8,000, giving the congregation 
property valued at $25,000. The pastors served in the following 
Ordena eucdente) Va (Guessisupply))) 16958 Revs HitG. Reller, 
1896-1916; Rev. P. M. Kinports, 1917-1919; Rev. E.'S. Rudi- 
sill7 1919-1923 ; Rev... W.. RiaGoff, 1923-. | 


n 
- 


wuss 
PACINO 












































302 HISTORY. OF THE PEDTSBURGH, SYNOD 


CALVARY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
WILKINS BORG Yer. 


The first movement in the direction of establishing the 
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wilkinsburg is traceable to 
the missionary spirit of Doctor William A. Passavant. When 
a new plan of lots was 
laid out by Henry Reis 
and Robert Curling in 
1852, a lot on the corner 
of Kelley and Trenton 
avenues was conveyed to 
Doctor Passavanteein 
trust for an Evangelical 
Lutheran congregation. 
After the organization of 
ot: * Raul’s)-Church saan 
1896, the fulfillment of 
this trust was made pos- 
sible, ,ot. Pauls + Churens 
however, was not the first 
Lutheran organization ef- 
fected in this city. On 
May 4, 1891, Rev, Sam- 
uel (Re, Bison! ote eBraa- 
dock organized the 

| “Grace English Lutheran 
Church of Wilkinsburg” in the old Academy. Lack of interest 
led to the transfer of this congregation to Brushton during the 
same year, and its reorganization under a different name. Five 
years later a number of the members of this Brushton congre- 
gation united with others in the founding of a new congregation 
in Wilkinsburg. Their first services were held in Lohr’s Hall, 
June 12, 1896, and continued regularly every two weeks. A 
successful Sunday School was launched by them, September 
20, 1896, which gave them great encouragement. At a special 
meeting in Lohr’s Hall, March 14, 1897, Calvary Evangelical 
Lutheran Church was organized with twenty-six members. 
While this number was not large, Calvary enjoyed the -distinc- 
tion of being a self-sustaining parish from the beginning. ‘The 
church did not ‘call a pastor at once, but accepted such services 
as Rev. F. H. Crissman was able to give them in connection with 
Brushton Parish. On May 30, 1897, Rev. Crissman accepted a 
regular call, serving them until November 1, 1898, and building 
up a congregation of 77 members. His successor was Rev. J. 
Bradley Markward, who accepted a call, February 5, 1899. A 
plot of ground on the corner of South avenue and Center street, 






































Pol BRYA Ob ath Pro SB URGIn SY NOD 303 


improved by two good houses, was bought for $8,000, June 28, 
1899. Here a church was built that was dedicated by Pastor 
Markward, April 14, 1901. The securing of this place of wor- 
ship represented an investment of $20,000, and served them well 
for a period of fourteen years. When Pastor Markward re- 
signed the parish, January 31, 1909, he left a well organized 
congregation of 434 confirmed members. The Rey. H. FE. Clare 
became his successor, May 16, 1909, and his long and fruitful 
pastorate was closed in death, December 26, 1918. Not only 
the congregation but the entire synod mourned. It was during 
his pastorate that the present church building was erected. ‘The 
corner stone was laid, May 30, 1915, and the church dedicated, 
December 12, 1915. It was built of Beaver sand stone and roofed 
with tile. It is Old English Gothic in design, and beautiful in its 
-churchly appointments. It is connected with the old church, 
which was remodelled for Sunday School purposes and faced 
with stone to conform to the new edifice. The total cost of the 
plant was about $75,000, on which a debt of $33,200 remained 
after the dedication. At the time of Pastor Clare’s death the con- 
gregation numbered 528 confirmed members. Soon after this the 
two Lutheran congregations of the city, Calvary and St. Paul’s, 
began to worship together in Calvary Church under the ministry 
ofa@he pastor of St. Paul’s, Rev. HH? Will. 

St. Paul’s had a history cotemporaneous with that of Cal- 
vary. The Sunday School of Calvary was organized first, but 
St. Paul’s Church was organized, November 29, 1896, almost 
four months in advance of Calvary. While much was said of 
priority rights at the time, and the organization of the General 
Synod Church was protested by the General Council, it was evi- 
dent that each body was determined to take care of its own 
child. The two congregations were launched with approxi- 
mately the same strength. The charter members of Calvary 
were the following: 


Bactae ae: [Ramaver.,” Tea” Meals, A. G. 

Baer, Amanda King, Josie Meals, Hallie 
Bartlett, Elizabeth Kolb, Louis Meals, Olive and Kate 
Bowers, Annie E. Kolb, Mary S. Nycum, Fey GC: 
Conrad weal: Kunkle, H. S. Nycum, Norma C. 
Grabowsky, Bertha Mansfield, J. L. Obitzae ae 
Hileman, J. Roy Mansfield, Mary E. Obitz, M. EH. 

Hileman, Alpha Ney McCune, Mary J. Oras ‘Olive 


The original members of St. Paul’s were thirty-three in 
number, as follows: 


Bate tel oncewite Houk, J. A. and wife Schultz, aso 
Bierwerth, C. F. and wife Hovix, Wiese, Uf abe Shafer, W. 

Bierwerth, Fred and wife Lowery, Mrs. Mollie Shuman, fee Seeb 
Bierwerth, Carrie Massingham, H. F. Smith, W. H. and wife 
Bierwerth, Henrietta Raye Vee AG Smith, Bertha 

Bortz, J. H. and wife Ray, Mrs. Hoe Wertz, S:. G. 

Bortz, Alice Reinhart, Mrs. J. Youngk, FE. E. and wife 
Campbell, Mrs. Ida Rummel, W. J. Zimmerman, J. H. & wife 


The first regular pastor of St. Paul’s was Rev. John F. 


304 HISTORY:.OF stiheah Pri Spun Grn eo ya Op 


Heckert, who served from April 1, 1898, to January 16, 1910. 
The Trenton avenue property, conveyed to St. Paul’s Church 
soon after the organization, was sold as unsuitable for a church, 
and the lot on the corner of Ross avenue and Center street bought 
in its stead. Here a brick chapel was erected at a cost of $4,500. 
The: cornerstone ‘of, this church? was laid,» May 23; 19001 jad 
the building dedicated by Pastor Heckert, October 7, 1901. Two 
years later the congregation became self-sustaining. The suc- 
cessors of Pastor Heckert were Rev. William E. Bauer, May 1, 
1910.to April 15; 1915, and’ Rey. HH. Will, June’25> 1910 ste 
December 17, 1919. The pastorate of Pastor Will terminated 
automatically with the merger meeting, although he consented to 
serve the united congregations until June 15, 1920. The act of 
merger was effected, December 17, 1919, when a new constitu- 
tion was adopted and the name. Calvary assumed. ‘The first 
Church Council of the new organization consisted of C. H. Leh- 
mann, J. M. Nycum, E. L. Blair, Fred Kottman, D. A. Wilkinson, 
Hi Retechurr, Jee Cl Vann ewkirk, Ane); eGossem) Georvemis 
Miller, J. N. Stolzenbach, E. R. Kregar, and E. E. Youngk. By 
a singular coincidence the same number of men was elected 
from each former congregation, although chosen by open ballot. 
The solidity of this body of men was a great factor in establish- 
ing the unity of the new organization. The old St. Paul’s chapel 
was sold for $20,000 to the Y. M. C. A., June 26, 1920, and the 
net proceeds, amounting to $12,000, paid on the debt of Calvary. 
Rev. C. B. Foelsch became pastor, August 1, 1920, and has 
added large numbers to the membership of the congregation. At 
the silver anniversary of Calvary, a fund of $25,000 was raised, 
of which $13,000 was expended in enlarging the Sunday School 
room. Nearly 500 persons were present in the Sunday School 
on the morning of the dedication. October 14, 1923. The future 
of this congregation is rich in promise. 


MT. -ODIVEL TENGE IS Hoc UT ELE RANT GEG bl 
PODS BURG Dae ie 


This church is located in that section of Pittsburgh known 
as Spring Hill. The large number of German children on the 
hill led Mrs.°C.. Bu Kingvand’ Mrs. Mecklish of) St Marksite 
establish a Sunday School, July 1, 1894, when 28 children were 
present. This school was cared for as a parish mission of St. 
Mark’s for a while, and this placed the well known financial 
powers of the pastor of St. Mark’s at their disposal. Pastor 
King secured a lot on the corner of Rhine street and Robinson 
road for the mission, erected a frame chapel at a cost of $4,000, 
and solicited the greater part of the funds from Pittsburgh busi- 


HISPORY- OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 305 


ness men. ‘The chapel was dedicated, April 21, 1895. Sunday 
School work was continued in this chapel by workers from St. 
Mark’s until the time was ripe for the organization of a church. 
‘This was effected with thirty members, January 11, 1899, under 
the name of Mount Olivet English Lutheran Church. Doctor 
King conducted regular services until July 10, 1899, when Rev. 
H. C. Michael took charge. For a time the congregation was 
connected with Wilmerding; then with North Zion; then with St. 
James Church; then with Emsworth; and did not receive the 
entire time of a pastor until 1921. The first resident pastor was 
Rey. F. C. Frommhagen, 1921-1922, during whose short pastorate 
a good parsonage was erected at a cost of $8,000. It was found 
too hard for the 110 members to carry the financial burden 
alone, and missionary aid was again given for one year. 

The pastors have served in the following order: Rev. 
ee bemecine 4 OOO ah evertin Gn Michael 139921900" « Rey, 
(Oeenteboor ye 1900-190 hy Reve GB: aiWeaver, 71901-1905; 
Rev J. H. Keller? 1905-1907; Rev. H. W. A: Hanson (supply), 
1907 ;,Rev. W. C. Mann, 1909-1921; Rev. F. C. Frommhagen, 
LOFeto 72h eva Gab Held. 6192321926. 


Goh Sl sat ANCB LIGA. EU TELE RAN (CHURCH 
WILMERDING, PA. 


This industrial community of the Westinghouse Airbrake 
Company was visited by Doctor C. B. King in the spring of 
1899, with a view to or- 
ganizing a Lutheran con- 
gregation. Finding a num- 
ber of interested Luth- 
erans, he held services 
for several weeks in the 
Yeah Gael. rooms. yOn 
May 21, 1899, he organ- 
ized a church with twen- 
ty-four members. For 
the first five months the 
Wee Vier Aeeroons: tute 
nished the place of meet- 
me ceithenditihe MPublic 
School annex was used. 
The first regular pastor 
was Rev. H. C. Michael, 
who took charge of the 
parish, August 6, 1899, 
serving the congregation 
in connection with Mt. 









































306 HISTORY (OB THE PLVLESBURGH SYNOD 


Olivet until August 1, 1900, when it was united with Denmark 
Manor. The church was under the care of the Advisory Board 
of Home Missions until July 1, 1903, when it was transferred 
to the Home Mission Board of the General Synod. Self-sup- 
port was not reached until November 1, 1919. Two lots were 
secured from the Westinghouse Company in 1901 for $2,380, 
on which a good brick church was erected at a cost of $8,000. 
This church was dedicated by Pastor Michael, December 18, 
1904, when addresses were made by Rev. S. T. Nicholas and 
Rev. J. W. Poffinberger. From 1909 to 1914 the church was 
united with East. McKeesport in a parish, since when it has 
been given the entire time of a pastor. A good parsonage ad- 
joining the church was erected during the pastorate of Rev. J. 
M. Uber, when new chancel furniture was dedicated. The 
church has gradually increased in strength during these years, 
and was able to report 193 confirmed members in 1923. The 
pastors have served in the following order: Rev. H. C. Michael, 
1899-1906; Rev. D. S. Kurtz, 1906-1908; Rev. F. J. Matter, 
1909-1910; Rev. J. K. Robb, 1911-1912; Rev. F. L. Will, 1913- 
1916; Reve J.-M. Uber 3191671923 3Rev|) Vi Weber Zan 


ST. PAUL'S, EVANGELICAL, CUTER RANCH Ul RG i 
Pipi BURGE EN 


This church is located in the Glenwood district, where the 
shops of the B. & O. are located. The opportunity for the es- 
tablishment of a Luther- 

| ag an \Ghurchith e:enmawacae 

i Sap brought to the attention 


Leach: Oe @ of Rev. A. J. Bean, when 
: 7D| 


BEES a he was missionary super- 
intendent of the synod. 
On March 14, 1897, he 
effected the organization 
of a Sunday School, the 
first places of meeting 
being the school house 
and Moore’s Hall. ‘The 
second organization was 
that of a Ladies’ Aid So- 
ciety, which gave valu- 
able help in the estab- 
ll lishment of the church. 


C2 =I al |! The congregation was or- 
oe eh BG? ganized with 59 charter 
members, May 29, 1899, 


and Rev. Bean became 
































S 





HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 307 


the first pastor. A building site on the corner of Second avenue 
and Mansion street was secured. ‘The corner stone of their 
church was laid, December 16, 1898, and the building dedicated 
Hities20,01599;) sae charters was secured (jtine 17, 1899 “For 
Miticesvcare mot raul Ss shared!theeservices’ oi) their pastor with 
Trinity, McKeesport, but the parish was divided, November 15, 
1901, and Pastor Bean was permitted to give his full time to St. 
Paul’s. The church was enlarged and improved at a cost of 
$3;000 Sand) rededicated ‘by’ Pastor) Beani) January 25, 1903) In 
1925, the church was given a thorough renovation at a cost of 
$3,500, and rededicated by Pastor R. L. Smith. The successors 
of Pastor Bean have been’ the following: Rev: C:. R.-Dunlap, 
1908-1911; Rev. C. A. Boory, 1912-1919; Rev. R. L. Smith, 1919- 


GEIS DpewN GIS Te Ur EE RANG GEER CEH 
NECN bie DAS 


The first attempt to plant an English Lutheran Church in 
this community was made by Pastor H. N. Follmer of Mount 
Zion Church. A number of families of Mount Zion lived in 
Millvale, and a Sunday School was opened for the benefit of 
the children in 1896. During the week a prayer meeting was also 
conducted. The school and prayer meeting flourished for a 
season, and then disbanded. The people were conscious of their 
spiritual needs, however, and never gave up the idea of estab- 
lishing a church of their faith. The matter was brought to the 
attention of the Pittsburgh Synod of the General Synod in 1900, 
and Christ’s Church was organized by Pastor Follmer and Doc- 
tor C. B. King, November 10, 1900. The organization started 
with forty members, the greater part of whom came from Mt. 
Zion Church. An effort was made at the same time to organize 
a General Council Church, but, when it became clear that the 
field was naturally a part of Mount Zion Parish, the General 
Council workers withdrew. The first regular pastor was Rev. 
Curtis A. Boory, who served from December 3, 1900, to August 
31,1905. For the first year the church was served in connection 
with Mt. Olivet, and then made a separate mission parish. ‘Two 
lots on the corner of Lincoln avenue and Sedgwick street were 
bought, on which a church was built at a total cost of $13,500. 
The church was dedicated by Pastor Boory, December 27, 1903, 
when Rev. C. P. Wiles preached the sermon. ‘The second pastor 
was Rev. Samuel E. Smith, whose term of service extended from 
November 1, 1905 to July 1, 1911. Much credit is due this pastor 
for his careful organization of the congregation for service and 
the development of the membership. The troublesome floating 


308 HISTORY) OF -EHE PIPRSBURGHSSYNOD 


indebtedness was paid, and many needed improvements were 
made to the property. During the pastorate of Rev. Ira W. 
Trostle there was a serious landslide in the rear of the church, 
and a great rock broke through the rear wall, but the accident 
aroused such sympathy for the congregation that the misfortune 
proved a blessing in disguise. During the pastorate of Doctor 
John J. Hill, the entire debt was paid, and the church became a 
self-sustaining parish, November 1, 1919. The pastorates in 
regular order were as follows: Rev. C. A. Boory, 1900-1905 ; 
Rev. S. E. Smith, 1905-1911; Rev. E. E. Hoshour, 1912-1913; 
Reva slaw. sLrostlem913-1916 Revs). i) bull Da Dy elo 


ST. LUKE’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
PITTSBURGH, PA. 


For many years it was the cherished desire of Doctor John 

G. Goetmann to plant a church on the Perrysville avenue hill, 
but the door was never 
fully opened until the 
summer of 1900, when 
the Eighth U. P. Church 
placed \ithetr vaca werd 
church,on\ they marker 
This brick church was 
bought by the Advisory 
Board of Hame Missions 
for $5,000, and the first 
Lutheran services were 
held (init (by (Revae@w as 
King, Sunday evening, 
July— 22,7 "1900. Reatiias 
services were held for 
several weeks, and St. 
Luke’s Church was _ for- 
mally organized with 
forty-two members, Au- 
gust 12, 1900. Tweaty- 
| two were received from 

Trinity Church. The following signed the petition for a charter: 

















ee 


Se wee 4 
. S See 
> = 
Z Z 2 SY 
f wt ed 

















SS = 


























Adams, John I. and wife Johnstone, Mrs. C. E. Monath, Charles and wife 
Adams, John Kalmeyer, Theodore Reithel, William and wife 
Adams, Harry Kifer, James Schmitt, Henry M. 
Adams, Mary Kifer, Mrs. James Schmitt, Mrs. Henry M. 
Autrieth, EK. C. and wife Klein, Edwin Skiles, Gertrude B 
Crissman, J. H. and wife Koerts, John H. Stanford, William 
Elbourne, Mrs. Doretta Koerts, Florence Unger, M. A. and wife 
HauchwelVirsaiO1s Ve Merker, F. W. Weaver, W. H. 

Heyl, L. M. and wife Michel, Mrs. Sarah A. Weaver, Mrs. W. H. 


The first Church Council consisted of the following: H. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 309 


M. Schmitt, M. A. Unger, and C. E. Autrieth, elders; W. H. 
Weaver, Theodore Kalmeyer, and Charles Monath, deacons; 
and J. H. Crissman, James Kifer, and L. M. Heyl, trustees. 
The Sunday School was organized with thirty scholars, October 
7, 1900, Henry M. Schmitt serving as superintendent for many 
years. His active interest in the work of the congregation was 
largely responsible for its steady development. The first regu- 
lar pastor was Rev. J. W. Romich, who served from February 
15, 1901, to October 30, 1905. Extensive repairs were made to 
the building, and it was dedicated by Pastor Romich, June 6, 
1901. On March 1, 1904, the church assumed self-support with 
a membership of 125. In recognition of the services of Pastor 
Romich, a bronze tablet was placed in the church after his death, 
which occurred, May 3, 1917. The second pastor was Rey. 
Henry W. A. Hanson, who served from June 1, 1906, to Febru- 
ary 12, 1913. So rapid was the development of the congregation 
that additional ground was bought in 1910, looking forward to 
the day when enlargement would be necessary. The corner 
stone of a new church was laid, August 27, 1911, and the hand- 
some edifice dedicated by Pastor Hanson, May 12, 1912. It was 
built of stone, with large apartments for Sunday School work, 
at an approximate cost of $50,000. The old brick church was 
removed to the rear of the lot and converted into a gymnasium. 
In honor of the fine church, the city renamed the street St. 
Luke’s Square. At the close of the pastorate of Doctor Han- 
son, the congregation enrolled 375 confirmed members. The 
third pastor was Rev. G. Arthur Fry, D. D., who accepted a 
call, July 1, 1913. <A beautiful baptismal font, the gift of Mrs. 
H. M. Schmitt, was dedicated, June 8, 1919. A healthy benevo- 
lent spirit has always characterized the work of St. Luke’s, and 
it has reacted in blessing upon the congregation. During the 
summer of 1923 an effort was made to clear off an indebtedness 
of $18,000, and the result was a subscription of $25,000. Lo- 
cated in one of the most attractive residential sections of the 
city, St. Luke’s is certain to take high rank among the greatest 
of our churches. The pastors served in the following order: 
Rev. Jo W. Romich, 1901-1905; Rev. H: W. A. Hanson, D.D., 
1906-1913; Rev. G. A. Fry, D.D., 1913-. 


EMMANUEL ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH 
ETNA, PA. 


This church was born in a union mission school, ‘‘organized 
for the purpose of keeping the children off the streets on Sun- 
day afternoons”. Under the leadership of W. J. Smith and 
Albert Lambing, a chapel was built on Vilsack street at a cost 
of $700, which was dedicated by Rev. S. D. Daugherty of 


310 HISTORY OF (ibe hl DSBURGH SYNOD 


Sharpsburg in 1894. A union mission school of 100 members 
was organized in the chapel on the Sunday after the dedication. 
For the management of this school a board of trustees was or- 
ganized, consisting of 
twelve men from _ the 


Ly . 

eS i seven different denomina- 
ae-oSp tions represented in the 
ele mene school. a service com- 
mittee was appointed by 
this board, which arrang- 
ed for preaching services 
by neighboring pastors. 
Doctor C. B. King visited 
this mission school in 
October, 1898, and pro- 
posed that they organize 
themselves as a Lutheran 
Church, but the time was 
not ripe. When he made 
his second visit in No- 
vember, 1899, he found 
many who were willing 
to enter such an organi- 
zation. While the Luth- 
erans connected with this mission school were strong enough to 
organize and maintain a church, the other denominations did all 
they could to prevent it. Doctor King then made a canvass of 
the community, and secured the consent of 48 persons to enter 
the proposed organization. Emmanuel Church was then organ- 
ized by Doctor King, January 21, 1900, with the following 

members: 


eo 



























































Charles, William J. Lee, Mrs. Annie Seel, Emma E. 

Charles Mins ae Vem = McCully, William Shellaby, Mrs. Mary 
Charless Nise memot. McCully, Mrs. William Shuker, James 
Dosch, W. P. and wife Mclaughlin, R. J. Vidt, John and wife 
Fleming, John and wife IY od De-he hen ol bbe hm \Y/ Gara Sn Je Vidt, Martha 

Hartung, Charles Meiss William and wife Weibel, Charles and wife 
Hartung, Emma Miller, William H. Weibel, Mrs. William 
Hartung, Mrs. Emma Miller, Mrs. W. H. Weibel, Edward 
Hartung, Isaac Pfischner, Mrs. Maria Weibel, Mrs. Edward 
Henry, Mrs. Jacob Pope, Harry Weibel, Nellie 

Hilbert, Mrs. Rachel Schreiber, Ella Weibel, Henry 

Keil, Doctor J. J. Schulters, Mrs. Minnie Weibel, Wallace 

Keil, Marjorie Seel, Tillie E. Weibel, George 

Kistner, Mrs. Anna Seel, Mary E. Wheeler, Wm. and wife 


The first. Church Council consisted of William H. Miller 
William J? Charles, Riv J. Mclaughlin) elders: Janes shiker 
J. J. Keil, Edward Weibel, deacons. The organization was ef- 
fected in the mission chapel, and services were held here for the 
next two Sundays, after which the doors were closed against 
them. Services were then held in private homes for two weeks, 


HISTORY OF “THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 311 


when the trustees of the chapel saw their mistake and sold it to 
the Lutherans for $438.87. A new site on Grant avenue was 
bought from Mr. and Mrs. George Trube for $1,400, where it 
was decided to erect a larger church because of the growing 
Sunday School. While the question was being debated, their 
first pastor entered the field. Pastor Jerome M. Guss served 
the congregation from March 15, 1900, to November 1, 1910, 
laying strong foundations upon which pastors are building to the 
present day. The corner stone of the church was laid, October 
14, 1900, and the building dedicated, January 20, 1901, when 
Doctor Jacob A. Clutz preached the sermon. The total cost of 
the church plant was $7,000. The parsonage adjoining the 
church was bought for $3,750, May 16, 1904. The seventh 
anniversary of the congregation was celebrated by the burning 
of mortgages valued at $4,500.00. Few missions of the 
Pittsburgh Synod of the General Synod had a finer record than 
Emmanuel, self-support being reached, January 13, 1904. Dur- 
ing the summer of 1912 the church building was raised five feet, 
and the basement fitted up for Sunday School -and social 
purposes. ‘The auditorium was also reseated and new heating 
and lighting systems installed. The total cost of these improve- 
ments was $5,000, and the church was rededicated by Pastor 
Thomas B. Uber, November 17, 1912. This achievement led 
the men of Emmanuel to buy a new pipe organ, which was 
formally dedicated by the pastor, January 5, 1913. For a time 
an interesting Sunday School was conducted at Undercliff by 
workers from Emmanuel. During the earlier years of its 
history there was a rapid development in the membership. Or- 
ganized with 48, it numbered 260 in 1905, 309 in 1910, 469 in 
1915, since when it has remained about the same. It is recog- 
nized as the leading church of the community. The pastors have 
served in the following order: Rev. J. M. Guss, 1900-1910; 
Rev. IT: B. Uber, 1911-1913; Rev. M. R. Hamsher, 1913-1914: 
Rev. A. M. Himes, 1914-1917; Rev. B. H. Pershing, 1918-1921; 
Revue bo@benaut, 19214. 


THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
OF THE REDEEMER 
PITTSBURGH, PA. 


The Church of the Redeemer is a daughter of Bethany. 
Pastor John Weidley ‘took a deep interest in the planting of a 
church in the Homewood section, and, with the support of the 
Church Council of Bethany, purchased two lots on Mount 
Vernon street and let the contract for a chapel. The corner 
stone was laid, January 28, 1900, and the chapel dedicated by 


ole HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


Pastor Weidley, April 22, 
1900, when the sermon 
was preached by Rev. S. 
Tas Nicholas. ) A sSunday 
School was organized at 
once, which developed 
rapidly in numbers and 
efficiency. The congre- 
gation was organized by 
Rev. C. B. King, Septem- 
ber 30, 1900, with 43 
charter members, of 
whom 22 came _ from 
Bethany. Their chapel 
was built of brick veneer, 
34 x 60, at a total cost of 
$4,500. Such helpful 
work was done by Stu- 
dent Robert Woods dur- 
ing the summer of 1900 
that the congregation 
determined to secure him as pastor. With this end in view the 
church was supplied by Rev. R. B. Starks during the winter and 
spring, and Rev. Woods became the regular pastor immediately 
after his graduation in the following June. After a few years 
of successful work it was seen that a larger church was needed, 
and three additional lots were purchased in 1908, giving the 
congregation control of a large corner plot at Mount Vernon 
street and Lang avenue. An extension was then built to the 
chapel at a cost of $9,000, giving them a plant valued at $37,- 
000. The capacity of both church and Sunday School was again 
increased in 1915, at an expense of $2,300. Rededication serv-. 
ices were conducted by Pastor Woods, September 19, 1915 
This long pastorate of Rev. Woods is generally recognized as 
one of the most successful in the history of the synod. Some of 
the visible results of the first 23 years were 781 infant baptisms ; 
1705 adult accessions; $31,898 for benevolence; $154,398 given 
for all objects. Organized with 43 members, the congregation 
increased to 301 in 1905, 353 in 1910, 538 in 1915, and 505 in 
1920. Although a parish mission of Bethany Church at the 
beginning, it has never been a mission of the. synod. 





















































HEBRON EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
EAST PITTSBURGH, PA. 


This church is located on Bessemer Terrace, midway be- 
tween Braddock and Turtle Creek. This community was without 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD wo 


a church of any kind in 1903, when a canvass was made by Rev. 
S. T. Nicholas and Rev. J. E. Bittle. Encouraged by this can- 
vass, services were begun in a vacant store room on the first 
Sunday in June. Rev. J. W. Poffinberger was secured as a mis- 
sionary, under whose leadership interest developed rapidly, and 
a congregation of forty members was organized, August 20, 
1903. ‘The Sunday School, organized about the same time, soon 
reached an enrollment of one hundred. With the help of the 
synod a desirable corner lot was secured. ‘The first regular 
pastor was Rev. Harvey D. Hoover, who served with notable 
success from February 1, 1904, and March 31, 1907. Such was 
his missionary spirit that 20 children were baptized and 68 
adults admitted to church fellowship during the first nine months 
of his pastorate. A Young People’s Society was organized, 
March 6, 1904; a Junior Luther League, July 10, 1904; and a 
Women’s Missionary Society, September AOU Aa a chapel was 
erected on the rear of the church lot at a cost of $5,600. The 
corner stone was laid, April 10, 1904, and the chapel dedicated 
by Pastor Hoover, August 28, 1904. After two years of work, 
the mission assumed self-support with 168 members and a Sun- 
day School of 445, taking rank as one of the most successful 
missions of the Pittsburgh Synod of the General Synod. The 
successors of Pastor Hoover have also given faithful service, 
building up a congregation that numbered 407 confirmed mem- 
bers in 1923. The long pastorate of Rev. C. D. Russell was 
especially notable, during which a movement was started for 
the building of a larger church. The pastors have been the 
following. Reév.1)..W sRoffinberger ‘(supply )y 1903: Rev, H. D. 
Hoover, 1904-1907 ;'Rev. C. M. Tenfel; 1907- 1909 ; iN Ad le 
Fox, 1910-1912; Rev Cy D; Russell; 1912-. 


Sw @OELN See VANGHDICATS EU THERAN; CHURCH 
BAS Deck EL SOR ios 


The first effort to plant the Lutheran Church in this com- 
munity was made by Student W. M. Hackenberg, who held a 
number of services for interested people in the summer of 1903. 
These people furnished the nucleus for St. John’s Church, which 
was organized with 23 members by Rev. 5. T. Nicholas, August 
3, 1903. The first regular pastor was Rev. W. L. Heuser, who 
served from January 10, 1904, to August 31, 1905. The second 
pastor was Rev. George O. Ritter, who served from September 
30, 1906, to June 1, 1909. During these two pastorates the 
church was connected with Denmark Manor. A building lot 
was bought for $600 in 1907; two years later an adjoining lot 
was secured. The third pastor was Rev. Frank J. Matter, who 


314 HISTORY (OP «DFE Eur SBURGH SYNOD 


served them in connection with Wilmerding from September 15, 
1909, to December 1, 1910. The corner stone of their church 
was laid by Pastor Matter, October 9, 1910, and the completed 
building was dedicated by Pastor Jonas K. Robb in 1911. The 
congregation remained in Wilmerding Parish until May 1, 1914, 
after which it was dependent upon supplies. On May 15, 1922, 
it was made a separate mission parish, and Rev. Daniel Ketterman 
was commissioned as the missionary. ‘The congregation reported 
93 confirmed members in 1923. ‘The following pastors have 
served here: Rev. 8. T. Nicholas (supply), 1903; Rev. W. L. 
Heuser, 1904-1905; Rev. G. O. Ritter, 1906-1909; Rev. F. J. 
Matter, 1909-1910; Rev. J. K. Robb, 1911-1912; Rev. F. L. Will, 
1913-1914; Supplies, 1914-1922; Rev. Daniel Ketterman, 1922-. 


ST. JOHN SEBVANGEDICAL (LUTHERAN GChURGEH 
SWAES CA OeU AD IEPA, 


Less than a century ago the ground now included in Swiss- 
vale was under cultivation. Not until 1858 was any organized 
Christian work begun, and this beginning was in the form of a 
union Sunday school. 
Services were held in a 
little brick school house 
on the Milligan farm, 
where Westmoreland and 
Braddock avenues now 
intersect. ‘The: first: Lue 
theran organization was 
formed in 1867, when the 
“ Swissvale Evangelical 
Lutheran Church and 
Academy” obtained from 
James Swisshelm an acre 
of ground where the 
Presbyterian Church now 
stands. This grant was 
on condition that once in 
every five years a day 
school should be main- 
tained. Through the lib- 
erality of the Newmyer 
and Haven families, a small frame church was built, in which 
Rev. Lepley of the Lutheran Church held evening services. After 
a time the Lutherans felt that they were not strong enough to 
keep up the services, and the property was transferred to the 
Presbyterians, January 5, 1871, on condition that they assume 
the mortgage. After a lapse of thirty years the attention of the 





















































HISTORYIOF THE PLIIVSBURGH SYNOD 315 


Pittsburgh Synod was again directed to the field, when canvassers 
learned that the Ohio Synod had been holding services for sev- 
eral months. Since nearly all the Lutherans of the town were 
members of General Synod congregations, the Ohio Synod 
pastor surrendered the field. Rev. T. B. Birch spent the sum- 
mer of 1902 in the field, and organized a congregation of 42 
members, August 24, 1902. A Sunday School of 55 members 
was organized at the same time. With the help of the synod a: 
small corner lot was bought, on which a chapel was built at a 
cost of $3,300. This chapel was dedicated by Pastor Longan- 
ecker, September 13, 1903. Pastor Longanecker served the 
mission from December 1, 1902, to April 30, 1905, when the 
congregation numbered 140 members. ‘The second pastor was 
Rev. A. F. Richardson, 1905-1906, and the third pastor Rev. H. 
C. Erdman, 1906-1915. During the pastorate of Rev. Richard- 
son, it became evident that the chapel was too small and unin- 
viting for successful work; it was sold and a new site secured on 
the corner of McClure avenue and Monroe street. The new church 
was erected at a cost of $19,000, under the leadership of Pastor 
Erdman. - The corner stone was laid, April 4, 1907, and the 
church dedicated, April 3, 1908. It was built of brick and stone, 
Greek-Romanesque in style, and provided the congregation with 
an attractive place of worship. Because of prevailing unem- 
ployment it was hard to raise building funds, and a burdensome 
debt of $16,000 was incurred. The successor of Pastor Erdman 
was Pastor P. H. R. Mullen, who began his work, September 8, 
1915. Careful organization relieved the financial strain, and the 
congregation soon prepared for another forward movement. A 
fine parsonage was built on Schoyer avenue at a cost of $7,000, 
which was occupied by the pastor, November 20, 1917. St. 
John’s became a self-sustaining parish, May 1, 1921, when the 
congregation reported 301 confirmed members. The clerical robe 
was introduced in 1925. The pastors have served in the follow- 
ing order: Rev. T. B. Birch (supply), 1902; Rev. A. R. Longan- 
ecker, 1902-1905; Rev. A. F. Richardson, 1905-1906; Rev. H. C. 
Erdman, 1906-1915; Rev. P. H. R. Mullen, 1915-. 


ST. MATTHEW’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
CRAFTON, PA. 


The adjoining towns of Crafton and Ingram were can- 
vassed by Student J.-H. Keller during the summer of 1901, but 
not sufficient interest was found to justify an organization. Stu- 
dent Robert D. Clare spent the summer of 1902 in the commun- 
ity with similar results. During the summer of 1903 Student 
William H. Hetrick ministered to them, and St. Matthew’s 


316 HISTORY OF SEMEL SB URGH SiNOoD 


Church was organized with eighteen members, September 3, 
1903. Pastors John Weidley, A. J. Turkle, and S. T. Nicholas 
had charge of the organization service. ‘The Woman’s Home 
and Foreign Missionary Society of the Pittsburgh Synod of the 
General Synod assumed the care of the congregation as their 
special mission, and provided generous assistance until the day of 
self-support, October 1, 1913. A lot was secured on Steuben 
_ street, on which a neat brick chapel was built at a cost of $8,500. 
The corner stone was laid, September 24, 1905, and the church 
dedicated by Pastor William E. Brown, March 18, 1906. Dur- 
ing the pastorate of Rev. Milton EF. McLinn, the chapel was 
raised and improved at a cost of $1,600. A fine property on 
Noble avenue was bought for $12,500 in 1920, and a lot on 
Division street for $5,000 in 1924. One side of this Noble 
avenue house was occupied by Pastor Robert S. Miller as a par- 
sonage, and the other side rented in order to finance the venture. 
It is hoped to build a larger church at some future date. ‘The 
growth of the congregation has been slow but substantial, the 
confirmed membership reaching 296 in 1923. The pastors have 
served in the following order: Rev. W. E. Brown 1904-1907; 
Rev. Charles Lambert 1907-1909; Rev. M. E. MclLjinn, 1910- 
fO19 | Reva Ry oaviillenmloade: | 


SL PAUL’ StH VANGHUICAT OTT Hi RUAN i epee 
Pa CARN ts , 
Pitcairn is one of the 
new towns of Allegheny 
County, owing its de- 
velopment to the large 
shops and yards of the 
Pennsylvania Railroad. 
Pastor (\lerhl SeBIttlemeans 
Turtle Creek began serv- 
ices here in 1895, but of- 
ficials of the synod were 
not favorable to the work 
and it was discontinued. 
Then Pastor William E. 
Bauer of Braddock se- 
cured the use of Reed’s 
Hall on Broadway, con- 
ducting the first General 
Council service, April 19, 
1903. Twenty persons 
were present at this first 
Service,’ After .,continué 


<i 


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SSF) 4 SE 
Zo | SY 
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Was 
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HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 317 


ing these services for some time, St. Paul’s Church was organ- 
ized with twenty members, September 27, 1903. The church 
was connected with Braddock Parish, and served by Pastor W. 
FE. Bauer until April 25, 1909. Before the expiration of the first 
year, the congregation was encouraged to acquire property for 
itself by a gift from the King’s Daughters of the First Church 
of Warren. A charter was secured, September 15, 1913. Dur- 
ing the pastorate of Rev. Bauer, the Baptist Church was used as 
a place of worship. His successor was Pastor William A. 
Zundel, who served from October 1, 1909, to July 1, 1911, tender- 
ing his resignation in order that the Pitcairn-Trafford Parish 
might be formed. A lot on Robinson street was bought for $775, 
March 20, 1910, and the use of a portable chapel of the Pitts- 
burgh Church Extension Society secured. This chapel was used 
for ten years before the congregation was ready to build a 
permanent church of their own. The chapel was dedicated by 
Pastor Zundel, September 18, 1910. The third pastor was Rev. 
H. F. Obenauf, who served from August 1, 1911, to December 
31, 1916. During this pastorate, 74 new members were added 
to the congregation and the lot on the corner of Center avenue 
and Agatha street bought for $2,500. Student W. H. Baker sup- 
plied the parish during the summer of 1917, and became the 
regular pastor immediately after his ordination in 1918. Pastor 
Baker worked indefatigably to create sentiment for the erection 
of a permanent church, and was finally successful. The Pitts- 
burgh Church Extension Society agreed to loan $10,000 without 
interest, and the U. L. C. Board agreed to pay the interest on an 
additional $10,000. With such assistance the congregation could 
no longer hold back. The corner stone of their church was laid 
October 15, 1922, and the completed building dedicated by Pastor 
Baker, June 17, 1923. It was built of scored brick and stone, 
37x67, with exposed trusses and a churchly chancel, at a cost of 
$38,000. The basement was equipped for Sunday School pur- 
poses. At once the congregation began to respond to the call of 
the church under the improved conditions, and 145 members 
were reported in 1923. The pastorates have been the following: 
Rev. W. E. Bauer, 1903-1909; Rev. W. A. Zundel, 1909-1911; 
Rev. H. F. Obenauf, 1911-1916; Rev. W. H. Baker, 1918-1924; 
Rey. R. F. Steininger, 1924-. 


EVAN. LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER 
CAR RICKS Pile bien Giller AG 
The founding of this church was due to a number of mem- 


bers of Grace Church, South Side, whose homes were located 
along the Brownsville road. A meeting was held at the home of 


318 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


Henry Thielman, May 1, 1901, the outcome of which was the 
canvass of the community by Student Paul Roth, who found 
sixty Lutherans interested in the founding of a church. The 
chief obstacle in the way of immediate organization was the lack 
of a church. The pastor of«Grace Church, Doctor D. 77 Roth; 
was in sympathy with the movement, but not in a position to 
finance ‘the erection sof “a *church. Doctor, Koth thengycon> 
sented to act as trustee for the proposed congregation, 
and a fine building lot on the Brownsville road, 100x140 in size 
and valued at $4,000 at that time, was donated by Henry Thiel- 
man. William J. Clark, J. Boyd Duff, Esqr., and F. W. Drebert 
served as a building committee, and gave their individual notes 
for obligations incurred. ‘The contract for the building was let 
to Ensell and Dryden for $5,666, but separate contracts were let 
for glass, furnishings, etc. The Sunday School was organized 
by the acting pastor, Rev. F. W. Kohler, May 24, 1903, J. Boyd 
Duff becoming the first superintendent. The corner stone of the 
church was laid by Rev. F. W. Kohler, April 19, 1903, and the 
completed building was dedicated by Rev. H. $. Gilbert, Septem- 
ber 20, 1903. The total cost of the furnished church was 
$11,227.20. Pastor Kohler continued to serve the congregation 
until August 1, 1903, when a call was accepted by Pastor H. S. 
Gilbert. It was agreed that any confirmed members of the 
Evangelical Lutheran Church could become members of the new 
organization by signing the model constitution recommended by 
the General Council. A meeting of these was held, August 23, 
1903, when the following signed the constitution: 


Bankerd, William J. _ Drebert, Arthur Lininger, W. S. and wife 
Bankerd, Mrs. Clara Duff, i Boyd Lininger, Effie 
Baxmyer, William F. Duff, Mrs. Alice Lininger, E. W. 
Baxmyer, Mrs. W. F. Duff, Mrs. Mary J. Lininger, William 
Bauman, W. E. and wife Duff, Ella Moeller, Mrs. Katie W. 
Blohm, i. (© Duff, Thomas A. Reynolds, Mrs. Blanche 
Clark, William J. Duff, Mrs. Thomas A. Rudell, Louise 

Clark, Mrs. Mary Gilbert, Mrs. H. S. Sode, Christian 

Clark, Oliver Gilbert F. I. Sode, Barbara 

Clark, Nellie Henning, A. J. and wife Sode, Otila 

Cox, Mrs. Sadie Hillebrecht, John Succop, Mrs. Elizabeth 
Dierker, C. F. and wife Kress, Ulrich Thielman, Henry 

Drebert, F. W. and wife Kress, Mrs. Katherine Woodford, Mrs. Cocina B. 


The first deacons were William J. Clark, F. W. Drebert, 
Thomas’ A; Dutt, Wilham@E. Baxmyer, ©. ©, Clark sChanlesmis 
Dierker, Albert J. Henning, Henry Thielman, and William F. 
Bankerd. The church was chartered, November 28, 1903, and 
a new constitution adopted under this charter, April 4, 1904. 
Pastor Gilbert resigned, May 8, 1910, and. was succeeded by 
Pastor John A. Waters, who served from October 1, 1910, to 
October 2, 1922, On the twenty-fifth day after his resignation, 
this devoted servant of Christ was called to his reward at Jumon- 
ville, Pa. For years he suffered from a heart affection, and none 
but his intimate friends knew under what a handicap he served 


HISLORY, OF STH E ePITTSBURGH SYNOD 319 


the parish. When Pastor Waters began his work here, there 
was considerable strife in the congregation and much talk of 
organizing another church in connection with the General Synod. 
The congregation at the time was a mission of the General Coun- 
cil, but conditions improved so rapidly that self-support was as- 
sumed, May 1, 1913. Pastor Waters was also compelled to 
battle with a church debt of $9,000, but the payment of the last 
dollar of this was celebrated by a mortgage burning, September 
12, 1920. A pipe organ was installed at a cost of $1,300 in 1917. 
The successor of Pastor Waters was Pastor M. Herbert Messner, 
who accepted a call, November 22, 1922. At the beginning of 
this pastorate a fine parsonage was erected. A consecutive list 
of the pastorates is as follows: Rev. H. S. Gilbert, 1903-1910; 
Reve eeneyyatersu (Us O22 kev. iv. Ee Messner sl 922) 


NESS LATSEVANGRDICAT WULHERAN CHURCH 
HOMESTEAD, PA. 


The founding of this church was largely due to Pastor W. J. 
Bucher of Braddock, who introduced the missionary superin- 
tendent of the synod to a number of Homestead people, who 
were anxious for the establshment of a General Synod Church. 
Their first service was held, July 3, 1904, with an encouraging 
attendance of forty persons. A like number was present, August 
6, 1904, when the Sunday School was organized. The greater 
part of the preliminary work was done by Student Uriah A. 
Guss, who spent the summer of 1904 in the community. The 
organization of the congregation was effected by Doctor John 
Weidley, September 11, 1904, when thirty-seven members were 
enrolled. The first regular pastor was Rev. Webster C. Spayde, 
whose pastorate extended from February 15, 1905, to November 
30, 1906. The mission was fortunate in being able to rent the 
St. Mark’s German Evangelical Church as a place of worship; 
and much of its earlier progress may be credited to this. One 
thing has strongly militated against the success of this congrega- 
tion, and that has been too frequent changes of pastors. Before 
a pastor could fairly adjust himself to the parish, something 
happened to cause a change of leaders. The longest of the pas- 
torates was that of Rev. W. A. Berkey, who was enabled to ac- 
complish much for the permanent good of the parish. The 
corner stone of a new church was laid, November 3, 1912, and 
the feast of dedication was conducted by Pastor Berkey, April 
6, 1913. A parsonage was built in connection with the church, 
and the entire cost of the plant including the site was $12,500. A 
debt of $7,900 remained, but the last of this was paid in 1923 
during the pastorate of Rev. D. P. Drawbaugh. During the 


320 HISTORY*OF GLH EA PIES BURGH SYNOD 


years, 1919-1923, there was much talk of effecting a merger 
with St. John’s Church, but no common basis of union could be 
found, and the matter was indefinitely postponed. ‘The order of 
the pastorates was as follows: Rev. W. C. Spayde, 1905-1906; 
Rev. C. R. Dunlap, 1907-1908; Rev. D. U. Bair, 1909-1910; 
Rev. D. E. Rupley, 1910-1911; Rev. W. A. Berkey, 1911-1916; 
Rev. D. L. Shaffer, 1916-1919; Rev. D. P. Drawbaugh, 1920- 
L923 Rev. Jai Relly a to23e, 


MESSIAHVEVANGE EIGATIOVE Ul HER AN GEG KT 
Pi SiG ey ys 


This church is located in a resident section of the city known 
as Morningside. Attention was first called to the field by resi- 
dent members of Mt. Zion Church; and the first service was held 
in the home of Julius Wunderlich in the fall of 1907. An un- 
occupied school room was then secured, and services were held 
there every Sunday morning. Rev. D. R. Sumstine and Student 
Samuel Smith served as supply pastors. A preliminary canvass 
had been made by Pastors Wiles and Reller, but a second can- 
vass was made by Student Smith, and Doctor J. E. Bittle was 
able to organize the congregation, September 13, 1908, with 
twenty-nine members, nineteen of whom came from Mt. Zion. 
Morningside and Homestead were connected as a parish, and 
Rev. D. U. Bair served as the first pastor, May 1, 1909, to July 
1, 1910. The second pastorate was equally short, Rev. D. E. 
Rupley serving from November 1, 1910, to May 15, 1911. Dur- 
ing this pastorate a lot was purchased, on which the portable 
chapel of the Advisory Board was placed and dedicated, Rev. 
John G. Koser served the mission in connection with East Car- 
negie from May 1, 1912, to April 1, 1913, when it was made a 
separate parish under the care of Rev. E. F. Dickey. Under the 
leadership of Pastor Dickey the present church was _ secured. 
The corner stone was laid, October 10, 1915, and the church 
dedicated, April 2, 1916. The church was constructed of brick 
and stone, and furnished in churchly taste, at a total cost of 
$12,500. During the following year a pipe organ was installed 
and dedicated. Since the securing of a permanent church, there 
has been a steady development in the strength of the congrega- 
tion, 157 confirmed members being reported in 1923. ‘This was 
the first of the General Synod congregations to make use of the 
clerical robe in public services. The following pastors have 
served here: Supplies, 1908-1909; Rev. D. U. Bair, 1909-1910; 
Rev. D. E. Rupley, 1910-1911; Rev. RiGriKoseryyl9l 239 ae 
Rev. E. F. Dickey, 1913-1916; Rev. DEB w au 1916-1918: Rek 
Ss. G. Dornblaser, D.D.; 1919-1922; Rev. W. L. Winner, 1923- 
1925 - Rev. E..Iy T. Engers, 1925-. 


HISTORY-OF THE: PITTSBURGH SYNOD | 


TEMPLE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
PIeUsSBuyRGH PA 


The need of a Lutheran Church in the Herron Hill section 
of the city was felt for a number of years by neighboring pas- 
tors, and the first service was conducted by Doctors John Weid- 
ley and A. J. Turkle, May 1, 1904, when fifty-three persons were 
in attendance. A Sunday School was organized, May 8, 1904, 
which soon enrolled more than one hundred scholars. Rev. H. 
C. Erdman canvassed the field with encouraging results in the 
summer of 1904, and effected the organization of the Evan- 
gelical Lutheran Church of the Atonement with a membership of 
forty, October 2, 1904. The chapel of the Primitive Methodists 
was rented by the Advisory Board of Home Missions as a place 
of worship. Pastor Erdman resigned, June 16, 1906, and was 
succeeded by Pastor T. B. Yeakley, who served from December 
1, 1906, to March 17, 1908. During this pastorate, the name of 
the church was changed to that which it now bears. The long 
pastorate of Rev. R. B. McGiffin, 1908-1917, was rich in fruitage. 
Under his leadership the congregation bought a church home at 
815 Anaheim street, which was renovated to meet the immediate 
demands. All the needed funds were raised by the mission 
within a few years. ‘This building was raised three feet and 
moved to the rear of the lot in 1918, and a churchly stone front 
was then built, which gave to the entrance a stately appearance. 
The renovated building was dedicated by Pastor McGiffin, April 
22, 1917, when a large part of the $6,200 cost was solicited by 
Doctor C. B. King. Temple Church became self-sustaining, 
November 1, 1919, but the changes in the population of Herron 
Hill have made. it difficult to carry on the work. Negroes and 
Jews are crowding the original population off the hill, and many 
of the members now live a long distance from their church. ‘The 
pastors have served in the following order: Rev. H. C. Erdman, 
1904-1906; Rev. T. B. Yeakley, Ph.D., 1906-1908; Rev. R. B. 
McGiffin, '1908- LOLAES ReveECAEL): Licbegott, 1917-1920; Rev. 
G. G. Ruff, 1920-. 


ST. JAMES EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
PITTSBURGH, PA. 


The first opening for the planting of a General Synod Church 
on the South Side was presented in the spring of 1905, when, 
after a canvass of the Arlington avenue district, Rev. Joseph H. 
Keller was able to organize St. James Church with 42 charter 
members, June 18, 1905. The organization service was conduct- 
ed by Doctor J. E. Bittle, missionary superintendent of the synod. 
The first service was held in Stoehr’s Hall, and was attended by 


Bez FEES DOR YO BEL Pa i B Ux Gr Et Sai OD 


eleven women and one man. ‘The Sunday School was organized 
with 27 scholars, May 14, 1905,.and a Ladies’ Auxiliaryein 
September of the same year. The church was granted a charter, 
August 11, 1906, and lost no time in securing a permanent place 
of worship. The corner stone of a church was laid on their 
Arlington avenue lot, May 5, 1907, and the completed building 
dedicated by Pastor Keller, October 6, 1907. The church was 
built of brick and stone, with churchly furnishings, at a cost of 
$14,000. At the time of the dedication the congregation num- 
bered 115 members, and there was an attendance of 125 in the 
flourishing Sunday School. In spite of this apparent strength 
the mission had difficulty in adjusting itself to the burden of 
debt incurred in the building, and Doctor C. B. King was called 
upon for aid. Only after the lapse of several years was any 
appreciable reduction made in the heavy debt. During the pas- 
torate of Rev. G. F. Hegele the congregation assumed self-sup- 
port, but a dissension then arose which resulted in heavy losses, 
and great difficulty was experienced in securing a pastor. On 
February 1, 1923, an arrangement was made by which Rev. J. 
Kent Rizer of Grace Church became pastor also of St. James, 
giving to both congregations the benefit of a morning service. 
The congregation could report but 78 members in 1923. The 
pastors have served in the following order: Rev. J. H. Keller, 
1905-1910; Rev. M. R. Hamsher, 1910-1913; Rev. W. O. Ibach, 
1913-1916: Rev: W. A. Sadtler, Ph: D> 191671918" Reva Geers 
Hegele, 1918-1920; Rev. F. J. Fuerst, 1920-1922; Rev. J. K. 
Rizer, 1923-1925. 2 


ST. PAUL'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
SEWICKLEY, PA. 


st. Paul’s Church was organized by. Rev. P. J. C. Glatzert, 
April 18, 1907, with thirty-three members. A missionary ap- 
propriation of $400 was granted by the Pittsburgh Synod, and 
Pastor Glatzert became the first missionary, serving the mission 
in connection with Leetsdale and Wall Rose. A charter was ob- 
tained and the church admitted to the synod during the same 
year. During the first several years the congregation battled 
against many discouragements, -and many believed that it could 
not survive. But the loyal people never gave up, and bought a 
good building site at a cost of $4,000 in 1910, when many con- 
sidered their future hopeless. The second pastorate was that of 
Rev. Robert R. Durst, 1914-1919, during which the portable 
chapel of the Parkersburg Church was secured and erected .on 
their lot. ‘This chapel was thoroughly renovated by the reor- 
ganized congregation, which numbered twenty-five members at 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 323 


the time of the reopen- 


ing. Pastor Durst built i : 
up a congregation of | shee DE sf 
mally ACTCICIN y) ae = 











eighty-one members, and 
paid $3,000 on the church 
debt. He was succeeded 
Dye Oocoia Cau bwe King: 
February 15, 1920, under 
whose ministry the re- 
maining debt was quickly 
raised and plans were 
made for the erection of 
2) [TST Ola bale ob, 
Doctor King gathered a 
subscription list of $18- 
O00 before the contract 
was let for the building. 
The corner stone was 
laid, October 9, 1921, and 
the church dedicated by 
Pastor King, March 26, 
1922. ‘The church was built of brick and stone at a cost of $33,- 
O00, and the finances were so well managed that a debt of only 
$12,400 remained in 1923, of which fully one-half had been sub- 
scribed. Many new members were added to the congregation, 
and a fine spirit of hopefulness was established. Adjoining 
property was bought in 1924. The pastorates were as follows: 
ev enter | sc Glatzert, 1907-1913-) Rev oR. Ry Durst21914-1919- 
Rev. C: B. King, D.D.; 1920-1924; Rev. M. E. Cole, 1924- 


















































Slav HSE VANGELICAL BUTE RAN CHURCH 
EAVES IW ORD re Ay | 


This congregation was organized by pastors of the Joint 
Synod of Ohio. At the time of the adoption of a constitution, 
the question of secret orders raised a sharp point of difference, 
and members of the congregation began to negotiate with offi- 
cials of the Pittsburgh Synod of the General Synod for a per- 
manent pastor. The congregation was admitted to the synod in 
1909, and connected with Mt. Olivet Church of Spring Hill-as a 
mission parish. The Rev. Wilbur C. Mann took charge of the 
two congregations, October 1, 1909, surrendering Mt. Olivet, 
September 1, 1921. The corner stone of their church was laid, 
March 13, 1910, and the building dedicated by Pastor Mann, 
June 5, 1910. It was a modest little structure, erected at a cost 
of $4,000, but has been a real church home to increasing num- 


324 HISTORY ORAL AEA EYP SRURGH aS Y NOD 


bers of people, who will soon have the strength to build a greater 
temple. At the time of the dedication the membership numbered 
39, but this was gradually increased to 117, November 1, 1919, 
when self-support was assumed. This church has been blessed 
with a number of good laymen, who have rendered large service 
in the work of the synod. A new site was secured in 1923 at a 
cost of- $3,600, on which it is proposed to erect a new church. 


HOLY ERIN TIVO RV ANGE UICAT TUE RANG CpG 
BRE CEH V LE Werk Ii [5.8 WRG Fens 


Mission work was begun in this community in the summer 
of 1906. A canvass revealed the fact that there was an opening 
for the Lutheran Church, but no suitable place of meeting could 
be found. An empty room was finally secured in a building 
erected as a hotel, and here a temporary organization was effect- 
ed, October 14, 1906. Rev. D. R. Sumstein supplied the mission 
for a few Sundays, and Doctor George M. Heindel became the 
first regular pastor, October 28, 1906. Under his leadership the 
mission developed rapidly, and he was abie to effect a permanent 
organization, February 3, 1907, with the following members: 


Adams, Mrs. Lucy H. Frank, Mrs. Louisa Henderson, Mrs. Arabella 
Arthur, T. A., and wife Frye, Mrs. Nancy Kline, Mrs. Elizabeth 
Charles, William J. Frye, Oliver Leighley, Chambers M. 
CharlesweMicer Wie Frye, Mary Leighley, Mrs. C. M. 
Critchlow, Edward Frye, Anna Petereins, John and wife 
Critchlow, Mrs. Edward Frye, Edward Schrecker, John 

Frank Prot. ALG: Henderson, Horace Shellaby, Mrs. Mary 


The constitution recommended by the General Synod was 
adopted at this meeting; and the following church officers were 
elected: W. J. Charles and C. W. Leighley, elders;.John Peter- 
eins, Oliver Frye, John Schrecker, and Prof. A. G. Frank, dea- 
cons. A portable chapel was secured for the use of the mission, 
and forty-five persons were present, April 27, 1907, when it was 
used for the first time. This chapel was dedicated, May 12, 1907, 
when Doctors A. J. Turkle, William H. Nicholas, and J. B. 
Markward assisted the pastor. The congregation was designated 
as the Young Peoples Mission of the Pittsburgh Synod and sup- 
ported as such for a number of years. Doctor Heindel resigned, 
December 1, 1909, and was succeeded by Rev. W. Blair Claney, 
who served from February 1, 1910, to January 1, 1913. During 
this pastorate the present church was erected. ‘Two lots’ on 
Beechview avenue were bought for $2,350, and a neat brick 
chapel erected at a cost of $13,000. The corner stone was laid, 
May. 21, 1911, and the church dedicated by Pastor Claney, 
October 22; 1911. Pastor Claney’s successor was Pastors Week 
Himes, who served from May 5, 1913, to November 15, 1918. 
During the latter part of this pastorate the church at Franklin 


HIS POR YO lhe Pl SBURGHaSY NOD 325 


Road was served by Pastor Himes, but this arrangement was 
given up when it did not work to the advantage of either congre- 
gation. Rev. William A. Berkey took charge of the parish, 
January 1, 1919, under whose leadership the debt was gradually 
paid, the Sunday School room enlarged, and the membership 
steadily increased to 174 in 1923. The pastors have served in 
the following order: Rev. G. M. Heindel, D.D., 1906-1909; Rev. 
W. By Claney, 1910-1913; Rew W: K, Himes, 1913-1918 » Rev. 
Wena Berkey: 1919-. 


DLeeN DRE W's EVANGELICAD LTULHERRAN CHURCH 
CARNEGIE, PA. 


This church was born in the heart of a devoted family, 
which, 1n order to keep in closer touch with their brethren of the 
same faith, organized a Sunday School and invited their friends 
and neighbors to attend. When this school outgrew these pri- 
vate quarters, Martin’s Hall on the corner of Main street and 
Broadway was rented, where the missionary superintendent 
effected a temporary organization, October 15, 1905. From that 
time to April 1, 1906, regular services were conducted by Pastor 
W. E. Brown of Crafton. Services were then discontinued be- 
cause it was no longer possible to rent the hall. The Sunday 
School was then allowed to meet in the East Carnegie Shawhan 
School, with the understanding that it should be conducted as a 
Ht Gimmes: cA OO eae lh é 
Crafton pastors were al- Sd BSCS 
ways willing to lend a 
helpimneh thand ato / this 
school, and M. E. Studer 
of the Crafton Church 
served for a time as the 
superintendent. The Ulsh 
family never failed to 
furnish a large quota of 
workers. During all this 
time there was a strong 
sentiment for the organi- 
zation» Of | a slutheran 
Church, but the people 
were restrained by the 
lack of a church building. 
On May 6, 1910, a lot on 
the corner of Doolittle 
avenue and John street 
was deeded by Mr. and 









































326 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


Mrs. H. C. Dunn to Rev. Milton EF. McLinn, acting trustee of 
St. Andrew’s Church, for a consideration of $600. The Ladies’ 
Aid Society advanced $100 for the purchase of this property. 
The corner stone of a frame chapel was laid, June 19, 1910, and 
the completed church dedicated by Doctor J. E. Bittle, October 
2, 1910. The congregation was organized by Doctor Bittle in 
the unfinished church, July 31, 1910, with 36 members. The cost 
of the church was $3,400. A charter was obtained, September 
13, 1910, which retained the cherished name of the provisional 
organization of 1905. The first regular pastor of the mission 
was Rev. W. Roy Goff, who served from November 1, 1910, to 
December 1, 1911. During the pastorate of Rev. Edwin B. 
Boyer, the lot adjoining the church was bought for $700, and a 
good parsonage was built at a cost of $3,700. The pastors have 
served in the following order: Rev. W. R. Goff, 1910-1911; Rev. 
J. G. Koser, 1912-1914; Rev. N. D. Swank, 1914-1916; Rev. E. 
B. Boyer, 1916-1920; Rev. MoH “Messner, 192191927) hevenee 
F. Hildebrand, 1923-1924; Rev. E. F. Dickey, 1924-. 


EVAN. LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE EPLPH ANN 
PiU S BURG Tria bas 


The work of establishing this mission church was begun by 
Rev. Robert G. Rosenbaum in the spring of 1909. A canvass 
revealed a number of Lutheran families living in the commun- 
ity, many of whom professed an interest in the establishment of 
a congregation. The missionary superintendent rented a frame 
chapel on the corner of Lemington avenue and Montezuma street 
from the Methodists, and conducted the first service, June 20, 
1909, which was attended by 28 persons. Mr. Charles Fuhr took 
an active part in the organization of the Sunday School, which 
was effected with twenty scholars. Such were the humble be- 
ginnings of Epiphany. Student A. T. Michler spent the summer 
of 1909 in the field, and Student W. A. Fluck the summer of 
1910. A preliminary organization was effected, March 23, 1910, 
when William Johe, Jacob Schwartz, W. C. Thoma, and H. A. 
Trauger were elected church officers. The Methodist chapel 
was then bought for $3,500, and here the congregation has wor- 
shipped to the present day. ‘The Episcopalians shared the chapel 
with the Lutherans for a time, but their organization failed. 
The officers of the temporary organization, in conjunction with 
the missionary superintendent, extended a call to Rev. Ira M. 
Wallace, Ph.D., and he became the first regular pastor of the 
mission, October 23, 1910. The formal organization of the 
church took place, January 8, 1911, when a constitution and by- 
laws were adopted. ‘Twenty-nine members signed these docu- 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 327 


ments. A Women’s Missionary Society was organized on the 
same day with five members. Pastor Wallace served the mission 
until January 11, 1920, admitting 212 persons to communicant 
membership. Confident of success, the church was incorporated 
May 7, 1921, during the pastorate of Rev. I. N. Dundore. Pas- 
tor Dundore served from June 15, 1920, to July 31, 1922. His 
successor was Rey. Arthur C. Waldkoenig, who began his work, 
June 1, 1923. ‘This church is located in a district, in which there 
is large room for expansion. Many other Lutheran churches of 
the city have members living within walking distance of the 
church, and it is believed that they will all be interested in time. 
A new church site was bought in 1925. The order of the pastor- 
ates is as follows: Rev. I. M. Wallace, Ph.D., 1910-1920; Rev. I. 
IN: Dundore, 1920-1922; Rev “A. Co Waldkoenig, 1923-. 


LUTHER MEMORIAL EVAN. LUTHERAN CHURCH 
PEERS BURGER P AL 


Early in the summer of 1916, the merging of the Friend- 
ship avenue and Fourth Presbyterian churches of the city placed 
the property of the latter on the market. This church was lo- 
cated in the Shadyside district, where the need of a Lutheran 
congregation had long been felt. A committee of the Advisory 
Board of Home Missions inspected the property and advised its 
purchase. A canvass of the community supported these views, 
and the first service was 
conducted by Doctor A. } Rug hes 
J. Turkle and Doctor G. ! ao 
Wepebnolam es iiune) 18; ae 
1916. Rev. Frank Edwin 
Smith was called by the 
Board as the first mis- 
sionary, and began his 
work, July 1, 1916. Ves- 
pers and an afternoon 
Sunday School were con- 
ducted until September 
24, 1916, when Doctor J. 
E. Bittle organized the 
congregation with 104 
members. Pastor Smith 
was then given a formal 
call. The church was re- : mo 
dedicated: “by: Pastor Fo SI ee ae 
Sites Neher eae 1 O17, ye ee 
w henie LD. 6.ct Our Gey Ws ’ 






































328 HISTORY OF DHE PPT ISBURGH SYNOD 


Englar preached the dedicatory sermon. On their first anni- 
versary the congregation raised $8,000 of the $12,000 needed to 
purchase the property. Under the leadership of their pastor 
they steadily increased in strength, until self-support was reached 
with a membership of 280 in 1924. ; 


oD. JOHN'S sEVANGHIICAT LU LEHR AN, Git RGis 
GUASSPOR EPA! 


This mission was organized by the missionary superinten- 
dent of the Pittsburgh Synod of the General Synod, March 10, 
1910, with twenty-one members. The oversight of the new 
church was assigned to Doctor T. A. Himes, in connection with 
his work as pastor of Trinity, McKeesport. Doctor Himes 
ceased his work in the mission, September 1, 1910, and was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. U. A. Guss, who also served the mission in con- 
nection with McKeesport Parish, 1911-1912. The first resident 
and regularly elected pastor of St. John’s was Rev. Andrew C. 
Curran, who began his pastorate, August 1, 1912, serving the 
congregation in connection with Elrama. ‘The church and par- 
sonage of the United Evangelicals, corner of Vermont and 
Seventh streets, was bought for $4,800 in 1912. This was con- 
sidered a good purchase, and the congregation raised a fund of 
$650, with which the property was put in first class condition. 
This church was used for the first time, October 13, 1912. A 
pipe organ was secured from Trinity Church, Connellsville. 
New chancel furnishings were dedicated by Pastor Curran, De- 
cember 15, 1914. The congregation has gradually increased in 
membership, and was able to report 115 communicants in 1923. 
The pastors have served in the following order: Rev. T. A. 
Himes, D.D:, 1910; Rev. U. A. Guss) J91LIZI9I2 =. Reva Agee 
Curran, 1912-1919; Rev. S. K. Herbster, 1920-. 


TRIN VR VAN GIS IGA DU ASE RAINS GEpGRG Et 
COATT ON ERAS 


On January 1, 1922, the towns of Clairton, North Clairton, 
Wilson, Large, and Blair, united to form the third class city of 
Clairton. General Synod and General Council workers looked 
over this field in 1900, but were not able to establish a permanent 
organization, largely because of the high percentage of foreign- 
speaking peoples in the new population. When the Carnegie 
Steel Company built the new town adjoining Wilson, a number 
of Lutherans moved in who were ready for the organization of 
a church. Doctor Bittle visited them in the summer of 1920, and 
made arrangements for Student Walter Winner to conduct a 


mea ORV tebe to bUoRGH SYNOD 329 


canvass. A protest was 
made against this can- 
vass by the Swedish pas- 
tor of Duquesne, who 
had been holding services 
for a number of Luther- 
an Swedes in the Presby- 
terian Church of Wilson. 
This protest was finally 
withdrawn, and Student 
David E. Maxwell was 
sent into the field. Trin- 
ity Church was organized 
by the missionary super- 
intendent with 21 mem- 
Derare Ulva le Dut 
the charter list was kept 
open until October 9, 
1921, when 45 names 
were enrolled. The char- 
ter was secured in July, 
1922. Student Oscar Carlson supplied the mission during the 
winter of 1921-1922, and Rev. D. E. Maxwell took full chatee of 
the parish as the first regular pastor, Jjunel22; 1922," Lhe mis- 
sionary appropriation for the first year was $1,000. The first 
church officers were William Young, F. K. Porter, Howard 
Emigh, Walter Bockstoce, Joseph Cruthers, F. J. Falkner, W. 
W. Zerbe, and Robert Dowie. The first superintendent of the 
Sunday School was W. W. Zerbe. One of the best church sites 
in the city was then bought for the mission by the Advisory 
Board for $2,575, and here a portable chapel was set up by vol- 
untary workers. The chapel was used for the first time, Decem- 
ber 25, 1921. When Pastor Maxwell resigned, October 1, 1925, 
he could report 109 confirmed members and a Sunday School of 
108 scholars. 







_ 


A 
hee aa 
PACT es } 


a 




































































CHAPTER X 
CHURCHES OF ARMSTRONG COUNTY 
1796-1924 


“Other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.” 


ae RMSTRONG COUNTY derives its name from 
ony Colonel John Armstrong, who destroyed the 
= \ old Indian village of Kittanning in 1756. It has 

2 been the banner county of the Lutheran Church in 
western Pennsylvania for many years, ranking first 
in percentage of Lutherans among the church-going 
population. Many of the first settlers of the county, 1786-1816, 
were German farmers of Lutheran faith. The greater part of 
the German pioneers settled in Allegheny, Kittanning, South 
Buffalo, Plum Creek, and Sugar Creek townships, centralizing 
in the first two. The first Lutheran pastor to preach in the 
county was Rev. John M. Steck of Greensburg, who made annual 
visits to some of the stronger settlements from 1796 to 1815. 
These services were held in private homes and barns, and some- 
times in groves, when the audience was large and the weather 
favorable. Succeeding pioneer pastors were Rev. John Gottfried 
am nLechiam lolol lommRey beter Ruperts 1614") Revs John 
Adam Mohler, 1817-1823; Rev. Karl M. Zeilfels, 1824-1825; and 
Rev. Gabriel Adam Reichert, 1822-1837. The last named was a 
true Bishop, rendering the same service to the scattered Lu- 
therans of Armstrong County that Rev. John M. Steck gave to 
those of Westmoreland. He spent the greater part of his time 
in the field, counselling the people in their homes, baptizing and 
confirming their children, organizing congregations, and preach- 
ing three or four times every week for a period of fifteen years. 
His private diaries are of incalculable value in determining the 
early history of these churches. Armstrong County was the 
chief battle ground of the Pittsburgh Synod during the synodical 
controversy, and only a false history would fail to make this 
plain. The struggle between the contending parties for the con- 
trol of the county was intense. At the time of the synodical 
merger in 1919, their relative strength in confirmed members 
was as follows: 





332 HISTORY OF TRHEAPLE PS BURGH SYNOD 





GENERAL SYNOD GENERAL COUNCIL 
Manorville, Graces ta eee ee ee 286 Burrek * Church, St). Michael’ss 170 
Manorville, Christ ........ 220 ee Dtick, Chunchs St...) On sts eee eee 50 





Manorville, Emmanuel Kittannincs ote =) onnss ae 497 
Leechburg, Hebron .... .6 eechburent First $haie 4.2 tee ee eee 584 
Leechburg, Grace ............ OLeSs SAZHOI hc eee cree acs ee re ee 145 
APolloAirst Ue wae ee eat ee, beens 525 Borks? Sti t Paul's: (1.28 eee 120 
Freeport ae HE nitante)line: eye ee 191 Freeport, Zionk German... ee 36 
Bidertongmot. 0 aCo DiS =e. a eee eee 88 Breeport, Ste alohn's ae...0s co = eS 65 
Bidertonta Caristy gente ten ee eee a eee 73 Hresportyp ot. muvlatthe vw Smee nanan 45 
EidertonwivMiounts Unione eee 153 Hord® Cityeots) Ohms ease eee 65 
Plame. Creek Stag) Onn (sie eee 116 Wayne Township, Jerusalem ................... 70 
Worthington ot)siViank¢cpeen ees aes 222 
Worthing toni, Churches ae ee 198 
Chicora yah teak leasanit: ech: ee eee. 130 
Roekvilles St. (Matthe wasn ae oe ee 125 
Bethel? Church vee cseet ee eee oe ee cae 124 
Springs. ChutrChiggne ss aeasoe hte eee ees 85 
Mavyiswille= Chute hike eee ee ee ie 153 
Hddy ville Steeilarkas ts, pers se ee 25 
Rural eV alleys shinstae oes eee ee 57 
Ruralsy alley Piledsante Unions. 51 
Kittannine aboraa attics eet eee 201 
Kellersbaure.e Sales ne eee 36 


As soon as the merger plans of the two synods were clearly 
defined, congregational mergers were effected in Kittanning and 
Freeport, and rural parishes readjusted to suit the new condi- 
tions. In 1921 there were 32 churches in Armstrong County 
belonging to the Pittsburgh Synod, and one church belonging to 
the Ohio Synod. All services in these churches, with a single 
exception, were then conducted in the English language. 


CHRIST EVANGELICAT GLU GER RAN CHUiG@ i 
KITTANNING TOWNSHIP, ARMSTRONG COUNTY, PA. 


About the year 1760, the widow of Ulrich Rupp with her 
two children, Franz and Christina, emigrated from Germany to 
America. After a residence of twelve years in Lehigh County, 
Franz and Christina (now the wife of Christopher Uhrig) were 
found among the pioneers of Westmoreland near Greensburg. 
In 1774 the names of ‘Frantz Raupp” and “Stofel Uhrig” are 
found attached to the historic Fort Allen petition, asking for 
more adequate protection against the Indians. ‘Two years later 
Frantz enlisted in the American army, serving in the Fort Pitt 
garrison until the close of the war. In company with Christopher 
Uhrig he took up a large tract of land in Kittanning Township 
in the year 1786. On a portion of this land, patented by 
Christopher Uhrig, July 31, 1786, a cemetery was laid out; and 
in this cemetery a log building, known as the “German Meeting 
House”, was built in 1796. This was undoubtedly the first Lu- 
theran church built within the confines of Armstrong County. 
The first service in this log church was conducted by Rev. John 
M. Steck, who was deeply interested in this undertaking of his 
two former parishioners. From 1796 to 1813, this pastor made 
annual visits to the Rupp settlement and ministered to the people 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 333 


in word and sacrament. 
The deed for this land 
was formally executed, 
June 15, 1814, when 
Christopher Oury and his 
wife, for a consideration 
of $100, conveyed a plot 
of five and a quarter 
acres to George Williams 
and Henry Schrecongost, 
acting trustees for> the 
German Meeting House. 
Frantz Rupp died, De- 
cember 28, 1817, and his 
body was laid to rest in 
Liege Call cue: Ve Or, the 
church that has born his 
name to the present day. 
Other men, prominent in 
the early history of the 
church, were Conrad 
Schrecongost, Peter Heilman, Daniel Heilman, Martin Blose, 
Adam Ohlinger, Daniel Bautsch, David Fitzgerald, and George 
Williams. It was organized as a union church, in which Re- 
formed and Lutherans had an equal share; but the Lutheran ele- 
ment was much the stronger, and the Reformed families were, 
absorbed at an early date. In 1813 they were visited by Rev. 
John Gottfried Lamprecht, who served as their pastor for two 
years. A second and better log church was built during his min- 
istry. In 1817 the congregation joined with three others in pe- 
titioning the Ministerium of Pennsylvania for a pastor, and Rev. 
John Adam Mohler served them from 1817 to 1823. Rev. David 
Earhart says of him: “Though his preaching was fair and his 
musical talent such that he frequently taught singing school, it 
was commonly reported that, because of improper conduct, he 
lost the confidence of the people and then his charge also. He 
afterwards preached for the Methodists in the state of Indiana’’. 
Rev. Karl M. Zeilfels, a man of similar character, preached for 
them during the years 1824 and 1824. It was said that he col- 
lected a considerable sum for a new church, put the money in his 
own pocket and left the community. Very little is known of his 
later life, except that he became the pastor of some independent 
churches in Ohio. The next pastor was Rev. Gabriel Adam 
Reichert; a thorough German, a true Lutheran and.a man of 
God. His private diary indicates that he became pastor of the 
congregation, October 14, 1825. For some time previous to this, 
he was pastor of neighboring churches, and able to preach occa- 
























































PASTOR GABRIEL ADAM REICHERT 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 335 


sionally at Rupp’s. From October 14, 1825, to December 25, 
1837, he served them regularly every four weeks, preaching in 
German, except for an occasional English sermon during the last 
four years of his pastorate. In his private diary he always refers 
to this church as “Williams”, probably because he sometimes 
preached at the home of George Williams Sr. In 1830 Konrad 
Schrecongost and George Wild were the elders, and George 
Forster and John Krevener the deacons. From 1829 to 1834, he 
administered the sacrament of the altar to the following persons 
in this church: 


Schrecengost, Daniel 
Schrecengost, Anna Maria 
Schrecengost, Hannah 
Schrecengost, Susan 
Schrecengost, Sybilla 
Schrecengost, Margaret 
Schrecengost, Heinrich 
Segerter, Jacob 
Segerter, Kathrina 
Stiebesand, Tobias 
Stiebesand, Elizabeth 
Stiebesand, Sarah 
Stiebesand, Barbara 


Heilmann, Friedrich 
Heilmann, George 
Heilmann, Margaret 
Heilmann, Eva 
Koremann, John George 
Koremann, Anna Barbara 
Koremann, George 
Krevener, John 
Krevener, Maria 
Krevener, Polly 
Lagemann, Alfred 
Lagemann, Sarah 
Mechling, Michael, Sr. 


Bauer, Barbara 

Bautsch, Daniel 

Bautsch, Rachel 
Bautsch, Jacob 

Bautsch, Anna Katharina 
Bautsch,Elias 

Bautsch, John 

Bautsch, Elizabeth 
Bautsch, George 
Bautsch, Anna Katharina 
Bautsch, Sarah 

Buechle, Katharina 
Blainey, Heinrich 


Eisemann, Jacob 
Eisemann, Maria 
Forster, George 
Forster, Katharina 
Forster, Adam 
Forster, Daniel 
Hartmann, Michael 
Hartmann, Elizabeth 
Hartmann, Katharina 
Hartmann, Michael, Jr. 
Hartmann, Heinrich 
Hartmann, Margaret 
Hartmann, Magdalena 
Heilmann, Daniel 
Heilmann, Elizabeth 
Heilmann, Lydia 
Heilmann, Danial, Jr. 
Heilmann, Susanna 


Mechling, Anna Maria 
Mechling, Hannah 
Ohlinger, David 
Ohlinger, Anna Maria 
Ohlinger, John Nicolaus 
Ohlinger, George 
Ohlinger, Anna 

Pleny, Hannah 
Reichert, Gabriel Adam 
Reichert, Lydia 
Richard, Joseph 
Rupp, Maria Magdalena 
Rupp, Elizabeth 
Schmelzer, George 
Schneider, Heinrich 
Schneider, Elizabeth 
Schmidt, Johann 
Schmidt, Lydia 


Stitt, John 

Stitt, Elizabeth 

Torney, Simon 

Torney, Polly 

Torney, Maria 
Wagemann, Susanna 
Wild, George 

Wild, Mrs. Margaret 
Wild, Margaretha 
Williams, George 
Williams, Margaret 
Williams, John 

Wililams, Samuel 
Williams, Hannah 
William Maria Magdalena 
Wililams, Margaretha (2) 
Williard, Elizabeth 
Wolf, Jacob 


Heilmann, Solomon Schrecengost, Konrad Wolf, Eva 
Heilmann, Hannah Schrecengost, . Benjamin Wolf, John 
Heilmann, Rachel Schrecengost, Susanna Wolf, Isaac 
Heilmann, Jacob Schrecengost; Elizabeth Wolf, George 


Yund, Heinrich 
Yund, Lydia 

Yund, Jonathan 
Yund, Margaret 


Schrecengost, Peter 
Schrecengost, Polly 
Schrecengost, Christoph. 
Schrecengost, Barbara 


Heilmann, Solomon, Jr. 
Heilmann, John 
Heilmann, Barbara 
Heilmann, Jacob, Jr. 


Pastor Reichert’s successor was Rev. John H. Bernheim, 
who resided at Elderton and served the congregation from 1838 
to 1845. In the summer of 1845 Rev. G. F. Ehrenfeld became 
their pastor, and served them faithfully for thirteen years. Dur- 
ing his pastorate the English language practically displaced the 
German, and the old log church was replaced by one built of 
frame. The corner stone was laid, September 9, 1851, and the 
church dedicated, December 2, 1852. Two weeks after the dedi- 
cation, the church caught fire in some way and burned to the 
eround. The discouraged people rallied to the call of their pas- 
tor, and the corner stone of a new and better church was laid, 
July 7, 1854. This church was dedicated some time during the 


336 HISTORY (OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


following winter. ‘The church was regularly incorporated under 
the name, “Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kittanning 
Township”, December 16, 1853. Pastor Ehrenfeld’s successor 
was Rey. John A. Earnest, who preached his first sermon in this 
church, October 23, 1859. Four days later, the church councils 
of Kittanning, Heilmann’s, and Rupp’s met and organized Kut- 
tanning Parish. Rev. Earnest was called at a salary of $400, 
one-fourth of which was paid by the Home Mission Committee. 
After four years the new parish became self-supporting. Dur- 
ing this pastorate the General Council controversy broke out in 
Armstrong County; when Kittanning supported the General 
Council, and the two rural churches the General Synod. ‘The 
position of the pastor was very trying; but he finally cast his lot 
with the General Synod forces. One of the notable pastorates 
was that of Rev. J. W. Tressler, 1886-1899, during which a sub- 
stantial brick church was built at a cost of $7,000. This church 
was dedicated, May 30, 1897, when pastors of the General 
Council and General Synod had a part. Although located in a 
farming community Christ Church has lost little or none of her 
strength. A list of pastors follows: Rev. J. M. Steck, 1796-1813; 
Rev. J. G .Lamprecht, 1813-1815; Rev] “My SteckSlcls-icin: 
Rev. J. A. Mohler, 1817-1823; Rev. K. M. Zeilfels, 1824-1825; 
Rev. G. A. Reichert, 1825-1837; Rev. J. H. Bernheim, 1838- 
1845; Rev. G. F. Ehrenfeld, 1845-1859; Rev. J. A. Earnest, 
1859-1869; Rev. J. B. Miller, 1870-1871; Rev. A. S. Miller, 1872- 
1877; Rev. G. W. Leisher, 1877-1885; Rev. J. W. Tressler, 1886- 
1899; Rev. F. J. Matter, 1900-1909; Rev. J. G. Langham, 1910-. 


SD. MICHAELS EVANGELICAL LULHE RAN SCE UGH 
BRIQGKSGC EUR CG Lee EAs 


Near the close of the 18th century, a number of German 
families from Northampton County took up lands in this vicin- 
ity. ‘These families were closely related by marriage, and form- 
eed a compact community in the midst of which St. Michael’s 
Church was born. When Pastor John M. Steck made his visits 
to the Rupp settlement, he always stopped at Schaeffer’s or Hel- 
ferich’s for a service, and for this reason the congregation was 
known as’ Helferichs’ Sor Schaeffer's before it) was calleds ot 
Michael’s. The date of these first services cannot be definitely 
stated, but it was likely in the summer of 1800. For the first 
few years the only organization effected was that which the 
united families naturally provided, but they were formally organ- 
ized by Pastor Steck in 1806, with the following families: 


Davis, Henry Helferich, John George Scholl, Michael, Sr. 
Hartman, Philip Koenig, George Adam Waltenbach, Jacob 
Heffelfinger, William Schaeffer, George Peter Wegele, Isaac, Sr. 


George, Jacob, Jr. Schaeffer, John Philip Wilhelm, Adam 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 337 


The oldest record bears date of July 19, 1807, when Daniel 
Schrecongost was baptized. The first recorded communion was 
held, June 10, 1810, when forty persons received the sacrament. 
Their first church was a rude log structure, built on a command- 
ing knoll of the George Peter Schaeffer farm about the year 
1820. For ten years the congregation worshipped here and laid 
their dead in the adjoining cemetery, with no title to the ground 
save that which the honor of the donor assured. On August 25, 
1830, he conveyed five acres and eight perches of ground to the 
trustees of “The German Evangelical Lutheran and the German 
Reformed congregations in the vicinity of Crooked Creek, in 
Kittanning, Allegheny, and Plum Creek Townships’, for one 
dollar. The church was dedicated as St. Michael’s, September 
16, 1832, Pastors G. A. Reichert and M. J. Steck serving for the 
Lutherans, and Pastor N. P. Hacke for the Reformed. ‘The site 
of this old church is marked by a sun dial monument, which was 
dedicated by Pastor R. W. Yeany, Septernber.15, 1920. There 
were but few Reformed in this parish at the beginning, and they 
were soon absorbed. 


In order that more regular services might be secured, St. 
Michael’s united with three other churches of the county in a 
petition to the Ministerium of Pennsylvania for a pastor in 1817. 
Their call was answered by Rev. John Adam Mohler, who served 
them from 1817 to 1823. Pastor G. A. Reichert supplied them 
a few times during the summer of 1823, but their next regular 
pastor was Rev. Karl M. Zeilfels, 1824-1825. The man to whom 
the congregation 1s chiefly indebted for its firm establishment was 
Pastor G. A. Reichert, who served them with great devotion 
from 1825 to 1837. The sacrament of the altar was administer- 
ed once a year, and the following persons communed. during the 


years, 1830-1832: 


Beck, Katharina 
Davis, Elizabetha 
Davis, Jacob 


Koenig, George 
Koenig, Elias 
Koenig, Sara 


Schaeffer, John Philip 
Schaeffer, Anton 
Schaeffer, Magdalena 


Dormaier, Joseph 
Dormaier, Maria 
Ginnert, Isaac 
Hartz, Jacob 
Haushalter, David 
Haushalter, Lydia 
Heffelfinger, Johann 
Helferich, George 
Helferich, Elizabetha 
Helferich, Anton 
Helferich, Magdalena 
Helferich, Maria 
Henke, Jacob 
Henke, Katharina 
Henke, Lydia 
Henke, Anna M. 
Henke, Susanna 
Koenig, Solomon (2) 
Koenig, Esther 
Koenig, John 
Koenig, Maria Anna 
Koenig, Isaac 


Koenig, Susanna (2) 
Miller, Heinrich 
Miller, Elizabetha 
Miller, Katharina 
Ohlinger, Susanna 
Raab, John 

Raab, Maria 

Raab, Daniel 

Raab, Elizabetha 
Raab, Sally 
Richard, John 
Richard, Katharina 
Rupert, Elizabetha 
Rupert, Peter (2) 
Rupert, Susanna 
Rupert, Friedrich 
Rupert, Andreas 


Schaeffer, George Peter 


Schaeffer, Maria 
Schaeffer, Margaretha 
Schaeffer, Susanna 
Schaeffer, Sally 


Schaeffer, Isaac 
Schaeffer, Elizabetha 
Schaeffer, Frederich 
Schaetfer, George 
Schaeffer, Philip (2) 
Schaeffer, Barbara 
Schatz, Peter 
Schatz, Anna (2) 
Scheury, Daniel 
Scheury, Elizabetha 
Scheury, Johannes 
Schiesle, John 
Schiesle, Magdalena 
Schmidt, Anna Maria 
Scholl, Michael 
Scholl, Katharina 
Scholl, Johann 
Scholl, Elizabetha 
Scholl, Daniel 
Scholl, Daniel 
Scholl, Simon 
Scholl, Sally 


338 HISTORYSOR’ TEE PLELSBURGCHS SYNOD 


Schott, Johann Waltenbach, George Woodseidt, Nathan 
Schott, Katharina Waltenbach, Margaretha Woodseidt, Esther 
Schrecongost, Anna M. Wegele, John and George Zerfass, Barbara 


The successors of Pastor Reichert were Pastor J. H. Bern- 
heim, 1838-1846, and Pastor G. F. Ehrenfeld, 1846-1851. The 
next pastor was Rev. David Earhart, who preached only in 
English, so that Rev. Michael Schweigert also served them in 
German. At this time the need of a new church became appar- 
ent, but old associations were such that it was not easy to relo- 
cate. Anthony Helferich finally agreed to donate ground, and 
this was accepted. An additional two acres were bought from 
King Woodward. ‘The corner stone of a brick church was laid, 
September 4, 1852, and the building dedicated, October 23, 1853. 
This church was demolished by a storm, July 29, 1860, but a 
larger church was dedicated by Pastor David McKee, July 29, 
1861. ‘Twice in later years the western end of the church was 
damaged by heavy storms, April 12, 1880, and May 29, 1899, but 
in both cases was quickly repaired. The congregation was little 
effected by the synodical controversy, since there was pro- 
nounced unity of sentiment in favor of the General Council. A 
parsonage was built in 1873 on ground secured from Mr. Art- 
man. The pastors served in the following order: Rev. J. M. 
steck;, 1800-1313; Rév. JoG, Lamprecht 1813-13 lsseRev aaa 
Mohler, 1817-1823; Rev. K. M. Zeilfels, 1824-1825; Rev. G. A. 
Reichert, 1825-1837; Rev. J. H. Bernbeim, 1838-1846; Rev. G. 
IF. Ehrenfeld, 1846-1851; Rev. David Earhart, 1851-1860; Rev. 
M. Schweigert (German), 1851-1860; Rev. J. H. Wright, 1860- 
1861; Rev. David McKee, 1861-1866; Rev. G. A. Reichert (sec- 
ond term), 1866-1867; Rev. Jonathan Sarver, 1868-1872; Rev. 
Philip Doerr, 1873-1877; Rev. W. A. C. Mueller, 1878-1881 ; 
Rev. David Earhart (second term), 1882-1887; Rev. R. G. 
Rosenbaum, 1887-1892; Rev. D. D. Miller, 1892-1901 ;-Rev. Wil- 
son, Yeisley, 1902-1910: "Revie J. Ne Wetzler = DD sO ios 
Rev. R:-W. ‘Yeany) 1918-1920] Revi Gr W > WeAmick1921= 


ST. MATTHEW’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
SOUTH BUFFALO. TWP. ARMSTRONG COUNTY spas 


This is one of the venerable churches of the county, but its 
beginnings are obscure. ‘The Bests, Eisemanns and others settled 
here before the close of the 18th century, and tradition says that 
Rev. J. M. Steck preached in the Fisemann home from 1800 to 
1817. Rev. J. A. Mohler was pastor from 1817 to 1823, and the 
records of the Ohio Synod prove that Rev. K. M. Zeilfels was 
pastor from 1824 to 1825. The diary of Pastor G. A. Reichert 
shows that he conducted services here, 1825-1832, and that the 
following attended a communion service, December 24, 1829: 


HISTORY VOREHEePELCTSBURGH SYNOD 339 


Acker, Elizabetha Buhl, Elizabetha Hollebach, Georg 
Becker, Johannes Buhl, Lydia Hollebach, Barbara 
Best, Nicolaus Eisemann, Nicolaus Maier, Nicolaus 

Best, Maria Katharina Eisemann, Katharina Otterman, Elizabeth 
Best, Georg Eisemann, Georg Schiesle, John and wife 
Bricker, Elizabetha Gartner, Fred and wife Schlegenhaupt, Anna M. 


The oldest church record was opened, April 12, 1843, when 
services were conducted in German. The first English services 
were conducted by Pastor David Earhart, May 11, 1844, but the 
demand for English was so strong that it displaced the German, 
December 25, 1845. By this time the old log church of the 
fathers had become too small, and a new frame church was 
built near George Eiseman’s for $250. This building was used 
in an unfinished state for some time, not being dedicated until 
May 5, 1850. In 1868 it was decided to abandon this “Blue Slate 
Church”, and locate nearer Freeport. In harmony with this the 
corner stone of their third church was laid, June 29, 1878, and 
the building dedicated by Pastor Kitzmiller, November 3, 1878. 
It was built of frame, 33x49, at a cost of $1,620. A charter was 
secured, December 6, 1847. It has been a part of Freeport Par- 
ish since 1852. This congregation suffered as severely from the 
synodical controversy as Freeport. Sentiment was sharply di- 
vided, even in the same families, and deep bitterness developed. 
Supporters of the General Council under the leadership of Pastor 
J. K. Melhorn held the property, and the General Synod party 
withdrew and organized a second St. Matthew’s, holding services 
in the Presbyterian Church. The new congregation was served 
by the General Synod pastors of Freeport until 1880, when the 
remnant united with Emmanuel Church. The pastors have 
served in the following order: Rev. J. M. Steck, 1800-1817; Rev. 
J. A. Mohler, 1817-1823; Rev. K. M. Zeilfels, 1824-1825; Rev. 
G. A. Reichert, 1825-1832; Rev. J. H. Hohnholz, 1833-1835; 
Rev. G. A. Reichert (supply), 1835-1837; Rev. J. H. Bernheim, 
1838-1842; Rev. John Esensee (German), 1843-1845; Rev. 
Henry Esensee (German), 1845; Rev. David Earhart (English), 
1844-1852; Rev. L. M. Kuhns, 1852-1857; Rev. J. H. Wright, 
1857-1861; Rev. J. H. Brown, 1861-1865; Rev. J. K. Melhorn, 
LoOomG ib ikem Am htmilerwelo Ala loale PRevi eh wis. 
Shanor, 1882-1889; Rev. J. K. Melhorn (second term), 1889- 
1895: Rev. W. O. Laub, 1896-1904; Rev. C. E. Dozer, 1905- 
1908; Rev. R. W. Yeany, 1908-1910; Rev. Herbert Martens, 
1911-1918; Rev. Daniel Ketterman (supply), 1919; Rev. H. A. 
Rinarua oo O20 eRevei wogeeiicsh O21 1022 .nRey, 3. G: 
Dornblaser, D.D., 1922-. 


340 HISTORY OF DHESPITMISBURGCH SYNOD 


ZION’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
GILPIN TOWNSHIP, ARMSTRONG COUNTY, PA. 


This church is located in that section of the country enclosed 
by the forks of the Allegheny and Kiskiminetas rivers, and for 
that reason is commonly called the Forks Church. Many of the 
pioneers of this region 
were (efmanso  tieonn 
Westmoreland County, 
who took up their lands 
at the beginning of the 
century. John Hill came 
to this community in 
1812, and his house and 
barn furnished the first 
meeting places for his 
Lutheran _ neighbors. 
While Pastor John M. 
Steck was deeply inter- 
ested in the spiritual wel- 
fare of these people, it is 
not believed that he made 
any attempt to effect an 
organization here, for 
the reason that the chil- 
dren of John Hill were 
baptized in the Klingen- 
smith Church as late as 1816. “The Rev. John Adam Mohler — 
preached at Hill’s from 1817 to 1823, and organized the congre- 
gation at the beginning of his pastorate. This pastor gave too 
much attention to his singing schools, and eventually lost the 
confidence of his people. The dates given by Rev. David Ear- 
hart are incorrect, as the records of the Ohio Synod prove. The 
Forks company was probably one of the four “congregations”, 
which petitioned the Ministerium of Pennsylvania for a pastor 
in 1817. When Rev. Gabriel Adam Reichert took charge of the 
congregation in 1824, he found a satisfactory organization. It 
was his custom to preach every four weeks at Klingensmith’s 
and Forks on the same Sunday, and he rarely missed an engage- 
ment. Catechetical instruction was given every two or three 
years, when large classes of adults and children would be con- 
firmed. Few of his confirmants were younger than fourteen, 
and his methods of teaching were always thorough. ‘The first 
class of which we have any record was confirmed, April 11, 1830. 
Communion services were held regularly once a year. At the 
five communions, 1829-1833, the following persons communed : 



































HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 341 


Alshaus, John Kistler, Elizabetha Miller, Johannes 
Alshaus, Magdalena Klingenschmidt, Peter Miller Sara 

Alshaus, John, Jr. Klingenschmidt, Katharina Richard, Jacob and Anna 
Alshaus, Polly Klingenschmidt, John Riegel, David 
Alshaus, Samuel Klingenschmidt, Susanna Riegel, Sara 

Becker, Jacob Klingenschmidt, Nicolaus Schaeffer, Peter 
Becker, Elizabetha Klingenschmidt, Polly Schaeffer, Anna. 
Crawford, Levi Klingenschmidt,, Johannes Schaeffer, Jacob 
Crawford Elizabetha Klingenschmidt, Katharina (2)Schaeffer, Susanna 
Heckman, Philip Klingenschmidt, Heinrich Schaeffer, Maria 
Heckman, Esther Klingenschmidt, Fannie Schaeffer, Fannie 
Heckman, Lewis Klingenschmidt, Adam Schaeffer, Anna Maria 
Heckman, John Klingenschmidt, Christina Schiesle, Andreas 
Heckman, Katharina’ Klingenschmidt, John (2) Schiesle, Sara 
Heckman, Elizabetha Klingenschmidt, Maria Schittler, Elizabetha 
Heckman, Barbara Klingenschmidt, Elizabetha Schub, Jacob 

Hill, John Klingenschmidt, Georg Schub, Magdalena 
Hill, Susanna Klingenschmidt, Joseph Schub, Johannes 

Hill, Jacob Kuhns, David Schub, Polly 

Hill, Hannah Kuhns, Esther Schub, Christina 
Highfield, Sally Kuhns, Daniel Schub, Margaretha 
Kiefer, Daniel Kunkel, Margaretha Stitt, Polly 

Kiefer, Katharina Maier, Maria Wannemacher, Heinrich 
Kistler Maier, Elizabetha Wannemacher, Susanna 


After the resignation of Pastor Reichert it appears that 
Pastor Michael J. Steck served the congregation for some time 
during the years 1837 and 1838. The Hill family is still in 
possession of the little hammer, which he carried in his saddle 
bag for the purpose of cleaning the hoofs of his horse while 
travelling over the winter roads. One of the Hill children was 
given a pet dog named “Guess.’”’ When Pastor Steck visited the 
family and asked the name of the little dog, he was kept guess- 
ing for some time before he discovered the joke. Rev. John 
Herman Bernheim served the congregation, 1838-1844, and 
opened the first church record of Zion, July 29, 1838, with the 
baptism of Joseph Klingensmith. No family name is more 
widely represented among the Lutheran families of the synod 
than that of Klingensmith. Pastor Bernheim persuaded the con- 
gregation to build their first church in 1842. The ground was 
secured from John Turney. The corner stone was laid, May 16, 
and the church dedicated, September 18, 1842. A new constitu- 
tion was adopted, August 9, 1842, but a charter was not secured 
until 1850. When Pastor Bernheim resigned in 1844, the congre- 
gation was divided into German and English parts, Pastor Henry 
Esensee serving the Germans, and Pastor David Earhart the 
English. Both pastors remained until 1851, when Pastor Esen- 
see was deposed and Pastor Earhart resigned. Pastor G. F. 
Ehrenfeld ministered in both German and English from 1851 to 
1864, Pastor G. A. Reichert assisting in the German services 
from 1856 to 1859. Even as late as 1860 a majority of the con- 
gregation preferred the German language. The frame church 
of 1842 served as a place of worship for nearly fifty years. The 
corner stone of the second church was laid in 1890, and dedicated 
by Pastor J. K. Melhorn some time in 1891. This church was 
destroyed by fire, February 5, 1905, and a better building erected 
in its place, at a cost of $5,000. Ground was donated by Mr. and 


342 HISTORYGOR TEESE RDS BURGHSSYNOD 


Mrs. John C. Schaffer in 1903, on which a parsonage was built 
in 1905. On January 3, 1882, five acres of ground were bought 
from Philip Turney and added to the cemetery. Within this 
cemetery lie the bodies of Pastors George F. Ehrenfeld, Henry 
Esensee, and J. G. Blyholder. The last named had not yet been 
ordained. Zion Church suffered severely during the synodical 
controversy, and the people of the community do not like to speak 
of it. A majority favored the General Council, but some of the 
strongest families withdrew and united with Hebron Church of 
Leechburg because of it. The parish relations of Zion have been 
many and varied. She has belonged to the Leechburg, Crooked 
Creek, and Freeport Parishes. For a long time Zion and St. 
Paul’s formed the Forks Parish, to which Bethel was added 
after the synodical merger in 1920. The pastors served in the 
following order: (Reva jJavAy Mohler 1317-18237. Reve me 
Zeilfels, 1824-1825; Rev. G. A. Reichert, 1825-1837; Rev. M. J. 
Steck, 1837-1838; Rev. J. H. Bernheim, 1838-1844; Rev. Henry 
Esensee (German), 1844-1851; Rev. David Earhart (English), 
1844-1851; Rev. G. F. Ehrenfeld, 1851-1864; Rev. G. A. 
Reichert (German), 1855-1859; Rev. L. M. Kuhns, 1865; Rev. 
Jonathan Sarver, 1866-1868; Supplies, 1868-1873; Rev. Philip 
Doerr, 1873-1877; Rev. W. A. C. Mueller, 1878-1881; Rev. 
Jonathan Sarver (second term), 1881-1883; Rev. W. J. Miller, 
1883-1889; Rev. J. K. Melhorn, 1889-1895; Rev. W. O. Laub, 
1896-1901; Rev. W. A. Billheimer, 1901-1903; Rev. G. J. Diener, 
1903-1907; Rev. J. H. Young, 1908-1910; Rev. Jacob Ash, 1911- 
1916; Rev. D. K. Fetterly, 1918-1925; Rev. G. J. Baisler, 1925-. 


ST. JOHN'S: EVANGELICAL, LU DEERAN CEU RG EE 
BE CNE GRE Theses 


This church is located on the border of two counties, the 
church being in Armstrong and. part .of the land in Indiana: 
Pennsylvania Germans settled in Mahoning Township, Indiana 
County, as early as 1810, but were too widely scattered to attempt 
the building of a church. Pastor Reichert soon learned of them- 
after coming to Indiana, and held a service for them, November 
24, 1922. His second service here was held, December .22, 1822, 
when he baptized five children of Daniel Schardel and 
organized Mahoning Church. Peter Huber and _ Friedrich 
Sprankle were installed as elders, and Jacob Mockel and Daniel 
Schardel as deacons. While Pastor Reichert lived in Indiana, 
Mahoning was one of his regular appointments. When he re- 
moved to Kittanning, the church had to be content with services 
every two months. ‘These services were held in private homes 
and sometimes in Philip Bricker’s barn. After a time Pastor 


Fiisd OR YOU sa Ea PirrSBURGEH SYNOD 343 


Reichert reduced his work here to an occasional visit. In 1831 
the church was reported to the West Pennsylvania Synod as 
vacant. In 1832 a half-acre lot was secured from Philip Bricker, 
and a plain log building was erected, which they called Union 
Church. This building was raised and roofed in 1833, but for 
some reason was not completed until 1835. On December 1, 
1833, Pastor Reichert administered communion in this unfinished 
church to 47 persons, of whom 25 were confirmed the previous 
day. The names of the communicants were: 


Bricker, Philip Huber, Christian Ruf, Polly 

Bricker, Polly Huber, Barbara Scholl, James 
Buecele, Johannes Huber, John Scholl, Elizabetha 
Buecele, Elizabetha Huber, Susanna Wiemer, Andreas 
Buecele, Rachel Huber, Samuel Wiemer, Elizabetha 
Green, Ezekiel Huber, George Wiemer, Elizabetha (2) 
Green, Joseph Huber, Sally Wiemer, Margaretha 
Green, Polly Huber, Christian, Jr. Wiemer, George 
Green, Penina Huber, Polly Wiemer, Maria 
Green, Susanna Huber, Margaretha Wiemer, Jacob 
Hermann, John Huber, Maria Weizel, Jonathan 
Hermann, Andreas Karr, Katharina Weizel, Sally 
Hermann, Peter Repine, Jacob Weizel, Elizabetha 
Hinman, Sally Repine, Katharina Weizel, Philip 
Holerberg, Samuel Rui, Jacob Weizel, Magdalena 
Holerberg, Katharina Ruf, Katharina 


The ages of the confirmants ranged from 17 to 49, indicat- 
ing that little had been done to cultivate the field prior to that 
time. This service was held in English, and people came for 
miles to enjoy it. Pastor Reichert resigned in 1837, and Pastor 
Jacob Medtart took charge in March, 1838. The new pastor 
was a good English preacher, and the church prospered under his 
ministry. From 1838 to 1846 the church was a part of Indiana 
Parish; from 1846 to 1883 of Smicksburg Parish; from 1883 to 
1892 of Grove Chapel Parish; from 1892 to 1897 of Elderton 
Parish; from 1897 to 1920 of Harmony Grove Parish; since 
1920 of the Sagamore Parish. The old log church served the 
congregation until 1861, when enlargement became necessary. 
The corner stone of a new church was laid, August 3, 1861, and 
the building dedicated by Pastor C. L. Streamer, November 2, 
1862, under the name St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. 
Built at a cost of $2,000, and renovated at an expense of $400 in 
1913, it still serves as an acceptable place of worship. About 
the year 1896 the people began to dispose of their coal, and this 
led to the removal of many of the best families of the parish. 
Pastor M. L. Schumucker understood the import of this change, 
and endeavored to persuade them to rebuild their church in 
Sagamore, so as to provide a church home for the miners of that 
town, but his counsel was rejected. The result was that the 
membership of St. John’s gradually declined from 182 in 1900 
to 45 in 1924. The Lutheran interests of Sagamore were finally 
taken care of by a separate organization. The following is a 
consectitive list of pastorates: Rev. G. A. Reichert, 1822-1837: 


344 HISTORY OF THE PrDESBURGH SYNOD 


Rev. Jacob Medtart, 1838-1843; Rev. Henry Bishop, 1843-1846; 
Rev. A. C. Trenteld: 1847- 1849: Rev. G. M. Pile, 1851-1852; 
Rev. F. A. Barnitz, 1852-1854; Rev: Christian Dick 1855- 1859: 
Rev. sin Streamer, assistant, 1858-1859; Rev. C. L. Streamer, 
1859-1869; Rev. P. s Hooper, 18/2 * Revs G. A. Lee, 1872-1874 - 
Rev. W. E. Crebs, 1874-1879; Rev. Ephraim Miller, D.D., 1879- 
1881; Rev. J. T. Gladhill, 1882-1883 ; Rev. Amos Sell, 1884-1885 ; 
Rev. Reuben Smith, 1886-1890; Rev. J. W. Hutchison, 1890- 
1892; Rev. William Hesse, D.D., 1893-1897; Rev. M. L. 
Schmucker, 1897-1908; Rev. D. W. Lecrone, 1908-1912; Rev. 
G.' O. Ritter, 1913-1915; Revwiib. Eb. Dickey, 1917-L920 sees 
J. EF. MacDonald, 1920-1925. : 


Sly JACOB'S EVANGEDICAT UTHER AN *CEUIKt 
SOW TEE HN) MRA 


In 1817 Jacob Frantz of Westmoreland County came to this 
vicinity and bought the land and grist mill of Charles Campbell. 
Pastor John M. Steck of Greensburg followed his parishioner 
and held German services in this mill during the same year. In 
1822 Jacob Frantz donated two acres of ground to the Reformed 
and Lutherans for church and burial purposes, to which was 
later added one-half acre by purchase from the Hart heirs. Be- 
fore the Frantz land was legally conveyed, the donor died; but 
John Frantz carried out the wishes of his father and executed 

the deed. The first body 
i ) laid to rest in this burial 
Ne : + ground was that of John 
se Ns hee al Allison, a schoolmaster, 
MS AICMCICIN eoSNeP May 10, 1823. The first 
church erected on this 
ground was built of logs 
in the spring of the same 
year; It_gwasi hai plam 
building, without orna- 
mentation of any descrip- 
tion, not even being pro- 
vided with chimneys, 
since no services were 
held at first in the winter. 
The pews were made of 
heavy slabs. The first 
Lutheran pastor to min- 
ister in? this? oldr glo 
church was Rev. G. A. 
Reichert, who preached 






—— 













































HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 345 


two sermons, April 29, 1823, and probably organized the congre- 
gation on the same day. On May 1, 1823, a communion service 
was held, conducted by Pastor William Weinel of the Reformed 
Church, which seems to have been attended by both Lutherans 
and Reformed, ‘The relations between the two bodies in those 
days were extremely cordial. The rights of each party were 
fully respected by the other, and they lived and labored as 
brethren. Both denominations conducted services exclusively in 
German for a number of years, the first English sermon being 
preached by Rev. John H. Bernheim in 1838. When Rev. Jacob 
Zimmerman took charge of the church in 1841, it was his custom 
‘to preach a German and an English sermon on the same day. 
After 1860 practically all German was eliminated. The services 
of Pastor Reichert continued from April 29, 1823, to March 30, 
1834, during which he preached regularly every four weeks in 
German, and administered the sacrament of the altar once a year. 
In those days Lutherans thought it no hardship to travel eight or 
ten miles to attend services, and the little log church was often 
crowded. According to Pastor Reichert’s diary, the following 
persons communed during the years 1828 to 1834: 

Rupert, Solomon 

Rupert, Friedrich 
Rupert, Katherina 


Rupert, John 
Rupert, Elizabetha 


Georg, John 
Hancock, Samuel 
Hancock, Rosanna 
Hancock, Elizabetha 
Hartz, Jacob 


Altmann, Jonathan 
Altmann, Magdalena 
Altmann, Hannah 
Altmann, Sarah 
Altmann, Susanna 


Baer, Elizabetha Hartz, Dorothea Rupert, Peter 
Beck, Jacob Haushalter, John Rupert, Esther 
Braun, Katharina Haushalter, Hannah Rupert, Karl 

Deis, Katharina Haushalter, George Rupert, Elizabetha (2) 
Dormaier, Andreas Haushalter, Elizabetha Rupert, Heinrich 
Dormaier, Margaretha Haushalter, David Rupert, Juliana 
Dormaier, Jacob Haushalter, Isaac Rupert, Jacob 
Dormaier, Elizabetha Haushalter, Samuel Rupert, Magdalena 
Dormaier, Andreas, Jr Haushalter, Jonathan Rupert, Jacob (2) 
Dormaier, Hannah Haushalter, Polly Rupert, Peter (2) 
Dormaier, Katharina Haushalter, Maria Rupert, Carl (2) 
Dormaier, Susanna Heffelfinger, Heinrich Rupert, Ludwig 
Dormaier, Isaac Heffelfinger, Elizabetha Rupert, Samuel 
Dormaier, Philip Heffelfinger, Margaretha Rupert, Philip 
Dormaier, Joseph Heffelfinger, Peter Rupert, Andreas 


Fimann, 


Christian 


EKimann, Barbara 


Frantz, 
Frantz, 


Maria 
Elizabetha 


Fritz, George 
Fulmer, John 


Heffelfinger, Katharina 
Heinselman, Esther 
Henry, John 

Hiesle, Michael 
Hiesle, Magdalena 
Hiesle, Polly 


Rupert, Christian 
Rupert, Susanna 
Rupert, Lydia 
Rupert, Maria Barbara 
Rupert, Isaac 

Rupert, Michael 


Georg, Jacob, Sr. Hiesle, John Rupert, Rachel 

Georg, Elizabetha Hiesle, Susanna Schiesle, Ludwig 
Georg, Samuel Kimmel, Daniel Schiesle, Sophia 
Georg, Katharina Kimmel, Elizabetha Schiesle, William 
Georg, Margaretha Kimmel, Andreas Schiesle, Andreas 
Georg, Polly Kimmel, Thomas Schiesle, Sarah © 
Georg, Peter Uinsenbigler, Martin Schneider, Anna Maria 
Georg, Bernhard Linsenbigler, Maria Schott, Christian 
Georg, Sarah Linsenbigler, Magaretha Schott, Maria 

Georg, Rachel Miller, Heinrich Schreiock, George 
Georg, Christian Ottermann, John ‘George Schreiock, Heinrich 
Georg, Dorothea Ottermann, Elizabetha Wagle, Isaac 

Georg, Jacob, Jr Ottermann, Esther: Wagle, Esther 


The large number of Georges and Ruperts in this list would 
indicate how quickly a few families of Lutheran pioneers could 


346 HISTORY(OP SUH Eee SRURGI Goan OD 


develop into a large congregation. ‘There was evidently trouble 
of some kind in the church at the time of the resignation of 
Pastor Reichert, March 30, 1834, in as much as he continued to 
serve all his other churches for three more years. So far as we 
can learn the church was vacant from 1834 to 1838, when Rev. 
John H. Bernheim became pastor. This pastor remained three 
years, and then surrendered the congregation to the care of Rev. 
Jacob Zimmerman, who served them from October 16, 1841, to 
January 30, 1859. The salary received by Pastor Zimmerman 
amounted to $90 a year. When Pastor Zimmerman began his 
work here, the congregation was still worshipping in the old log 
church. Larger quarters then became imperative; and a new 
frame church, often called the “White Church”, was dedicated, 
November 23, 1842. Pastors Nicholas P. Hacke and William 
Weinel of the Reformed, and Michael J. Steck, John H. Bern- 
heim, and Jacob Zimmerman of the Lutheran Church, were 
present at the dedication. No names of communicants were en- 
‘ tered in the old “Kirchen Buch” of St. Jacob’s until June LL 
1843, when Pastor Zimmerman administered the sacrament to 
96 persons, 36 of whom were confirmed on the previous day. In 
addition to those noted in the communion lists of Pastor Reich- 
ert, the following family names now appear: Alcorn, Potts, Heil- 
man, ‘Townsend, Row, Dillinger, Henke, Young, Stouch, Kling- 
ensmith, Iseman, King, Rowley, and Harper. During the pastor- 
ate of Rev. Zimmerman the following men served as members 
of the Church Council: Jacob Rupert, Christian Rupert, John 
Schaeffer, David Altman, William Heinzelmann, Philip Rupert, 
John Frantz, Robert Townsend, Michael Schott, Philip Frantz, 
Lewis Adair, Jacob Row, Absalom Smith, Isaac Schott, Peter 
Heffelfinger, and Jacob Klingensmith. Reformed and Lutherans 
worshipped together in the frame church of 1842 for a period of 
thirty-eight years. The present frame church was built by Lu- 
therans alone, and was dedicated by Pastor Jacob H. Wright, 
January 14, 1881. It was built upon a quarter-acre lot donated 
by Frantz George, and cost $2,365. In 1891 the Reformed built 
a new church in South Bend; and the last united act of the two 
congregations was to dispose of the old church building at public 
sale. The synodical relations of this venerable church have been 
varied, the people being governed by the wishes of their pastor. 
From 1823 to 1825 it was in connection with the Ministerium of 
Pennsylvania; from 1825 to 1841 in the West. Pennsylvania 
Synod; from 1841 to 1860 in the Ohio Synod; since 1860 in the 
Pittsburgh Synod. On April 7, 1860, the constitution recom- 
mended by the Pittsburgh Synod was adopted. In 1867 the 
General Council controversy made quite a stir in the community, 
but the influence of Rev. Jacob H. Wright was dominant, and 
the congregation cast its lot with the General Synod. One of 


Bist OR Ve Ons Ciik PIL S BURGH SYNOD 347 


the pastors of St. Jacob’s, Rev. Carl Frank Miller, closed his 
pastorate in death, April 6, 1915. It was during his short pas- 
torate that a parsonage was secured in Elderton, The following 
is a consecutive list of the regular pastorates: Rev. G. A. Reich- 
ert, 1823-1834; Vacant, 1834-1838; Rev. John H. Bernheim, 
1838-1841; Rev. Jacob Zimmerman, 1841-1859; Rev. David Mc- 
Kee, .1860-1866,; “Rev.. J. H. Wright, 1866-1887; Rev. Jo W. 
Hutchison, 1887-1889; Rev. T. J. Frederick, 1890-1896; Rev. 
C. M. Wachter, 1896-1898; Rev. J. A. Flickinger, 1899-1900; 
Rev. | acob Ny Hankey) 190021903 Revo Gr- Ll) Wisswaesser, 
1904-1905; Rev. W. L. Price, 1905-1909; Rev. J. L. Nicholas, 
1910-1913; Rev. C. F. Miller, 1913-1915; Rev. J. M. Stover, 
1915-1917; Rev. J. F. Booher, 1918-1921; Rev. Oscar Woods, 
1921-. 


See OLN Ser VANGERICADOEO TOE RANe CHURCH 
KITTANNING, PA. | 


The old Indian village of Kittanning was one of the his- 
toric spots of western Pennsylvania in pioneer days. After its 
destruction by the soldiers of Colonel Armstrong in 1756, the 
site remained unimproved until 1803 when the present town was 
laid out. Many Germans took up land in Kittanning Township 
at an early date, and some of them found a home in the new 
town. According to the court records, Matthias Reichert and 
Daniel Bauser were property owners in 1809, and Samuel and 
Michael Mechling in 
1814. Whether Rev. J. 
Gay Lamprecht= om tRev. 
John Adam Mohler ever 
preached in Kittanning, 
when they were pastors 
of the Rupp Church, can 
not be definitely deter- 
mined; but there is evi- 
dentegelrate hevamkKark 
Moritz Zeilfels preached 
tums eimestoness eA upp Ss: 
and Kittanning’ from 
1824 to 1825, and it is to 
this pastor that the first 
provisional organization 
of the Lutherans of Kit- 
tanning is credited. The 
Nex bea pactOlwe- Wass weve 
Gabriel Adam Reichert, 
who took up his. resi- 





















































348 HISTORY (OR SBE PRU SB RG EL ow IN Oo 


dence in Kittanning in 1827. ‘The number of Lutherans in Kit- 
tanning at that time was so small that they attended services at 
the Rupp Church. On April 29, 1829, Pastor Reichert began to 
preach in the town, holding his services in private homes. H1s 
first communion service here was held, April 1, 1831, when four- 
teen persons were confirmed and thirty-eight received the sacra- 
ment. From 1831 to 1834 the folowing communicants are re- 
corded in the pastor’s private diary: 


Reichert, Gabriel Adam 
Reichert, Lydia 
Richard, Michael 
Richard, Magdelena 
Scharr, Maria 


Bauser, Peter Kamp, August 
Bauser, Samuel Kamp, Louisa 
Bauser, Katharina Koreman, George 
Bauser, Christina Koreman, Anna B. 
Bautsch, George Koreman, Samuel 
Bautsch, Jacob Koreman, Elizabetha Schaefier, Daniel 
Bautsch, Anna Koreman, Ludwig Schott, Karl 
Balsinger, Samuel Koreman, Anna K. Schott, Anna Maria 
Bisch, Jacob Kravener, Elizabetha Schrecengost, Daniel 
Bisamann, Jacob Lutz, Henrietta Schultz, Wilhelm 
Eisamann, Maria Mechling, Samuel Schultz, Friedrich 
Eisamann, Michael Mechling, Magdalena Scott, Isaac 
Fisamann, Elizabetha Mechling, Michael Scott, Katharina 
Geltbruner, Jacob Mechling, Michael, Jr. Stehr, Michael 
Geltbruner, Magdalena Mechling, Elizabetha Torney, Simon 


Guest, Samuel 
Guest, Margaretha 
Heilman, Barbara 


Meisenheimer, Konrad 
Meisenheimer, Susanna 
Meisenheimer, Andreas 


Torney, Polly 
Wild, George 
Wild, Polly 


Holz, Peter Meisenheimer, Eva Williams, George 
Kaufer, Christian Ohlinger, Daniel Woli, George 


These were the founders of the old German Church of Kit- 
tanning, out of whose successors the German-English Trinity 
Church was reorganized, from which in due course of time came 
St. John’s. The communion services of Pastor Reichert were 
not generally attended by more than twenty or thirty members. 
When he removed to Philadelphia in 1837, the interest was at 
such low ebb that services were allowed to lapse until 1845, when 
the congregation was reorganized as “Trinity Evangelical Lu- 
theran Church” by Rev. George F. Ehrenfeld. In 1830, the con- 
gregation had united with the Episcopalians in the erection of a 
brick church on Water street. This church was destroyed by a 
storm in 1845, after which services were held in the school 
house and elsewhere until the purchase of the old U. P. Church 
in 1858. Pastor G. F. Ehrenfeld resigned in 1853, and his 
brother, Rev. A. C. Ehrenfeld of Worthington, was asked to 
supply the church with English preaching, while Rev. Michael 
Schweigert supplied them in German. In 1854 the Pittsburgh 
Synod determined to establish a new mission with Kittanning as 
the center, but the lack of a suitable missionary caused the 
postponement of the undertaking for several years. From 1854 
to 1858 Rev. William A. Passavant looked after the English 
interests of the church, and finally succeeded in organizing the 
“First English Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kittanning”, 
May 13, 1858, with forty-seven members. When this congrega- 
tion was legally incorporated, September 12, 1866, it assumed the 
name of “St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kittan- 





PASTOR MICHAEL SCHWEIGERT 


350 HISTORY SOs TELA bik GhiwoyeN OD) 


ning’. ‘The two congregations, German and English, united in 
the purchase of the old U. P. Church on South Jacob street in 
1858; which, after renovation, was dedicated in August of the 
same year. ‘The morning service was held in German; the after- 
noon and evening services in English. he first constitution of 
the English congregation was adopted, November 13, 1858; the 
second, June 1, 1905; the third, February 11, 1919. One of the 
brightest days in the history of St. John’s Church was October 
16, when Rev. John A. Earnest became pastor of Kittanning Mis- 
sion, consisting of the Kittanning, Rupp, and Heilman congrega- 
tions. Missionary aid was extended by the synod until 1864. St. 
John’s congregation shared the use of Trinity Church with the 
Germans until 1867, when a successful effort was made to secure 
a separate church. A lot on North Jefferson street, 66x165, was 
purchased from Aaron Shoop for $900, October 1, 1867. It 
was built of brick, 45 x 70, at an approximate cost of $10,000, 
and used for the first time in January, 1869. Financial stress 
and the synodical controversy interfered seriously with building 
operations, so that the church was not dedicated until September 
28, 1873. A debt of $5,300 proved a heavy burden for a number 
of years. Pastor John A. Earnest voted with the General Synod 
party at Greenville, and the Rupp and Heilman congregations 
supported him in his course; but St. John’s voted in favor of 
the General Council, accepting the services of Rev. Henry W. 
Roth as supply pastor when Pastor Earnest resigned, Decem- 
ber 1, 1867. This synodical upheaval necessitated a rearrange- 
ment of the churches of the district; and a new mission was 
formed of Kittanning, Natrona, and Springdale. Rev. John A. 
Kribbs took charge of this mission in 1868. For five years the 
pastor was required to give so much time to Natrona and Spring- 
dale that the work in St. John’s suffered. After 1873, when Kit- 
tanning was made a separate mission, the congregation developed 
rapidly. When Pastor Kribbs resigned, May 3, 1878, he left a 
vigorous mission of 129 members. In 1879, the beginning of 
Rev. J. C. Kunzmann’s pastorate, the church became self-sustain- 
ing. On May 29, 1891, during ‘the pastorate» or SRevw bi vy. 
Elson, Ph. D., a lot adjoining the church ground, 33 x 165, was 
purchased for $1,000 from Mrs. Jane Ayers. On this lot the 
Bush Memorial parsonage was erected and presented: to the 
congregation by Mr. and Mrs. Frank L. Bush. One of the 
most successful pastorates in the history of St. John’s was 
that of Rev. G. W. Spiggle, who served from 1894 to 1902 and 
built up a strong church of 325 members. Pastor Spiggle also 
organized mission stations at Mosgrove and Ford City, but 
neither issued in permanent congregations. ‘Through all these 
years the German congregation continued to hold services in 
Trinity Church, being served by the following pastors: Rev. G. F. 


HS TORYS OPTI PERS BURGHASYNOD 351 


Ehrenfeld, 1845-1853 ; Rev. Michael Schweigert, 1853-1855; Rev. 
G. A. Reichert, 1855-1857; Rev. Michael Schweigert (second 
term), 1878-1885; Rev. Solomon Munsch, 1885-1888; Rev. Mar- 
tin Gaudian, 1888-1889; Rev. A. E. R. Collman, 1890-1891; Rev. 
Robert Barner, 1891-1904. During much of this time, the pastors 
of ‘Trinity served churches in Freeport and Ford City. In 1903, 
Rev. George U. Preuss became pastor of St. John’s, and over- 
tures were then made for the merger of Trinity and St. John’s. 
Trinity Church was sold to the Odd Fellows, and about sixty of 
the remaining members united with St. John’s. Pastor Preuss 
never preached German in St. John’s, but was able to meet 
the requirements of his German members in pastoral duties. 
Himeto Oe aespricks parisinenoluce, mthenintst of sits: kinds 1n) the 
Bitrsbimneh) synods saAvdSeeelectedyyater.a yacostm Of @ 50,200.00. 
This building was dedicated, January 23, 1911. Twice during 
this pastorate the church was thoroughly renovated, rededica- 
tion services being held, October 23, 1904, and June 29, 1913. 
At the last named service, a brass cross was placed upon the 
altar and a pulpit robe presented to the pastor. During this 
pastorate serious divisions occurred in the congregation. The 
fact that St. John’s Church belonged to the General Council, 
while nearly all the strong congregations in the surrounding 
country belonged to the General Synod, was largely responsible 
for these divisions. In 1908 a number of General Synod Lu- 
therans, who had moved into Kittanning, petitioned the Pitts- 
burgh Synod of the General Synod for the organization of a 
church in Wickboro, on the ground that the grade crossings 
of the Pennsylvania Railroad made it dangerous for their chil- 
dren to attend Sunday School at St. John’s. Student Bingaman, 
sent into the field to make a preliminary canvass, reported the 
names of more than a hundred Lutherans whe were anxious 
for the organization of a church. A protest was made by St. 
John’s Church, and the missionary superintendent delayed action 
until the protest could be given consideration by the synod. 
Before such consideration could be given, the people proceeded 
independently, and organized Trinity Evangelical Lutheran 
Church, October 11, 1908, with seventy members. This congre- 
gation dedicated a frame chapel that cost $2,114, September 19, 
1919. For a while the congregation seemed to prosper, number- 
ing 125 communicants, but it finally disbanded, February 24, 
1918, the property reverting to the Board of Church Extension. 
Some of the members united with St. John’s, some with St. 
Paul’s, while others scattered. The following pastors served in 
this Wickboro chapel: Rev. Lloyd W. Walter, 1909-1911; Rev. 
W. Roy Goff, 1911-1913; Rev. J. E. Lowe, Jr., 1914-1916. 

A still more serious division in the ranks of St. John’s oc- 
curred, October 4, 1910, when ninety members withdrew and or- 


Siar HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


ganized St. Paul’s Church. This congregation held its first 
services in the old M. E. Church, and was received as a member 
of the Pittsburgh Synod of the General Synod, October 12, 1910. 
At the organization meeting, the congregation resolved to be 
self-supporting and to send a call to Rev. Charles H. Tilp. 
Pastor ‘Tilp accepted this call, and served them from November 
20, 1910, to March 18, 1917. Property on the corner of High 
and Jefferson streets was purchased in 1914, but the congrega- 
tion never built anew church. Rev. E. EF. Oney served them from 
November 11, 1917, to March 9, 1919, when he resigned in order 
that the merger of St. John’s and St. Paul’s might be effected. 


This merger occurred, February 11, 1919, when practically 
all the members of St. Paul’s, numbering about 200, were re- 
ceived as a body into the reunited St. John’s. The property of 
St. Paul’s was sold, and the cash balance, after all obligations 
were met, was paid into the treasury of St. John’s. ‘The pastor 
of St. John’s, Rev. Bernard Fetterly, remained as pastor of the 
united congregation until December 1, 1921. His successor, 
Rev. Harry D. Newcomer, assumed charge under hopeful condi- 
tions, March 1, 1922. The following pastors have served St. 
John’s from the time of organization under Doctor Passavant: 
Rev. “W.- A.» Passavant’ “(stipply),. 1858-1859; Revie Johnie 
Earnest, 1859-1867; Rev. Henry W. Roth (supply), 1867- 1868; 
Rev. John A. Kribbs, 1868-1878; Rev. J. C. Kunzmann, 1878- 
1882; Rev. J. H. A. Kitzmiller, 1882-1888; Rev. H. W. Elson, 
Ph.D., 1889-1893 ; Rev: G. W.: Spiggle, 1894-1902; Rev; Gav. 
Preuss, 1903-1915; Rev. Bernard Fetterly, 1916-1921; Rev. H. 
D. Newcomer, D.D., 1922-. 


oT, MARK’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
WASHINGTON TWP., ARMSTRONG COUNTY, PA. 


The first reference to this church in the records of the Ohio 
Synod bears the date 1824, when a letter was received from 
“Klingenschmidt’s, Schaeffer’s, Mechling’s, Zion’s, Eisemann’s, 
Kittanning, and Limestone congregations”, asking that a license 
be given to their pastor, Karl Moritz Zeilfels. The license was 
granted, and Pastor Zeilfels served the congregations named 
from 1824 to 1825. It is believed that he organized St. Mark’s 
Church in 1824. It was composed of Pennsylvania Germans, 
and was organized under the name, “Limestone Evangelical Lu- 
theran Church of Washington Township’. The church was 
without a minister for three years after the departure of Pastor 
Zeilfels, and then in 1828 was taken under the care of Pastor 
Gabriel Adam Reichert. This faithful pastor preached for them 
in the home of John Christmann, near Montgomeryville, and for 
this reason the appointment was called ‘“Christmann’s” in his 


HISTORY. OF THEsPITTSBURGH: SYNOD o50 


private diary. A communion service was conducted by him in 
this home, June 25, 1828, which was attended by nineteen per- 
sons. Services were held every two months from 1828 to 1837, 
including a communion service every summer. ‘The first class 
of catechumens was confirmed by Pastor Reichert, June 27, 1829, 
when thirty-six persons received the sacrament. From 1828 to 
1832, the following persons communed: 


Adams, Samuel Fair, Maria Barbara Konfehr, Katharina 
Adams, Susanna Fair, John Matthaes, Samuel 
Bauser, Esther ~ Fair, Maria Matthaes, Louisa 
Christmann, Johannes Fair, Adam Meisenheimer, Andreas 
Christmann, Maria Fair, Peter Meisenheimer, Eva 
Christmann, Friedrich Fair, Sarah Riddel, Elizabetha 
Christmann, Christian Fair, Susanna Stehr, Michael 
Christmann, Mariah Fair, Isaac Thomas, Susanna 
Christmann, Philip Fair, Simon Toy, Wilhelm 
Christmann, Heinrich Fair, Anna Toy, Maria 
Christmann, Elizabetha Fair, Eliza Wolf, Johannes 
Ellenberger, John Helm, Konrad Wolf, Anna M. 
Ellenberger, Elizabetha Helm, Elizabetha Wolf, Jacob 

aire Michael Konfehr, Friedrich Wolf, Christina 


Pastor Reichert preached his farewell sermon in the home 
of Michael Fair, December 16, 1837. During the first thirty-one 
years, all the services were held in private homes. During the 
pastorate of Rev. John Esensee in 1843, the place of meeting was 
changed to the home of Leonard Fair, and this arrangement 
continued until 1856, when the first church was dedicated. The 
church is usually called “Fair’s” in the Ohio Synod. records, 
although it is sometimes given the name Bethlehem. A plot of 
ground was deeded by Philip Crissman and Leonard Fair to 
Jacob Toy and John Fair Jr., acting trustees for the congrega- 
tion, October 24, 1849, on which a frame church, 30x40, was 
erected later. This church was dedicated by Pastor A. C. Ehren- 
feld in June, 1856, under the name “St. Mark’s Evangelical Lu- 
theran Church”, which served as a place of worship for a period 
of forty-four years. An additional acre of ground was pur- 
chased later from Joseph Crissman. ‘The corner stone of their 
second church was laid, May 20,-1900, and the church dedicated 
by Pastor J. W. Schwartz, September 23, 1900. Rev. C. B. King 
preached the dedicatory sermon. The entire cost of this church 
was $3,000. For many years all services were conducted in 
German, and this devotion to the German language almost 
proved the undoing of the congregation. When the first English 
services were introduced by Pastor John A. Nuner in 1849, 
some members were offended by the innovation and withdrew 
from the church. Since 1854 all services have been conducted 
in English. The church was incorporated in 1887. A consecu- 
tive list of the pastorates is as follows: Rev. K. M. Zeilfels, 
1824-1825; Rev. G. A. Reichert, 1828-1837; Rev. H. D. Keyl, 
1838-1842; Rev. John Esensee, 1842-1843; Rev. Gottlieb Kranz, 
1844-1846; Rev. Elihu Rathbun, 1847; Rev. J. A. Nuner, 1849- 
1851; Rev. Thomas Steck, 1851-1854; Rev. A. C. Ehrenfeld, 


354 HISTORY OF “LO BaP EDR S BURGH SN @E 


1854-1858: Rev. Frederick Ruthrauff, 1859; Rev. Charles Wit- 
mer, 1860-1862; Rev. H. J. H. Lemcke, 1864-1866; Rev. J. W. 
Schwartz, D.D., 1867-1917; Rev. A. W. Smith, 1917-1919; Rev. 
P. T. E. Stockslager, 1920-1924; Rev. R. L. Yund, 1924-. 


CHRIST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
GASTOWN, PA. 


The beginnings of this congregation are found in an old 
stone church that was built under United Presbyterian leader- 
ship in 1818. The ground, on which this old church was built, 

| was donated by Judge 
Robert Woodward; but 
so far as can be learned 
no deed was ever execut- 
ed. .For a number of 
years this old church was 
used by Presbyterians, 
United Presbyterians, 
Methodists, Reformed, 
and Iwitherans, each de- 
nomination moving out as 
it*was able to bitldma 
church of its own. In 
time only the Reformed 
and Lutherans remained, 
who regarded the church 
as their property. When 
these two bodies effected 
a friendly separation in 
1893, the Lutherans gave 

| the Reformed a quit 
claim deed. The decision of the Lutherans to to build a new 
church was made, November 8, 1893, and the church was dedi- 
cated by Pastor William Hesse, July 22, 1894. It was a neat 
frame church, with altar recess and corner tower, costing 
$2,037. At this time it was deemed advisable to effect a reorgant- 
zation of the congregation ; and this was done, July 8, 1894, when 
the constitution recommended by the General Synod was adopted. 
The name was changed from St. Thomas to Christ at the same 
time. The beginning of the Lutheran organization in this com- 
munity is obscure. Some think that the Lutherans claimed the 
right to worship in the old stone church, and exercised it with- 
out effecting a formal organization. ‘The first Lutheran service 
in the old church, so far as we can learn, was held by Rev. G. A. 
Reichert, June 28, 1828. From 1828 to 1837 he held occasional 















































Bis L@OR YAO re CHE PI OULSBURGH SYNOD 355 


services here, entering the appointment in his private diary as 
“Thomas Kirche”. His successor, Rev. John H. Bernheim, 
preached for them from 1838 to 1841. The next pastor, Rev. 
Jacob Zimmerman, served at irregular intervals from 1842 to 
1845, and then regularly every four weeks on Saturdays, from 
August 31, 1845, to April 11, 1847. On the last named date 
eleven persons were confirmed and thirty-six given the sacra- 
ment. A long vacancy followed, during which the congregation 
barely survived. Rev. Michael Schweigeit sought them out in 
1853, and served them regularly for eleven years, when the 
bitter feelings engendered by the civil war compelled him to 
resign. The first list of communicants, found in his handwriting 
in the old church record, contains the following names: 


Arnstad, Adam Harklerodt, Mrs. Roos, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph 
Baker, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Jackson, Andrew Roos, Edward 

Barkman, Mr. and Mrs. Kribbs, Levi Schmeltzer, Mr. and Mrs. 
Bierer, Sophia Kuster, Peter Schmeltzer, Lay 
Chrisman, Elias Leck, Mr. and Mrs. Schmeltzer, Katrina 
Chrisman, James Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Barney Schmeltzer, Stofel 
Chrisman, Marian Miller, Mararet Schmidt, Elon 

Eyler, Mrs. Miller, Jane Sisenna, Susan 

Fischer, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Peterman, Mr. & Mrs. Martin Weber, Mr. and Mrs. John 
Fischer, Sarah Peterman, Mary Jane Weber, Sarah 

Graf, Mr. and Mrs. Peterman, Michael Weber, Ann Elizabeth 


Pastor Schweigert’s method of resigning this church was 
unique. He wrote to Rev. Jacob H. Wright, a neighboring pas- 
tor, giving him the story of his church troubles in the following 
language: 

“T want to give you one of my churches. They have got so rebel- 
lious that they put a red handkerchief on a stick, and eight or ten of 
them march through the church building. The church is an old ram- 
shackle, and it is full of hummels and wasps nests, and the mischievous 
boys stir up the nests and keep making it too hot for me. They won't 
do so for you.” 


In this way Pastor Wright was introduced to the congrega- 
tion, which he served for a period of seventeen years. The fol- 
lowing is a complete list of the pastors: Rev. G. A. Reichert, 
1828-1837; Rev. J. H. Bernheim, 1838-1841; Rev. Jacob Zim- 
merman, 1842-1847 ;Vacant, 1848-1852; Rev. Michael Schweig- 
ert, 1853-1864; Rev. J. H. Wright, 1864-1881; Rev. R. B. Starks, 
1881-1885; Rev. Samuel Krider, 1886-1889; Rev. J. W. Hutch- 
ison, 1889-1890; Rev. S. V. Dye, 1891-1892; Rev. William 
Hesse, 1893-1897; Rev. J. W. Tressler (Supply), 1898; Rev. J. 
A. Flickinger, 1899-1900; Rev. J. M. Hankey, 1900-1903; Rev. 
C. L. Wisswaesser, 1904-1905; Rev. W. L. Price, 1905-1909; 
Rey. Je, Nicholas; 1910-1913) Rey. Carl FP. Miller, 1913+1915 ; 
Reve} M.astover, 1915-1917; Rev. J: FY Booher,’ 1918-1921; 
Rev. Oscar Woods, 1921-. 


356 HISTORY OF THE PErESBURGH SYNOD 


SALEM EVANGELICAL, LUTHERAN CHURCH 
KELEERS BURG, PA. 


This is one of the venerable congregations of Armstrong 
County, but its beginnings are hard to trace. One of the regular 
appointments of Pastor G. A. Reichert, from 1829 to 1832, was 
at the home of Jacob Maier, one of the trustees of the original 
congregation. ‘The first service in this place was held, Septem- 
ber 14, 1829, and the regularity with which this appointment was 
kept for the next three years would indicate that there was a 
provisional organization of some kind effected at that time. 
After 1832 only occasional services were held here by Pastor 
Reichert, and the supposition is that Rev. Henry David Keyl and 
Rev..J..G- Yotng did the greatem partwolL the preaching wan a.m 
congregation from 1833 to 1846. Practically all the services 
during this period were conducted in German. The first entry in 
the old church record bears the date, August 2, 1846, when Rev. 
William Uhl became pastor. ‘This pastor was sent by the Pitts- 
burgh Synod in response to an appeal of twenty members of 
Salem Church, who pledged $66.25 as the annual salary of the 
minister. Soon after the beginning of his pastorate, a new con- 
stitution was adopted and the church fully organized. The old- 
est communion lists of the congregation, 1846-1848, contain the 
following names: 


Balsiger, Samuel Hartsell, Mona Konker, Elizabeth 
Balsiger, Samuel, Jr. Hawk, George Markey, Elizabeth 
Balsiger, Mary Hawk, Elizabeth Myers, Jacob 
Balsiger, Anna Hetrick, George L. Myers, Catherine 
Baughman, Christina Hetrick, Elizabeth Pain, William 
Bish, Peter Hile, Anna Pain, Mary 

Bish, Mary Keller, Nicholas Pain, Harriett 
Bish, Daniel Keller, Catharine Painter, John 
Bish, Rebecca Keller, Frederick Poliard, Lewis 
Bish, Catharine Keller, Mary Smith, Martin 
Bish, George Keller, Caroline Smith, Mary 
Bish, Adam Keller, Philip Smith, Catharine 
Bish, Philip Konker, John Smith, Michael 
Bish, Susanna Konker, John, Jr. Snyder, Jacob 
Blake, Theodore Konker, Solomon Williams, Michael 
Duckel, Elizabeth Konker, Simon Williams, Charlotte 
Hartsell, Mary A. Konker, Mary Wyand, Elizabeth 


The name of Nicholas Rhodes does not appear on any list of 
communicants, but he was one of the first trustees, and it is cer- 
tain that he was a faithful member. Other names are doubtless 
omitted from the imperfect records. The first class of cate- 
chumens confirmed by Pastor Uhl, December 21, 1846, contained 
seventeen members. In the early forties a number of the young 
people attended instruction at the Kammerdiener Church. Their 
first church was built of logs in 1838. This church was older 
than the town of Kellersburg, which was laid out by Nicholas 
Keller Sr., in 1842. It was built on land secured from the Hol- 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 357 


land Land Company by deed of transfer, March 11, 1833. This 
tract, containing seven acres and thirty perches, was conveyed to 
Jacob Myers and Nicholas Rhodes, “Trustees of the Lutheran 
congregation of Mahoning, for the purpose of a burial ground, 
and for the erection of a place of worship and school house, 
whenever the trustees, or their successors in office, may see 
proper to do so, and for no other purpose”. The consideration 
named was two dollars. The old log church was vacated in 1848, 
and a frame church, 30x40, erected in its stead. ‘This second 
church was roofed, weatherboarded, floored and partly ceiled; 
and in this unfinished state was used for several years. ‘The 
seats were nothing more than heavy slab benches. During the 
pastorate of Rev. Thomas Steck, pews and a good pulpit were 
provided; and the finished church was dedicated, November 27, 
1853. For a long time there was no other church in the com- 
munity nearer than the “Narrows”. A number of Presbyterians 
living in the community were permitted to hold services in the 
church. For several years prior to 1872 the Methodists and 
Evangelicals were also permitted to use the building for services. 
In the summer of 1873 the church was thoroughly repaired, and 
a service of rededication followed, August 24, 1873. During the 
pastorate of Rev. J. W. Schwartz, D.D., a new church, complete 
in all its appointments, was erected at a cost of $2,000. The 
dedicatory services were held, January 25, 1891, when Rev. Eli 
Miller and Rev. H. B. Winton assisted the pastor. A charter 
was obtained, June 25, 1853. Because of its isolated position the 
church has suffered from many long and trying vacancies; but 
the faith of the fathers still abides in the hearts of the children. 
The following pastors have served here: Rev. G. A. Reichert, 
1829-1832; Rev. H. D. Keyl (supply), 1833-1842; Rev. J. G. 
Young (Supply), 1843-1846; Rev. William Uhl, 1846-1848; Rev. 
John A. Nuner, 1849-1851; Rev. Thomas Steck, 1851-1854; 
Rey. G. F. Ehrenfeld (Supply), 1854-1855; Rev. Thomas Steck 
(Supply), 1856; Rev., Michael Schweigert, 1858-1864; Rev. 
Henry Gathers, 1864-1868; Rev. Samuel Stouffer (Supply), 
1870; Rev. W. E. Crebs, 1871-1873; Rev. David Townsend, 
1874-1876; Rev. Wilson Selner, 1876-1881; Rev. E. A. Best, 
1883-1886; Rev. J. W. Schwartz, D.D. (Supply), 1889-1892 ; 
Rev. W. M. Hering, 1892-1893; Rev. W. J. Bucher, 1893-1897 ; 
Rev. F. J. Matter, 1897-1900; Rev. C. E. Berkey, 1900-1903; 
Rev. W. B. Claney, 1903-1907; Rev. H. C. Salem, 1907-1909; 
Student William N. King (Supply), 1910; Rev. William E. Sun- 
day, 1911-1915; Rev. Edward N. Fry, 1915-1917; Rev. Charles 
LeeQuinn, 1917-1919;  Rews Henry,.A.’ Seel}: 1921-1922 ; -Rev. 
William Weicksel (Supply), 1922-1923; Rev. Joseph Arnold 
(Supply), 1924-1925. 


358 HISTORY O)lC2 HEEL UOSBORGH ao YN 


JERUSALEM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
WAYNE TOWNSHIP, ARMSTRONG COUNTY, PA. 


In the settlement of northern Armstrong County, the Ger- 
man pioneers were so widely scattered that pastors found it 
difficult to gather sufficient numbers in any one locality, with 
which to organize per- 
manent congregations. 
For this reason services 
were held in private 
homes for a quarter of a 
century » béfores. an yemac 
tempt was made to erect 
aa GhAiyohaeb tomes: 
among the thirty or forty 
pioneer Lutheran . fam- 
ilies of this large district 
was that of Jacob Beck, 
who settled about two 
miles east. of Echo in 
1815. His home was se- 
lected as a place of meet- 
ing when the community 
was first visited by Rev. 
John M, Steck about the 
year 1818. The pastoral 
visits of Rev. Steck were 
greatly appr ee ve by the people, but came only after long in- 
tervals. The fact that the Greensburg pastor preached here is 
attested by the story told the children by the German grand- 
mothers, that, when Pastor Steck’s horse was seen coming up 
the road, all the chickens would begin to cackle, “Cut, cut, cut, 
Der Steck Komt, Der Steck Komt”. The first pastor to preach 
regularly at Jacob Beck’s was Rev. G. A. Reichert, whose min- 
istry extended from 1828 to 1832, after which the Beck congre- 
gation was divided, part holding services in the Patterson school 
house, and the other part moving their place of worship to the 
home of Bernard Reedy, about a mile northwest of Goheenville. 
The first service at the latter place was held by Pastor Reichert 
January 21, 1833, involving at least a provisional organization 
of the congregation that was later known as Jerusalem Church. 
The. first officers: of this congregation, Jacob Hetrich; Peter 
Kammerdiener, Jacob Kammerdiener, and Johannes Gulden, 
were elected, March 15, 1833. The first communion service of 
the new congregation was held, November 2, 1833, attended by 
the following persons: 









































tn 
wn 
\O 


ELISTORY IOP HE PLE SBURGHSSYNOD 


Beck, Peter Hollenbach, John Nolf, Adam 

Beck, Elizabetha Hollenbach, Polly Nolf, Mrs. Adam 
Ellenberger, Georg Kammerdiener, Peter Nolf, Barbara 
Ellenberger, Elizabetha Kammerdiener, Gertraut Nolf, Sarah 

Hetrich, Jacob Kammerdiener, Jacob Zimmerman, Abraham 
Hetrich, Barbara Kammerdiener, John Philip Zimmerman, Susanna 


Abraham Zimmerman was confirmed at Beck’s, March 6, 
1830, when 52 years old; Jacob Beck was confirmed at the same 
time and place when 50 years of age. ‘These two instances indi- 
cate how few the church privileges of the pioneers were. Pastor 
G. A. Reichert continued to serve the Reedy congregation until 
1837, when he removed to Philadelphia. John George Young, a 
ministerial student under the care of Rev. John H. Bernheim, 
held occasional services in the Reedy home in 1838 and 1839, and 
became their regular pastor in 1840, giving them German services 
every four weeks until 1867, when he removed to Michigan. He 
met all his appointments faithfully during these twenty-seven 
years, winter and summer, travelling usually on horse back. To- 
ward the close of his pastorate there was a strong demand for 
English preaching, and Rev. Henry Gathers was asked to assist 
him from 1864 to 1866. Near the beginning of Rev. Young’s 
pastorate, June 24, 1840, Robert Orr deeded to Jacob Hetrick 
and Jacob Kammerdiener, trustees of the “United Evangelical 
German Lutheran and High German Reformed Church’’, a tract 
of five acres, to be used only for church and burial purposes. 
The consideration named was one dollar. A little log church 
was then built in the woods, near the entrance to the cemetery, 
and the Reedy congregation moved to their new house of wor- 
ship in 1840. This church was plain and unpretentious; for a 
pulpit the pastor had a rough table; for pews the congregation 
had planks laid on large wooden blocks; but it served the people 
as a house of prayer for thirty years. Rev. C. A. Fetzer sup- 
plied the congregation for a few months after the resignation of 
Pastor Young; and then the attention of Rev. Michael Schwei- 
gert was directed to the field. He ministered to the people from 
November 14, 1869, to November 15, 1880, during which time 
the congregation again changed its place of worship and took a 
new lease on life. For a consideration of ten dollars, Jacob 
Kammerdiener deeded an acre of ground to the congregation 
for building purposes, August 27, 1870, and on this a frame 
church, 30x40, was erected at a cost of $1,600. The corner stone 
was laid, July 14, 1870, and the completed church dedicated, 
October 23, 1870. Rev. Michael Schweigert preached in Ger- 
man, and Doctor Henry W. Roth in English, at the dedication 
service. The congregation developed rapidly under the new 
conditions, increasing from 25 to 73 members in two years. The 
third church was built during the pastorate of Rev. John M. 
Axe. The corner stone of this church was laid, September 23, 


360 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


1906, and the dedication took place in the presence of a great 
throng, June 16, 1907. It was built of frame, well finished and 
furnished, at a cost of $5,000. The following pastors have 
served Jerusalem Church: Rev. G. A. Reichert, 1833-1837; 
Rev. John George Young (occasional supply), 1838-1840; Rev. 
John George Young, 1840-1867; Rev. Henry Gathers (assistant 
English pastor), 1864-1806; Rev. C. A. Fetzer (supply), 1868; 
Rev. Michael Schweigert, 1869-1880; Rev. J. H. Kline, 1880- 
1883; Rev. J. N. Wetzler, Ph.D., 1884-1889; Rev. A. H. Kin= 
nard, 1890-1893; Rev. H. Ruphoff, 1894-1895; Rev. Carl J. 
Streich, 1896-1901; Rev. A. F. Schaeffer, 1902-1903; Rev. J. M. 
Axe, 1904-1921; Rev. William Weicksel (supply), 1921-1922; 
Rev. W. L. Price, 1922-. 


TRINITY BVANGELICATALUTHERAN CHURCH 
FREE P@R TE? PA: 


Freeport is one of the oldest towns in Armstrong County, 
having been laid out as Toddstown by David and William Todd 
in 1796. Slow in its first growth, it developed rapidly as a town 
after the construction of the Pennsylvania Canal in 1828. The 
first Lutherans of this vicinity were country people, who at- 
tended church services at Fiseman’s. The first Lutheran pas- 
tor to visit the town, so far as can be learned, was Rev. G. A. 
Reichert, who baptized a son of Joseph and Elizabeth Schub, 
August 29, 1830, but conducted no public service. In 1833, Rev. 
John Heinrich Hohnholz, a licentiate of the Ohio Synod, began 
to preach in the school house. He probably organized the con- 
gregation in 1833, for it united with three other congregations in 
petitioning the Ohio Synod in 1834 that he might continue to be 
their pastor. Two of the four congregations, served by him in 
1834, were Freeport and Eiseman’s. His license was withdrawn 
in 1835. Rev. G. A. Reichert succeeded him in 1836, and 
preached his last sermon in the old school house, December 31, 
1837. The next pastor was Rev. John Herman Bernheim, who 
entered the field in 1838, and reorganized the church in the 
spring of 1841. The first class of catechumens, confirmed at 
the time of the reorganization, consisted of George Otterman, 
Leopold Smith, Peter Sherer, James Young, William Long, 
Jacob Klingensmith, Frances Felbut, Elizabeth Sherer, Susanna 
Spangler, Rosina Blau, Eliza Cunningham, Mary Ann Long, 
Polly Sherer, Catherine Smith, Mary Smith, and Charles Hel- 
ferich. This pastor was quite popular in Freeport, preaching to 
large audiences until the time of his retirement in 1844. Rev. 
George B. Holmes was given an ad interim license by the presi- 
dent of the Ohio Synod, December 1, 1844, in order to serve 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 361 


Freeport and the neighboring congregations. St. John’s Church 
participated in the organization of the Pittsburgh Synod, Jan- 
uary 15, 1845, through her lay delegate, Joseph Shoop, but Pas- 
tor Holmes was not received until 1846. In 1848 the old Baptist 
Church was bought for $400; but this building proved unsatis- 
factory, and a good frame church was built at a cost of $2,100, 
and dedicated by Pastor J. H. Brown, October 26, 1862, Rev. 
Lewis M. Kuhns delivering the sermon. This property was ex- 
tensively reparied in 1902, at a cost of $2,500, but served the 
congregation through many years. Under the leadership of 
Pastor Brown the congregation was greatly prospered, and the 
new church.was scarcely large enough to accommodate the peo- 
ple on communion occasions. The following pastors ministered 
in St. John’s before the outbreak of the synodical controversy : 
Rev. J. H. Hohnholz, 1833-1835; Rev. G. A. Reichert, 1836- 
1837; Rev. J. H. Bernheim, 1838-1844; Rev. G. B. Holmes, 
1844-1848; Rev. G. F. Ehrenfeld, 1848-1851; Rev. Lewis M. 
Kuhns, 1852-1856; Rev. J. H. Wright, 1856-1861; Rev. J. H. 
Brown, 1861-1865. 


The pastor during the division was Rev. J. K. Melhorn, 
whose pastorate extended from July 1, 13Go ato pribie yl 8/1. 
The congregation had 140 members in 1867, and was about 
equally divided in the support of the General Synod and General 
Council, while the pastor was a staunch adherent of the latter 
body. A congregational meeting was held, February 8, 1868, 
“for the purpose of adopting a form of charter and taking the 
initiatory steps for the incorporation of the church”. The Gen- 
eral Synod party objected to the General Council basis of incor- 
poration, and withdrew from the meeting in a body. For the 
next few months confusion reigned, and the bitterest of feelings 
developed on both sides, both parties claiming to be the true St. 
John’s. A climax was reached, November 15, 1868, when the 
pastor and his adherents expelled sixty-nine persons, who were 
the recognized supporters of the General Synod. Their expul- 
sion was not unexpected, for they had already formed a separate 
congregation, and were being regularly supplied by Rev. H. H. 
Hall of Leechburg. Pastor Hall ministered to the General 
Synod congregation from October 1, 1868, to April 1, 1870, 
holding the services in the U. P. Church. For the next five 
years they had neither church nor pastor, holding services in 
some convenient place when fortunate enough to secure a supply. 
In the meantime suit was brought against the General Council 
congregation for possession of the property; but the decision of 
the master in evidence, rendered in August, 1876, was in favor 
of the defendants. The decision awarded the right to the name 
Lutheran to both congregations, but gave the name and property 


362 HISTORY: OF “Poh PIT ES BURGH SYNOD 


of St. John’s Church to the party which had remained in 
possession. ‘The General Synod congregation then bought a lot 
on Buffalo street, and built a frame church costing $4,000. ‘This 
church was dedicated by Pastor D. R. P. Barry, September 30, 
1877, as “Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church”. Doctor F. 
We Conrady: Doctors}, W.eschwartz, and JRev. sAuggoel mee 
assisted the pastor on this occasion. Out in the country a similar 
division occurred in St. Matthew’s Church. The General Synod 
adherents withdrew in a body, formed another St. Matthew’s, 
and worshipped in the Shrader’s Grove Presbyterian Church; 
but eventually the congregation disbanded, and the greater part 
of the members united with Emmanuel Church. From 1868 to 
1919 Emmanuel Church gradually developed from 69 to 191 
members, being served by the following pastors: Rev. H. H. 
Hall, 1868-1870; Supplies, 1870-1875; Rev. D. R. P. Barry, 
1875-1880; Rev. Max Lentz, 1881; Rev. A. C. Felker, 1881- 
1882; Rev. Isaiah Irvine, 1882-1885; Rev. Luther M. Kuhns, 
1886-1887; Rev. J. W. Breitenbach, 1887-1888; Rev. J. E. F. 
Hassinger, 1889-1893; Rev. H. C. Reller, 1893-1901; Rev. John 
H. Diehl, 1901-1902; Rev. H. C. Erdman, 1902-1904; Rev. H. 
B. Ernsberger, 1905-1907; Rev. John G. Koser, 1908-1911; 
Rev. H.S. Garnes, (V1 17-1912) Rev" JP We shearer 1012319 1Ge 
Supplies, 1916-1918; Rev. Daniel Ketterman, 1918-1919. 


In the meantime the St. John’s congregation continued to 
worship in the old Fourth street church. Its development was 
slow, largely because it was always associated with two or three 
other churches, and the pastors could not give it the time and 
attention needed. In 1919 it could report only sixty-five mem- 
bers. The pastors of St. John’s during this time were: Rev. 
J. K. Melhorn, 1865-1871; Rev. J. H. A. Kitzmiller, 1871-1881 ; 
Rev. H. K. Shanor, 1882-1888; Rev. J. K. Melhorn (second 
term), 1889-1895; Rev. W. O. Laub, 1896-1904; Rev. Charles 
FE. Dozer, 1905-1908; Rev. R. W. Yeany, 1908-1910; Rev. Her- 
bert Martens, 1911-1918. Another congregation of the Pitts- 
burgh Synod, occupying this field at the time of the synodical 
merger, was the Zion German Church. This congregation was 
incorporated, April 23, 1862, on petition of Rev. G. A. Reichert, 
George Eppler, David Kraft, John Mangold, and George Pfaff. 
A small church was built in 1861, and used as a place of wor- 
ship until the time of the congregational merger, when it was 
sold for $2,800, and the net proceeds placed in the building 
fund of Trinity Church. The following pastors served this 
German Church: Rev. G. A. Reichert, 1861-1875; Rev. C. F. 
Tiemann, 1880-1883; Rev. J. G. Amschler, 1883-1886; Rev. 
Martin Gaudian, 1886-1889; Rev. A. E. R. Collman, 1890; Rev. 
Robert Barner, 1890-1904; Supplies, 1904-1907; Rev. H. P. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 363 


Hansen, 1907-1910; Rev. Johannes Burgdorf, 1910-1919. When 
the plans for the reuniting of the two Pittsburgh Synods had 
fully matured, there was much speculation among the Lutherans 
of Freeport as to how this merger would affect them. The 
credit for uniting the three Lutheran congregations of Freeport 
belongs chiefly to Rev. Daniel Ketterman. He invited, and con- 
tinued to invite, the members of the other Lutheran congrega- 
tions to worship with his congregation in Emmanuel Church, 
until his invitations were accepted, and a union communion serv- 
Teceueldaw price 1919 -attendedsbya 220 seutheransm alosmake 
the work of merger easier he resigned his parish, May 1, 1919, 
after which the three congregations united in extending a call to 
Rev. H. A. Rinard. A new constitution was adopted, February 
15, 1920, when the present name was assumed. ‘The first officers 
of the consolidated church were H. C. Brenneman, J. H. Ash- 
baugh, R. H. McGraw, Autis Nolf, E. L. McGraw, Francis 
Laube, Robert O’Brien, C. E. Hoak, Ralph Myers, and Ray- 
mond Otterman. A new charter was secured, September 10, 
1920. As soon as the members had adjusted themselves to the 
new conditions, steps were taken to build a new church. The 
old St. John’s Church was sold for $7,000, and property adjoin- 
ing Emmanuel Church secured for $9,500, preparing the way 
for advancement. A contract for the building of a new stone 
church was let, December 9, 1925. The pastors of Trinity were: 
Rev. H. A. Rinard, 1919-1920; Rev. H. B. Ernest, 1921-1922; 
Rev. S. G. Dornblaser, D.D., 1922-. 


LVANGIRICALDTLURHERA Na CHURCH 
Sie hWIN GORCELUIRCG Hesse Ac 


The beginnings of this church are traceable to 1839, when 
Presbyterians, Reformed, and Lutherans bought several acres of 
ground for church and burial purposes at nominal cost. This 
land was conveyed to trustees of the three churches, Jacob 
Miller acting for the Lutherans. It is now the cemetery of the 
Presbyterians and Lutherans, the Reformed having been long 
since absorbed. A provisional organization of some kind may 
have been formed in 1839 to care for this property, but we have 
no record of regular Lutheran services here until August 22, 
1841, when Pastor Jacob Zimmerman took charge of “Boiling 
Springs” as one of his regular appointments. It was his custom 
to visit this community every four weeks, preaching in German 
and English on the same day. Sometimes the high waters of the 
Kiskiminetas broke his engagements. Pastor Zimmerman re- 
signed, July 15, 1849, and his successors for the next four years 
were the pastors of St. James Church. On May 17, 1851, the 


364 | HISTORY OF SPHESPITTSBURGH (SYNOD 


congregation was more fully organized by Pastor J. N. Burket, 
and a new constitution was signed by the following members : 


Andre, Peter Clark Saran Miller, Matthias 
Andre, Margaret Fennel, John Miller, Susan 
Anderson, Jacob Grim, Adam Miller, John 
Anderson, Jane Grim, Margaret Miller, Sarah (2) 
ment, George Hart, Jacob Ridenour, Sarah 
Artman, John Hart, Dorothea Ringle, Jacob 
Artman, Sarah Harty esaran Ringle, Mary 
Artman, Catherine Henry Hannah Ringle, Adam 
Becker, Eliza Jane Hive, Peter Ringle, Elizabeth 
Bolinger, Samuel Hive, Anna Maria Ringle, William 
Bolinger, Mary Kepple, Christian Ringle, Margaret 
Bowman, Samuel Kepple, Elizabeth Ringle, Samuel 
Bowman, Agnes Kepple, John Remaly, Ann 
Clark, John Kepple, Eliza Shaffer, Henry 
Clark, Henry Miller, Jacob Shaffer, Susanna 
Clark, Susan Miller, Sarah Starry, Deborah 


The first church was doubtless dedicated before August 22, 
1841, since no record of it is made in the faithfully-kept diary of 
Pastor Zimmerman, 1841-1849. Additional ground was bought 
by the Lutherans for $100, on which a frame church was built 
for $2,000, and dedicated by Pastor Michael Colver, October 
13, 1871. This building with some repairs has served the con- 
gregation for 53 years. An adjoining grove of maples is much 
admired, and serves many good purposes. This church suffered 
severely during the synodical controversy. Pastor John Welfley 
was compelled to resign because of his support of the General 
Council. At that time Apollo, Springs, and Maysville constituted 
a parish; later South Bend took the place of Apollo in the 
parish; in 1895 Maysville and South Bend withdrew and left 
Springs isolated. Pastor T. J. Frederick continued to reside 
near the church, however, and he supplied the church until it 
was given regular services by pastors of the Kiskiminetas Valley. 
The pastors were: Rev. Jacob Zimmerman, 1841-1849; Rev. 
John Rugan, 1849-1850; Rev. J. N. Burket, 1851-1853; Rev. 
David Fiarhart, 1854-1860; Rev. J. A. Delo, 1860-1864; Rev. 
John Welfley, 1864-1868; Rev. Michael Colver, 1868-1872; Sup- 
plies, 1872-1876; Rev. G. F. Schaeffer, 1876-1882; Rev. C. B. 
King, 1883-1890; Rev. T. J. Frederick, 1890-1911; Supplies, 
1911-1916 sRevii Vie relares Dee Cann hy ele oar 


EMMANUEL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
KITTANNING TWP., ARMSTRONG COUNTY, PA. 


This church is located on the Garrett Run road about four 
miles east of Manorville. It is commonly called Hileman’s after 
a well known family of the county. Peter and Elizabeth Hile- 
man came to this community about the year 1798, and their 
twelve children have become a host. For many years the Hile- 
mans and other Germans of this section attended services at 


HiclLORY OF “THE-PICTSBURGH 4sYNOD 365 


Rupp’s, not seeing the 
value of multiplying 
churches when _ pastors 
were scarce. Emmanuel 
Church was not organiz- 
ed until 1840, when Rev. 
John Herman Bernheim 
was in charge of the par- 
ish. A tract of land was 
donated by Peter Huile- 
man, on which a church 
was built in 1843, but the 
deed was not executed 
until March 20, 1846. 
The corner stone was 
laid; June 27, 1843, and 
the building dedicated by 
Pastor Bernheim, May 5, 
1844. At the time of the 
lavinowoi ytheryco.r i er 
stone certain regulations 
were adopted, in which the congregation assumed the name of 
“Emmanuel’s Church of the Evangelical Lutheran Congregation 
in Kittanning Township, Armstrong County, Pa.” One of these 
regulations was: “As long as there are six members of this con- 
gregation who do not understand English, German must be 
preached if possible’. At the first communion service in their 
church the following persons received the sacrament: 

































































Bernheim, Rev. J. H. Heilman, Sarah Muckenfus, Frederick 
Bernheim, Lizetta Heilman, Stephen Muckenfus, Mrs. F. 
Garver, Mary Heilman, Simon Richard, Joseph 
Heilman, Jacob Heilman, Lydia Richard, Mrs. Joseph 
Heilman, Mrs. Jacob Iseinan, Jacob Rupert, Charles 
Heilman, Frederick Iseman, Mrs. Jacob Reider, Dietterich 
Heilman, Mrs. Frederick Iseman, John Schrecongost, Isaac 
Heilman, Isaac Iseman, Elizabeth Shoop, John and wife 
Heilman, Mrs. Isaac Koch, John and wife Stitt, John 

Heilman, Martha Kunkel, M. Snyder, Elizabeth 
Heilman, Ann Kunkel, Mrs. M. Truby, Christian 


During the pastorate of Rev. Jacob Zimmerman, 1847-1858, 
the congregation developed into one of the strongest rural 
churches of the county, numbering 140 communing members. 
Services were held every four weeks, alternating between Ger- 
man and English. After the call of Pastor John A. Earnest in 
1859, all services were held in English. The present frame 
church was erected at a cost of $1,833, and dedicated by Pastor 
G.W. Leisher, October 19, 1879. The pastors were: Rev. J. H. 
Bernheim, 1840-1846; Rev. Jacob Zimmerman, 1847-1858; Rev. 
J. A. Earnest, 1859-1869; Rev. J. B. Miller, 1870-1871; Rev. 


366 HISTOR Y\OF YEH EGE WIPES BURGH Sy NOD 


A. S. Miller, 1872-1877; Rev. G. W. Leisher, 1877-1885; Rev. 
J. W. Tressler, 1886-1899; Rev. F. J. Matter, 1900-1909; Rev. . 
J. G. Langham, 1910-. 


THE HEBRON EVANGELICAL. LUTHERAN CHURCH 
PERG BU REP AS 


The beginnings of Lutheranism in this valley are traceable 
to 1796, when “Allegheny” was one of the preaching appoint- 
ments of Pastor J. M. Steck of Greensburg. These services were 
held in private homes for 
many years, and were 
probably not more fre- 


4 UE SNS 
EER 





e most part they were held 


i in the home of Jacob 

Klingenschmidt, about 
two miles from Leech- 
\ 


1 oS ED a © iT 
a pre eG Dl Mas Jee aS quent than three or four 
= VWdabcsess ce times sal lyearse or mene 













h burg. When the time 
aN came to build their first 
A C hac he ati aCremean 
ground was offered by 
Jacob Klingenschmidt, 
fal and a similar offer was 
made by Daniel Frantz. 























= They lutheran, andwewees 


o ONG ee pastors tried to 











the division thus 
created, but their failure 
led to the building of two 
rival churches about the year 1820. The first was known as the 
“Log Church’, and the second as “Brick Church”, but the con- 
gregation was named Salem. In the church record of Pastor 
J. M. Steck it is called ‘“Tishgiminegas”, but in the diary of 
Pastor G. A. Reichert it is called “Salem” or “Klingenschmidt’s.” 
The site for the brick church was deeded, July 4, 1817, the name 
Presbyterian being applied to the Reformed. It was roofed and 
floored at the time of dedication, but not furnished with seats 
until 1844, after which the divided congregation worshipped 
there in harmony. The last Reformed service was held in this 
building in 1852, the Reformed people being absorbed by the 
Lutherans. The burial ground was used as early as 1810. A 
permanent organization of the congregation was probably ef- 
fected, September 4, 1814, when a communion was held by Pas- 
tor John M. Steck, recorded in the Greensburg Church Book, 
that was attended by the following: 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 367 


Antoni, George Keppel, Elizabeth Klingenschmidt, Peter 
Antoni, Susanna Keppel, Margaret Klingenschmidt, Christina 
Alms, Christina Keppel, Philip Klingenschmidt, Samuel 
Baer, Anna Maria Keppel, Susanna Klingenschmidt, Katharina 
Bender, Elizabeth Keppel, Ludwig Klingenschmidt, John 
Erdmann, Sibilla Keppel, Christina Klingenschmidt, Susanna 
Eisamann, Christian Klein, Heinrich Mayer, Susanna 
Eisamann, Elizabeth Klein, Katharina Schuster, Peter 
Goehring, Anna Maria Klingenschmidt, Philip Schaffer, Jacob 

Gartner, Friedrich Klingenschmidt, Katharina Schaffer, Solomon 
Gartner, Elizabetha Klingenschimdt, Maria Schaffer, Barbara 

Heil, Magdalena Klingenschimdt, George Schaffer, Elizabeth 

Heil, Elizabeth Klingenschimdt, Sibilla Sober, George 

Heil, Susanna Klingenschmidt, Jacob Sober. Margaret 
Hethmoata Klingenschmidt, Elizabeth Speucher, Maria 


Klingenschmidt, Anna M. Yung, Elizabeth 


It is not likely that such a large communion service would 
have been conducted without a regular organization, and it may 
be reasonably assumed that Salem Church was organized then if 
not before. The first confirmation service of this congregation 
was conducted by Pastor John M. Steck, September 8, 1816, 
when twenty were confirmed. This also was recorded in the 
Greensburg Church Book. The oldest confirmation record of 
the Salem Church Book was dated, May 2, 1822, when thirty- 
one were confirmed. The baptismal records of the congregation 
begin with April 4, 1819. The records of the first two years are 
given in full, because the family names are still prominent in the 
Lutheran life of the Kiskiminetas Valley. 


CHILDREN PARENTS BIRTHDAY 
KeppelmeMarvarethais. ia) accent ck Jonannes ana” Kathaviniag cee ee Feb. 22, 1819 
Atras §GCOLe Cas ai eee ee tok \@eerin ayncl. Sirisesainey ole eid bo ees Apr. 25, 1819 
aac kam OSE Dinette te ea test otek IDyeyagtale nays: IMI; 2 ceank-s eve erecseecs doesent Mch. 18, 1819 
Miattlin vere Petnisee:.2e at ctunee ene. fohaan, Byetel UNSER IREN SINE), Seb aN olsen een Jane oy S19 
Kal earregme taut natal tame eee ease eas eee veieice JElevuaeeu@lal 2WaGl USEMBINEWAEAEY oy 5k cosscatrcxreono Apr. 30, 1819 
Antonmebliza pethawmeer satan mcs: ohantesmancm riz alee licen eee eee Jan. 9, 1819 
Uneerenr eGevr ve We ef aa eae Phil end “Susanna: etc ein tee Aug., 1819 
RaCtee ICAL Mo Ti fia geet Memes cto aches ohannesma nda \latiannee as serene re Sept. 21, 1819 
Schoener) olannesa tects seg i cute Hohannmand s\Vatoaret aes eee nen eer Nov. 3, 1819 
Kileimpmpcleinnichgom see tot) Reriibartecd nce liza lett: June 8, 1820 
Wan ome Wallliel ieee octet ecm cess Uovawiy GanGl MEW WARAEY cosh sedan ae ocdee nue June 2, 1820 
ScheanereVlatia wees. beets tee acobRarcdae Vian dee eeee a emer ee eee June 11, 1820 
Keppelee Lidiameiteas fh eon Soke bee GeorrevandsAnnas Mariam se ee Mch. 11, 1820 
Kangeenschmidty CCl i. eccrine VoOnannessan Ue OUSatin amet knee eee Mch. 17, 1820 
PL G1IS Sa 11 Made eee meee, ose MeN tes Petepe and wiltzanet ha sects: tc de July 24, 1820 
MSTILOTIU ME COG Cebete, vac miec cs taica eee nites Betersandelianameses see, wee sete ree en Aug. 12, 1820 
Biadclsts Danie ley easier 2 occa MichaelfandsSiusania sees eee June 27, 1820 
Gunipertaee annals Vania es meer (Gimiiigaeya, aeael Gyeceiaael 25 Sages. Apr 8.) 1821 
KepoelasViarcareciia peeerc sere Ehilrpmancikolsa ita see ee eee Aug. 18, 1821 
DiGraiaers tisaniaeeeeee. ese ee Michaci@andtewiteae == ee eee Feb. 19, 1819 
d Fabra Ke) shat 3 dete reese Eee are phen ae Jiohnwandwiter tic. 2 aes eee eee Jan. 28, 1816 
Erdmannqeenpra hate ste ek ee Johannesmands witches) were | eee eee Nov. 30, 1819 
Klingenschmidt, Katharina ..........0.00.... Samiuewand IS atAatiial ee ee ke a a Mch. 4, 1820 
Baer aacobt Peas Sa eee ranches aAcobmandmE lizabetiica assess meee ee nee Mch. 1, 1820 
Keppel Marcatetia gp ener rsee rs InrdiwicmandeChigistinager nee. Nov. 4, 1819 
Paasche OSC Rian Ag tn eae tet Josepiisandh Bizabethawd tasty a. Oct. 24, 1820 
Kimvenschimidt ee anielamn:4..crsaecs AGeOr ema nCetoi ill aparece sehen ee nn Decess10, 1820 


From 1796 to 1816 Rev. John M. Steck continued to make 
regular visits to the community; and it was to him that the 
fathers of the Leechburg Church looked for the ministry of 
word and sacrament. From 1817 to 1823 Rev. John Adam 
Mohler preached at Klingensmith’s, St. Michael’s, and the Forks ; 
and it is quite probable that he was the pastor here from 1817 


368 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


to 1823, since he was a licensed candidate of the Ohio Synod 
and a resident of Armstrong County during that period. His 
ministry was not very successful, since he was better adapted to 
teaching singing schools than preaching. From 1824 to 1834 
Rev. G. A. Reichert was pastor of Salem Church, preaching 
every four weeks in German. The only ministerial acts per- 
formed by this pastor in Leechburg, so far as his diary indi- 
cates, were private baptisms. When he retired from the field, 
Rev. Michael J. Steck, a son of the first pastor, took charge of 
the congregation, and served them every four weeks on Satur- 
days. This arrangement continued until the year 1841. At the 
beginning of his pastorate he was asked by the Lutherans of 
Leechburg to preach for them on Saturday afternoons, when he 
visited Salem Church. The request was granted, and services 
were held in a frame school house, north of where the M. E. 
Church now stands. 


1“When the weather was warm and the audience large, the 
services were held under the shade of a large hickory tree that 
stood about one hundred yards north of the school house. The 
first communion held in Leechburg by Rev. M. J. Steck, as re- 
corded in the Church Book of the Leechburg congregation, was 
September 28, 1833.” 


It will be noted that this service was conducted by Pastor 
Steck while Pastor Reichert was still in charge of Salem Church. 
In 1841 Pastor Steck resigned this part of his large parish, and 
Rev. Jacob Zimmerman preached his introductory sermon in 
Leechburg, July 24, 1841. The congregation was formally or- 
ganized by Pastor Jacob Zimmerman, July 17, 1842, when a 
Church Council, consisting of John Wannemal cee George Kep- 
pel, David Kuhns, and Jacob Hill, was elected. “Services were 
held every four weeks, but not well attended. On February 10, 
1844, much to his chagrin, the pastor found not a single member 
of the congregation present. He preached the last sermon of this 
pastorate, August 25, 1844. In October of the same year, a 
young licensed pastor of the East Ohio Synod, Rev. David 
Earhart, visited the congregation and was extended a call. His 
coming meant a new birth for the congregation. His intense 
pastoral visitation aroused the entire community, and the little 
school house soon proved too small for the large and increasing 
congregations. A congregational meeting was held, March 9, 
1845, at which it was determined to build a suitable church. ‘The 
building committee, consisting of Jacob Hill, David Kuhns, and 
Daniel Hill, let a contract to George Kline for $1,150. The 
corner stone was laid, September 7, 1845, and the church dedi- 


1—History of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Leechburg, Earhart, page 3. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 369 


cated by Rev. Michael J. Steck, May 30, 1847, during the fourth 
convention of the Pittsburgh Synod. The dedicatory sermon 
was preached by Rev. W. A. Passavant. This was the first 
church building erected in Leechburg, and was well adapted to 
the needs of the congregation. A charter was secured from the 
court of Armstrong County, June 22, 1848. A new constitution 
was adopted, March 8, 1848. During the pastorate of Rev. 
Earhart, 1844-1853, he baptized 128 children and admitted 174 
persons to communicant membership. Many of these accessions 
came from Salem Church, causing sharp antagonism between the 
two pastors. His annual compensation averaged between $300 
and $400. During 1853 and 1854 Rev. George F. Ehrenfeld 
served as supply pastor. Rev. John W. Cregelo was elected 
pastor, August 7, 1854, but died a few weeks after taking charge. 
The next pastor was Rev. Lewis Marchand Kuhns, a son of the 
congregation. and a tower of strength in Hebron. “He 
was first called as a supply pastor, in connection with his Free- 
Dott se arisn.. and, lJaterbecamerthe tesular pastor, THis ‘work 
was so successful as to call forth a high tribute from Doctor 
Passavant in “The Missionary” of October 14, 1858. His Leech- 
burg experiences are best expressed in his own words: 


“I may say that ten years of my labor there, from 1856 to 1866, were 
the most satisfactory and successful of my ministry. At one communion, 
I confirmed a class of fifty catechumens and received fourteen others. 
For over two years, without any special extraordinary services, we en- 
joyed a constant state of revival. I never before or since experienced 
anything like it. The Church and religion constituted the general theme 
of conversation throughout the community and the region round about. 
Leechburg at that time was only a small village of about three hundred 
inhabitants. The actual available membership of the church, when I 
took charge, was only sixty. It had been larger, but for various causes 
had become scattered. Five years later, at the breaking out of the war, 
the membership was about three hundred and fifty. About two miles 
from Leechburg was a congregation (Klingensmith’s), belonging to the 
Joint Synod of Ohio and served by Rev. Jacob Zimmerman. This had 
formerly been a large, strong congregation, but had now dwindled 
down to about fifty or sixty members. Many of these were dissatisfied 
and began to come over to us. At every communion there were acces- 
sions from these, until at length they disbanded, and all that were left, 
nineteen in number including the minister’s wife, came over to us in a 
body. My resignation of the Leechburg Church and removal to Ohio, 
in 1866, was wholly my own doing, without any cause whatever so far 
as the congregation was concerned, and it has ever since been a serious 
question with me whether it was not a mistake. I have often felt that 
I should have made the cultivation of that field my life’s work. I left 
there a membership of three hundred devoted friends, all peaceful and 
harmonious, without any discordant element whatever. Just before 
the death of my father, David Kuhns, which occurred in 1863, he do- 
nated to the church the two lots on which the present edifice stands, 
for the purpose of erecting thereon an academy, and on which there was 
subsequently put up a three-story brick building. We wanted this 


2—See Historical Collections of Pittsburgh Synod, Historical Society, Gettysburg. 


370 HISTORYSO—R THEE ELI SBURGH SYNOD 


property held under the same charter with the church, but found that 
this would require some change. Accordingly a committee, of which 
I was chairman, was appointed to make a general revision of the char- 
ter. When we came to the clause which requires the pastor to belong 
to some regularly organized synod, it was suggested that, as we were 
entirely satisfied with our connection with the General Synod, and as 
there were grounds for apprehension that efforts were being made to 
take the Pittsburgh Synod out, a clause be inserted to the effect that 
the pastor must belong to some synod in connection with the General 
Synod. This met with the full approval of the committee, and was 
unanimously adopted by the congregation in a meeting called for the 
purpose. When I resigned in 1866, I recommended Rev. Jonathan 
Sarver as my successor, having good reason, as I thought, to believe that 
he was in full accord with our General Synod connection.” 


Pastor Sarver, however, remained with the majority party 
of the Pittsburgh Synod, when it voted to unite with the General 
Council. When he learned that the charter of Hebron Church 
required its pastors to belong to some synod connected with the 
General Synod, a congregational meeting was called for the pur- 
pose of changing the charter. This meeting was held, March 5, 
1868, and resulted in a vote of 57 to 42 in favor of the change. 
From that time there was a sharp line drawn between friends of 
the General Synod and friends of the General Council in 
Hebron. Men prominent in church circles were called in by both 
parties, and sentiment was about evenly divided. A petition to 
the court for a change of charter was then circulated and signed; 
while those opposed prepared a remonstrance that had almost 
an equal number of signatures. When the matter was presented 
to court, Attorney Frank Mechling was appointed master of evi- 
dence. Doctor J. A. Brown, Rev. Lewis M: Kuhns, Rev. G. F. 
Ehrenfeld, and Rev. H. H. Hall were summoned as witnesses 
for the. General Synod;.Docter C.1P. Krauth, Doctors Wwe 
Passavant, Doctor Henry W. Roth, Doctor Samuel Laird, Rev. 
J. K. Melhorn, Rev. Gottlieb Bassler, and Rev. Jonathan Sarver 
were called as witnesses for the General Council. Leechburg 
laymen, called to testify on the case, were Peter Klingensmith, 
Jacob Keppel, Winchester Hill, J. A. Moorehead, John W. Hill, 
George J. Fry, John Hill, and George W. Lininger. %In the 
decision of the court, December 14, 1871, doctrinal questions 
were ignored, and the church property was given to the General 
Synod party on the ground of charter rights. An appeal to the 
supreme court, after much delay, resulted in sustaining the de- 
cision of the lower court. During all these trying years, Rev. 
Jonathan Sarver was pastor of the General Council congregation 
which worshipped in the church, and Rev. H. H. Hall was pastor 
of the General Synod congregation, which worshipped for a 
time in other churches and later in the academy. The pastorate 
of Rev. Hall continued from August 1, 1868, to April 1, 1870, 


3—For the complete testimony on this case, see Archives of the Pittsburgh Synod. 


HISTORY OF: THE PITTSBURGH’ SYNOD aAL 


when he was able to report a congregation of 141 members. The 
next three pastors were: Rev. F. T. Hoover, 1870-1881; Rev. 
Lewis Hay, 1881-1885; Rev. J. W. Poffinberger, 1885-1897. The 
twelve years of service given to Hebron Church by Pastor Poffin- 
berger deserve special notice. Under his leadership the member- 
ship was increased to 491, and the present church dedicated. The 
corner stone of this church was laid, October 20, 1887, no less 
than seven Lutheran pastors being present at the service. The 
church was built of brick and stone at a cost of $18,000, and 
dedicated free of debt, September 9, 1888. ‘The sermon was 
preached by Doctor W. H. Dunbar, and the service of dedica- 
tion read by Doctor EF. H. Dornblaser. During the year 1888 a 
brick parsonage was built on the lot adjoining the church, at a 
cost of $2,500. The next pastor was Rev. J. C. N. Park, during 
whose pastorate of two years there was much friction, resulting 
in the withdrawal of a number of members and the organization 
of Grace Church. A special meeting of the Pittsburgh Synod 
was held in Leechburg, June-26, 1900, in order to adjust the 
trouble. ‘The irenic spirit of the next pastor, Doctor George M. 
Heindel, did much to restore the former prosperity of the con- 
gregation. Doctor Blint took charge of the parish, November 9, 
1905, and, by a devotion rarely equalled, was able to build up a 
great congregation of 724 confirmed members. ‘The benevo- 
lences of Hebron Church under his leadership have been an in- 
spiration to the entire Pittsburgh Synod. The following is a 
consecutive list of the pastorates: Rev. Jacob Zimmerman, 1842- 
1844; Rev. David Earhart, 1844-1853; Rev. G. F. Ehrenfeld 
ESUPDLVY seLOQo7 Got se wevt | Wi Crevelo, 18547 eRev., IZ: MM 
Kuhns (supply), 1855-1856; Rev. L. M. Kuhns, 1856-1866; 
Rev. Jonathan Sarver, 1866-1868; Rev. H. H. Hall, 1868-1870; 
Rev. F. T. Hoover, 1870-1881; Rev. Lewis Hay, 1881-1885; 
Rev. J. W. Poffinberger, 1885-1897; Rev. J. C. N. Park, 1898- 
ae Rev. G. M. le nden DD ee190021905.4 Revs Heb Blint 
, 1905-. 


BETHEL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
BETHEL TOWNSHIP, ARMSTRONG COUNTY, PA 


The first Lutheran services of this community were held in 
the home of Mathias Wolf, September 14, 1833, by Rev. G. A. 
Reichert. These services were continued for three years, usually 
on Saturdays, but no attempt was made to organize a congrega- 
tion. When Rev. David Earhart became pastor of the Leech- 
burg Parish in 1844, he began to hold services in a school house. 
After these services had continued for some time, a congrega- 
tion of forty-nine members was organized, August 13, 1846. 
The officers chosen at the time of organization were: Joseph 


372 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 





e St Snyder and Samuel 
S tee Mansfield, elders; and 
i re i Peter Wareham and 





Pas ea os + Jacob Keffer, deacons. 

wi At a subsequent meeting 
it was decided to build a 
frame church, and Jacob 
Wolf, Samuel Mansfield, 
and Peter Wareham were 
selected as the building 
committee. A committee 
on location, consisting of 
Solomon King, Samuel 
Mansfield, Jacob Wolf, 
Samuel Bruner Sr., Lewis 
Orner, Mathias Wolf, 
and Porter Stewart, se- 
cured an acre of ground 
from Samuel Mansfield 
at a reasonable price, and 
the purchase was ap- 
proved by the congregation. ‘The corner stone of the church 
was laid, May 6, 1847, and the church dedicated, May 12, 1850, 
Rev. John B. Breckenridge delivering the chief address. <A 
charter was obtained from the court of Armstrong County, 
June 24, 1848. This charter gave the right to vote to male 
members only, but this objectionable feature was stricken out 
by an amendment, December 3, 1894. A constitution was 
adopted, April 17, 1848, which every member, received into the 
church for a number of years, was required to sign. On June 
27, 1851, the custom of renting pews in order to raise the pastor’s 
salary was adopted. On March 13, 1852, a church choir of 
eleven men was organized. Pastor Earhart preached his fare- 
well sermon, April 1, 1859, leaving a congregation of 140 com- 
municants. From April 9, 1859, to April 1, 1867, the church 
was under the pastoral care of Rev. J. H. Wright. During the 
synodical controversy the prevailing sentiment of the congrega- 
tion was favorable to the General Synod; and, although the 
other two churches of the parish voted to go into the General 
Council, Bethel Church took the following action: 





























“In as much as a part of the Pittsburgh Synod united to 
form the General Council, the Bethel Evangelical Lutheran 
Church does not approve of said act, and will remain in the 
General Synod”. 


From 1868 to 1870 the church was supplied with such serv- 
ices as Rev. Michael Colver, Rev. John A. Earnest, and Rev. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 373 


G. F. Ehrenfeld had time to give. The next regular pastor was 
Rev. J. B. Miller, who served them in connection with Hileman’s 
and Rupp’s. During the pastorate of Rev. G. W. Leisher a 
movement was started for the erection of a new church. The 
building committee for this second church consisted of S. B. 
Wolf, James Beatty Sr., William Heilman, John Wareham, and 
A. R. Wolf. The corner stone was laid, June 25, 1878, and the 
church dedicated, September 8, 1879. Pastors S$. B. Barnitz, 
G. F. Schaeffer, A. S. Miller, and Francis T. Hoover assisted 
Pastor Leisher on this occasion. The cost was $2,217, but 
considerable trouble was found in raising the money. In the 
summer of 1901 extensive repairs were made to the building, in 
which the women of Bethel had the chief part. In 1894 several 
acres of ground were bought from the heirs of Samuel Mans- 
field; and the cemetery was then enlarged and laid out after an 
approved plan. Bethel Church was connected with Rupp’s and 
Hileman’s in Kittanning Parish from 1870 to 1898, when it was 
made a part of Rockville Parish. For several years it was 
served in connection with Hyde Park. Since the year following 
the merger convention of the Pittsburgh Synod, it has been con- 
nected with Zion and St. Paul’s churches of Forks Parish. For 
a while the congregation owned a parsonage, but this was sold in 
1917. The following is a list of the pastors: Rev. David Ear- 
hart, 1846-1859; Rev. J. H. Wright, 1859-1867; Supplies, 1867- 
1870; Rev. J. B. Miller, 1870-1871; Rev. A. S. Miller, 1872-1877 ; 
Rev. G. W. Leisher, 1877-1885; Rev. J. W. Tressler, 1886-1899 ; 
Rev. J. E. F: Hassinger, 1899-1903; Rev. E. F. Dickey, 1903- 
1911; Rev. Elmer Kahl, 1912-1913; Rev. J. F. Booher, 1914- 
1918; Supplies, 1918-1920; Rev. Donald K. Fetterly, 1920-1925 ; 
Rev. G. J. Baisler, 1925-. 


pleVARKS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
1 BONA AN DALI Oy ey aN 


The pioneer work on behalf of the German settlers of this 
community was largely in the hands of pastors of the Reformed 
Church, and comparatively little is known of it. There is a tra- 
dition to the effect that a union church was organized by Rev. 
Jacob F. Dieffenbacher of the Reformed Church some time be- 
tween 1839 and 1842, but this has not been definitely established. 
It is known, however, that Pastor J. G. Young of the Lutheran 
Church organized a union church here in 1848. Through all the 
earlier years of their history these people were greatly neglected, 
and yet they remained true to their faith. Pastor Young min- 
istered to them in German with varying regularity, 1848-1864, 
but seems not to have regarded them as one of his regular con- 


374 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


UGA gregations. He held serv- 

os) ex } ices in different homes, 
Les ae Boag a but eee tae Otay: 
at a D. Smith. ommunion 

sie) S| = aS mi services were held occa- 
sionally in a barn about 
one and a half miles 
northwest of Eddyville. 
Catechetical classes were 
held in Foreman’s school 
house. A Sunday School 
was organized at an early 
date. Owing to the fact 
that the people were so 
widely scattered, two 
schools were held; the 
first in Foreman’s school 


ee house, superintended by 
ay 






















































































Archie Glenn; the second 

in Fleming’s school 

house, and later in Rum- 
baugh’s school house, superintended by a Mr. Fleming. When 
the congregation built their first church in 1865, the two schools 
were united. It was conducted as a union school until 1900, 
when it was reorganized on a Lutheran basis by Rev. Charles 
FE. Berkey. Among the earliest members of the church the fol- 
lowing family names are now recalled: Nulph, Beck, Doverspike, 
Long, Hollabach, Smith, Rugh, and Rumbaugh. Ground for the 
first church was secured from Reuben Hoffman, and was con- 
veyed to the trustees of the German Lutheran and Reformed 
congregations in September, 1866. The church was built in 
1865, but no record of its dedication has been preserved. This 
building was used by the two congregations until 1903, when the 
Lutherans withdrew and built a new church in Eddyville at a 
cost of $3,000. The corner stone was laid, June 18, 1902, and 
the church dedicated free of debt, June 7, 1903. Pastor Berkey 
was assisted by Rev. S. D. Daugherty and Rev. Wilson Selner 
in the service of dedication. The following pastors have served 
in St. Mark’s: Rev. J. G. Young, 1848-1864; Rev. Henry 
Gathers, 1864-1868; Rev. C. A. Fetzer, 1868-1871; Rev. W. E. 
Crebs, 1871-1873; Rev. David Townsend, 1873-1875; Rev. Wil- 
son Selner, 1875-1881; Rev. FE. A. Best, 1883-1886; Vacant, 
1886-1890; Rev. A. H. Kinnard, 1890-1893; Rev. W. J. Bucher, 
1893-1897; Rev. F. J. Matter, 1897-1900; Rev. C. E. Berkey, 
1900-1903; Rev. W. B. Claney, 1903-1907; Rev. H. C. Salem, 
1907-1909; Rev. W. E. Sunday, 1911-1915; Rev. E. N. Fry, 
1915-1917; Rev. C. L. Quinn, 1917-1919; Rev. J. M. Axe, 1920- 
1921; Rev. C. S. Brewer, 1921-1926. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 375 


EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
WORTHINGTON, PA. | 


The establishment of this church was chiefly due, under 
God, to Mr. and Mrs. Peter Graff. When Mr. Graff removed 
from Pittsburgh to Worthington to engage in the iron business 
in 1845, he found no 
church of any kind near- 5G 
er than Kittanning. At ps : Ne 
once he organized a Sun- See 
day School in a wagon poo oe: 
maker’s shop. It was a 
bold venture for those 
days, since nothing of 
the kind had ever been 
known in the commun- 
ity; but every Saturday 
the shop was. cleaned, 
and every Sunday the 
children assembled for 
iistcUCction, welna ay Short 
time the need of preach- 
ing was felt, and Rev. G. 


F. Ehrenfeld consented in aaa Si 









































to minister to them in 
1846, holding the serv- 
ices in a small house on 
the furnace property known as Furnace Chapel. In this build- 
ing a congregation was organized by Pastor Ehrenfeld in 1847, 
with the following members: 


Blain, William Hutley, George Porterfield, Nancy 
Barrmamesysnr Mechling, Jacob Prunkard, John 
Barr, John Mechling, Barbara Prunkard, Barbara 
Barr, Susan Mechling, Mary C. Reges, Francis 
Graff, Peter Porterfield, John Reges, Sydney 
Graff, Susan Porterfield, Elizabeth Schantz, John 


In a short time the chapel was too small for the attendance, 
and a lot was purchased in Worthington, on which a good brick 
church was erected. It was 42x52 feet in size and surmounted 
by a steeple, in whose belfry was mounted the first church bell 
used in this section of the country. A few years later a frame 
chapel was erected for the use of the Sunday School. These 
buildings were used until 1888, when the church was torn down 
and a larger one built in its place. The entire cost of this third 
church was $10,081. It was dedicated by Doctor J. W. Schwartz, 
February 17, 1889, Rev. Eli Miller preaching the sermon for 
the occasion. In 1892 the frame chapel was replaced by the 
Graff Memorial Chapel, erected by the Graff family in memory 


376 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


of Peter Graff. Mr. Graff was the beloved elder of the congre- 
gation from the time of organization to the day of his death in 
1890, rendering a service that the community can never forget. 
This chapel was dedicated by Doctor Schwartz, January 22, 1893. 
The congregation enjoyed a rich degree of prosperity from the 
beginning. The strong spiritual life of her first elder was felt 
in every home. Under the strong leadership of Pastor Schwartz, 
the congregation grew in membership until it numbered 250 
communicants. ‘The benevolent spirit of the Graff family was 
an inspiration to the entire congregation. Although many of the 
young people removed to the cities and towns, large accessions 
served to balance the losses and maintain the strength of the 
church. The Woman’s Home and Foreign Missionary Society, 
one of the first of its kind in the Pittsburgh Synod, was organ- 
ized in 1855. In 1882 a frame house was bought for a parson- 
age, but another and better was secured in 1924 from Peter Graff, 
III. In 1883 the church was incorporated. In 1894 Hon. E. D. 
Graff purchased a lot adjoining the church, containing about two 
acres, improved with a substantial dwelling, which he presented 
to the congregation. In 1891 the church was made residuary 
legatee of the estate of Regina Erstman and received $2,000. In 
1897 Mrs. Susan Graff left a bequest of $3,000. Both legacies 
were applied to a permanent endowment fund. One of the out- 
standing features of the history of this church was the pastorate 
of Doctor Schwartz. He became pastor of the congregation, 
June 1, 1867, but retained his membership in the Alleghany Synod 
until after the Greenville Convention, when he joined the Pitts- 
burgh Synod of the General Synod. He was present at Green- 
ville, and presented the benevolent contributions of the Worthing- 
ton Parish. In one sense he was a member of the General 
Synod forces at Greenville; in another sense he was not. He 
served this congregation as pastor and pastor emeritus from 
June 1, 1867, to May 23, 1919, when he was summoned to his 
reward. His name is a household word throughout this section 
of Armstrong County. The following pastors have served here: 
Rev. G. F. Ehrenfeld, 1847-1848; Rev. A. C. Ehrenfeld, 1848- 
1858; Rev. Frederick Ruthrauff, 1858-1859; Rev. Charles Wit- 
mer, 1859-1863; Rev. H. J. H. Lemcke, 1863-1866; Rev. J. W. 
Schwartz, D.D., 1867-1916; Rev. J. W. Schwartz, D.D., (Pastor 
Emeritus), 1916-1919; Rev. A. W. Smith, 1917-1919; Rev. P. 
T. E. Stockslager, 1920-1924; Rev. R. L. Yund, 1924-. 


SL SOE NSE VAN GHTICATA OU GEL RIAN GH UR Gia 
KITTANNING TWP., ARMSTRONG COUNTY, PA. 


This church is located in Kittanning Township, about two 
and and.a half miles south of Emmanuel Church. Henry Esen- 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 377 


see, a brother of Rev. John Esensee, began to preach in private 
homes in this community about the year 1843. When he organ- 
ized the congregation is not clear. In 1845 he was pastor of 
Forks, Little Germany, and Sarver congregations. ‘The name of 
St. John’s Church does not appear on the records of the Pitts- 
burgh Synod until 1848, so that the congregation was probably 
organized during that year. The first church building was 
erected in 1850 on land secured from John Schott Jr., for which 
reason it has been commonly known as Schott’s Church. The 
corner stone was laid by Pastor Henry Esensee, June 6, 1850, 
when the address was made by Rev. Jacob Zimmerman. When 
Rev. Esensee was deposed from the ministry in 1851, Rev. 
Michael Schweigert took up his unfinished task and dedicated 
the completed church, November 8, 1856. It was a rough frame 
church with few conveniences, 29x32, with an old fashioned high 
pulpit in one corner. From 1852 to 1867 the church was served 
by Pastors Michael Schweigert, David Earhart, George. F 
Ehrenfeld, and J. H. Wright. In 1867 the large parish of six 
churches served by Pastor J. H. Wright was divided, leaving the 
Crooked Creek Parish, composed of St. Michael’s, Bethel, and 
St. John’s churches, without a pastor. Both General Synod 
and General Council pastors were anxious to secure this fine 
parish. St. Michael’s Church favored the General Council, but 
Bethel and St. John’s favored the General Synod. Bethel with- 
drew from the parish in order to secure the services of a General 
Synod pastor, but St. John’s remained with St. Michael’s, and 
was served by Pastors Jonathan Sarver, Philip Doerr, and W. 
A. C. Mueller until 1880, when a dispute arose, and the officers 
of the congregation locked the church doors against Pastor 
Mueller and invited Rev. G. W. Leisher of Kittanning Parish 
to supply them. In 1881 St. John’s united with St. Thomas and 
Mt. Union to form the Elderton Parish, and extended a call to 
Rev. R. B. Starks, who assumed charge, August 20, 1881. The 
salary was only $400 a year, but the donations of the people were 
so generous that the pastor never suffered want. Rev. Starks 
says of his pastorate here: 


“They were among the kindest and most considerate people 
that I ever served. The salary was small, but the donations were 
so liberal that we never lacked any good thing. I had to be away 
from home a great deal over night, and I was always sure of a 
warm place to sleep, for there was generally a bed or two in’ 
every sitting room, and it was usually my lot to occupy one of 
these, warmed by a huge grate of coal fire. .Some of their 
homes were lighted by a tallow dip, others by lamps held in place 
by a chain fastened in some corner. The people were noted for 
their hospitality. I can still remember their well laden tables. 


378 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


There was no Sunday School in St. John’s when we took charge, 
but a great many children and young people. One of the first 
things we did was to organize a catechetical class, and nearly 
all the young people of the community attended it. As we had 
supplied ourselves with the General Synod books of worship, we 
combined the learning of the new tunes and catechetical instruc- 
tion. All were enthusiastic, and when confirmation day came 
about forty were added to the church. It was the custom for 
each one who was confirmed to give the pastor one dollar on the 
day before confirmation, and, as each one paid in silver, I had 
quite a precious burden to carry home. ‘The Lord was with me 
in all this, and it is with the tenderest recollections that I recail 
these events”’. 


At a congregational meeting, April 16, 1881, the church de- 
cided by a vote of 17 to 5 to unite with the Pittsburgh Synod of 
the General Synod. This was a small vote, however, and the 
minority was not satished. One Wecember 22 gi ooo dieaenees 
ment was made between Pastor Starks, representing the General 
Synod, and Pastor Earhart, representing the General Council, 
that the church should be used by both parties on alternate Sun- 
days. This agreement read as follows: 


“1. That both congregations, conjointly, bear the expense 
of keeping the church in order, except that each congregation 
bear the expense of its own fuel and light. 


2. That the communions of both congregations be held 
together. 


3. That the Sabbath Schools be united, and that the prin- 
ciple officers be elected from each school, and that the teachers | 
be chosen according to their judgment. 


4. That the membership of both congregations be request- 
ed to cooperate as far as practical in the music of the church. 


5. ‘That the trustees of both congregations be a committee 
to arrange for and make such improvements as are deemed 
necessary by the congregations conjointly”. 


There was more or less contention over this agreement by 
the two parties concerned; and the General Synod party finally 
rescinded it, August 11, 1889, and locked the General Council 
party out of the church. The latter then appealed their case to 
the civil court. On January 16, 1890, a summons in equity was 
served upon the pastor and officers of the General Synod con- 
gsregation by the sheriff. Jonas S$. Hankey represented the 
plaintiffs, and Rev. S. V. Dye, Jackson Heffelfinger, Simon 
Schaeffer, Andrew Iseman, Reuben Heilman, David Boarts, and 


HISTORY. OF THE PIersSBURGH SYNOD 379 


Lewis Heilman, the defendants. Joseph Buffington was ap- 
pointed master in evidence, whose findings were confirmed by 
Judge Rayburn, August 1, 1892, giving the property to the 
plaintiffs. The General Synod congregation was permitted to 
hold services in the church for a limited time because of their 
part in its erection, and their last service in St. John’s Church 
was conducted by Rev. S$: V. Dye, April 9, 1893. The General 
Synod people then transferred their place of meeting to Rock- 
ville and organized: St. Matthew’s Church. During the pastorate 
of Rev. D. D. Miller, St. John’s Church recovered a measure of 
her former strength; but the location midway between St. 
Michael’s and St. Matthew’s was not advantageous, and only 
fifty members were reported in 1920, when St. Michael’s, St. 
Matthew’s, and St. John’s united to form one parish. The 
present church building was erected before the division. A new 
site, containing one acre and fourteen perches, was acquired 
from Jacob Waltenbaugh, September 28, 1877, on which a frame 
church, 40x65, was erected and dedicated. The following is a 
list of the pastors: Rev. Henry Esensee, 1848-1851; Rev. 
Michael Schweigert, 1852-1858; Rev. David Earhart (supply), 
1858 ;; Rev. G. FY Ehrenteld, 1859-1865; Rev. J; H. Wright, 
1865-1867 ; Rev. Jonathan Sarver, 1868-1872; Rev. Philip Doerr, 
1673-18777 Reve W..-A, ©)’ Mueller, 1878-1880; “Rev. G. W. 
Leisher (supply), 1880-1881; Rev. R. B. Starks, 1881-1885; 
Rev. David Earhart (G.C.), 1883-1887; Rev. Samuel Krider 
(G.S.), 1886-1889; Rev. R. G. Rosenbaum (G.C.), 1887-1892 ; 
Rey. J. W. Tressler (supply for G.S.), 1889; Rev. S. V. Dye 
(G. S.), 1890-1893; Rev. D. D. Miller, 1892-1901; Rev. Wilson 
Weisley,71902-19105 Revs, J. -N--Wetzler, -Ph.D., 1911-1918 Rev. 
R. W. Yeany, 1918-1920; Rev. G. W. W. Amick, 1921-. 


EVEANGELICAT PUTTER AN CHORCH 
MAYSVILLE, PA. 


For a number of years the Lutheran families of this com- 
munity attended services in St. James of Westmoreland County. 
Many old grave stones, bearing the names of prominent families 
of Maysville Church, are found in the St. James burial ground. 
When regular Lutheran services were started at Springs Church 
in 1841, Maysville Lutherans found this a more convenient place 
of worship. Maysville Church was organized by Rev. J. N. 
Burket, March 12, 1853. Nearly if not all of the nineteen 
original members were communicants of Springs Church; but to 
this number twelve others were soon added. It was a timely 
organization, for there was not another church of any kind for 
miles around, and the congregation prospered from the _ be- 


380 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


ginning. Pastor Burket resigned soon after the organization, 
but the people proceeded with the work of building a church 
that was dedicated by Pastor David Earhart in the fall of 1853. 
The second church was erected during the pastorate of Rev. C. 
B. King, and dedicated, December 2, 1886. It was a commodious 
frame church that cost $2,247. At the beginning this church was 
connected with St. James and Springs Church; for a long time 
it was a part of Apollo Parish; from 1890 to 1895 it was con- 
nected with South Bend and Springs Church; since 1895 it has 
been a part of Avonmore Parish, receiving regular services every 
Sunday afternoon. During the synodical controversy a large 
minority was in favor of the General Council, and public dis- 
cussions on the question at issue were held in the church, at 
which representatives of both General Synod and General 
Council were heard. When a majority decided in favor of the 
General Synod, a number of members withdrew and attended 
Services at. st.. James. ‘In’the: courserof time; howevet,.all these 
families returned to the fellowship of Maysville Church. The 
following pastors have served here: Rev. J. N. Burket, 1853; 
Rey. David Earhart, 1853-1860; Rev. J. A. Delo, 1860-1864; 
Rev. John Welfley, 1864-1868; Rev. Michael Colver, 1869; Rev. 
A. W. McCullough, 1870-1872; Rev. J. F. Cressler, 1872-1875 ; 
Rev. G. F. Schaeffer, 1876-1882; Rev. C. B. King, 1883-1890; 
Rev. T. J. Frederick, 1890-1895; Rev. E. B. Burgess, 1895; 
Rey. C. F. Sanders, 1895-1898; Rev. Wilmer A. Hartman, 1898- 
1899; Rev. J. C. Nicholas, 1900-1901; Rev. M. S. Kemp, 1902- 
1905; Rev. F. A. Hightman, 1905-1908; Rev. M. R. Hamsher, 
1908-1910; Rev. H. C. Stuckenberg, 1910-1912; Rev. W. A. 
Logan, 1913-1914; Rev. C. E. Liebegott, 1915-1917; Rev. R. N. 
Stumpf, 1917-1920; Rev. E. B. Boyer, 1920-. 


EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
PUEASAN LU NI@NiePA: 


Although a number of the early settlers in this section of 
Armstrong County were Germans of Lutheran faith, they were 
so widely scattered that the pioneer pastors found it difficult to 
organize them into efficient congregations. From 1828 to 1836 
Rev. G. A. Reichert ministered to them, holding his first services 
at the home of Jacob Beck in Wayne Township. At a com- 
munion service held in this home, March 6, 1830, members of 
the Schrecengost, Rupp, Turney, Thomas, and Hetrick families 
participated, indicating that it was the most convenient place for 
them to receive the sacrament. On December 22, 1832, this 
congregation divided into two bands, one meeting at Bernard 
Reedy’s, and the other at the Patterson school house, At a com- 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 381 


munion service conducted by Pastor G. A. Reichert in the latter 
place, December 28, 1833, the following persons participated : 


Krevener, George Ohlinger, John Schrecengost, Peter 
Krevener, Regina Schrécengost, Martin Schrecengost, Polly 
Leonard, Heinrich Schrecengost, Christina Thomas, Jonathan 
McElvain, Esther Schrecengost, John Turney, Maria 


The leader of this little band seems to have been Martin 
Schrecengost, in whose barn Pastor Reichert began to hold serv- 
ices, April 19, 1834, continuing the same with varying regularity 
until 1836. After the departure of Pastor Reichert, such serv- 
ices as the Lutherans of the community enjoyed were held either 
at Martin Schrecengost’s or at the Schaum school house. The 
greater part of the German families of this vicinity, however, 
were members of the Reformed Church, and some‘of the mem- 
bers of Pastor Reichert’s little flock went with them. Rev. 
Jacob Zimmerman held a service in Martin Schrecengost’s barn, 
August 5, 1843, but no Lutheran organization developed. In 
1850 a Reformed congregation was organized by Rev. Frederick 
Wise. In 1856 this congregation undertook the erection of a new 
church, but divided on the question of location. Rev. Wise 
handled the situation in such a partisan manner that a portion 
of the congregation withdrew, built a church at the cross-roads, 
and called Lutheran pastors to assist them when Rev. Wise re- 
fused. The corner stone of this church was laid by Rev. G. A. 
Reichert and Rev. Michael Schweigert, October 12, 1857, the 
former preaching in German and the latter in English. The 
church was dedicated by the same pastors, January 10, 1858. It 
was built on lands of Benjamin Geiger and Jacob Turney, where 
the Clarion and Franklin roads cross, and for that reason has 
been known locally as the ‘‘Cross-roads Church’. The church 
ground contains one acre and one hundred and forty-three 
perches, and was regularly conveyed at a later date by the 
children of the donors. The church was built of frame, 36x46, 
with a single aisle and a high pulpit. For several years the light 
for evening services was furnished by tallow dips, placed 
on the pulpit and around the walls, but these were soon re- 
placed by oil lamps. After the dedication, at the suggestion of 
Pastor Schweigert, the congregation was reorganized as an 
Evangelical Lutheran Church. The first Lutheran confirmation 
service was conducted by Pastor Schweigert, May 16, 1858, 
when five young people were confirmed, and the sacrament was 
administered to the following communicants : 


Beck, Elizabeth Hetrick, Lovina Schrecengost, Martin 
Bittinger, Sarah Huber, Susanna Schrecengost, Christina 
Geiger, Benjamin Keifer, Joseph Schrecengost, John Sr. 
Geiger, Esther Keifer, Susanna Schrecengost, Sarah (2) 
Geiger, Henry Ruppapouny tes: Schrecengost, see ye 
Geiger, Lucinda Rupp, Susanna Schrecengost, Mrs. W. T. 
Geiger, Philip Rupp, Jacob S. Schrecengost, C. O 


Hetrick, John Rupp, Mary A. Schrecengost, Mrs. C. O. 


382 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


Schrecengost, Elias Stoops, Margaret Turney, Anna Mary 
Schrecengost, Sarah Thomas, Jonathan Uplinger, Daniel 
Schrecengost, Levi Troutman, Philip Uplinger, Sarah 
Schrecengost, Violet Troutman, Charlotte Wyant, William 
Steffey, Stephen Troutman, John 

Stoops, Samuel Troutman, Anna Eva 


The first Lutheran Church Council consisted of John 
Schrecengost Sr., Benjamin Geiger, W. T. Schrecengost, and C. 
O. Schrecengost. Rev. Michael Schweigert remained pastor 
until May 1, 1862, when he sent for Rev. Jacob H. Wright, a 
neighboring pastor, and introduced him to the congregation in 
these words: “Dear breddern: I am a very busy man. I have 
seven or eight congregations. I cannot serve you any longer; 
so I gives you over to Brudder Wright, and he is now your pas- 
tor. And so, my people, I bids you farewell’. This strange 
election was never questioned, and marked the beginning of a pas- 
torate that continued for twenty-six years. One of Pastor 
Wright’s parishioners had this to say of his work in the Pleasant 
Union Church: 

“During all. these years™ he | travelleds a sdistancemar 
not less than ten miles from his home to the church, and 
for some time a much greater distance. During the earlier 
years he travelled almost entirely on horse back, through 
the torrid heat of summer and the piercing cold of winter, yet 
all his appointments of preaching and pastoral work were most 
punctually filled’. 


At a congregational meeting, January 2, 1890, it was. de- 
cided to erect a new church. Committees were appointed, and 
the members of the church did much of the work themselves 
under the supervision of G. W. Stoops. The old church was 
moved to one side, and used as a place of worship until the new 
church could be completed. The corner stone was laid, July 31, 
1890; and’ the church ‘dedicatéd; "March el) 1890) = Reyes jeune 
Poffinberger assisting Pastor S$. V. Dye on both occasions. ‘This 
church was built of frame at a cost of $3,000. The church was 
chartered, May 8, 1890, as the “Pleasant Union Lutheran Church 
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the General Synod”. 
This church building, repaired in 1909 and 1913, still serves as 
a comfortable house of worship. For many years the church re- 
ported about sixty members, but it has lost heavily by removals 
in more recent times. The following pastors have served the 
reorganized congregation: Rev. Michael Schweigert, 1858-1862 ; 
Rev. J. H. Wright ?1862-1888 :2 Reve (iowa, blutchison sligaces 
Rev. Samuel Krider, 1889; Rev. J. W. Hutchison (supply), 
1889; Rev. 8. V. Dye, 1889-1893; Rev. William Hesse, 1893- 
1897; Rev. J. W. Tressler, (supply), 1898-1899; Rev. [22 A. 
Flickinger, 1899-1900; Rev. Joseph Minto (supply), 1900; Rev. 
J. M. Hankey, 1900-1902; Rev. J. W. Tressler, 1902-1906; Rev. 


Pion wehbe SBURGH SYNOD 383 


J. K. Hilty (supply), 1907; Rev. H. W. Maguire, 1909-1910; 
Reva JerG, Koser (supply); 1911; Student \Wi. Ry Fitzgerald 
(supply), 1912; Rev. C. F. Gephart, 1913-1918; Rev. W. S. 
Hinman, 1919-1920; Rev. William Weicksel (supply), 1921- 
1072 Reve W alyoRrice1L922-: 


FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
LEECHBURG, PA. 


While the organization which bears this name was developed 
by Rev. Jonathan Sarver during the stormy days of the synodical 
controversy, its roots go back to the days of the pioneers. The 
Zimmermans,  Kepples, 
Hawks, Hills, Artmans, 
Klingensmiths, Shanors, 
and. others, who now 
worship before its altar, 
are lineal descendants of 
those sturdy pioneers, 
who laid the foundations 
of the Evangelical Lu- 
theran Church in the 
Kiskiminetas region be- 
roree the’ closewor the 
eighteenth century. Many 
of them speak of First 
Church jas tae true) suc- 
cessor of the old Klingen- 
smith Church, establish- 
ed on the Westmoreland 
side of the river under 
Ti empiiistiss tir yan O ie the 
Stecks. On April 1, 1866, | 
Rev. Jonathan Sarver took charge of Hebron Church as the 
successor of Rev. Lewis M. Kuhns. 


4When the Pittsburgh Synod divided in 1867, a portion 
withdrawing and joining in the organizatidn of the General 
Council, Rev. Sarver went out with that portion. The charter 
of Hebron Lutheran Church required the pastor to belong to a 
Synod in connection with the General Synod. When this was 
discovered, an effort was made to have the charter changed. An 
application was made to the court for such change as would re- 
move the above named restriction. A remonstrance against such 
change was also presented to the court. Both these documents 
had about the same number of signers. The court appointed a 


4—History of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Leechburg, Earhart, pages 10-11. 





















































384 HIS TORY OF SCH EAE EIS BURGH SSYNOD 


master of evidence to take testimony in the case. A strong effort 
was made to show that the General Synod had no right to the 
property because of its un-Lutheranism. But in this they failed, 
the court refusing to change the charter, and the property given 
to the General Synod party. Then they carried it up to the su- 
preme court of Pennsylvania, which affirmed the judgment of 
the lower court. When thus compelled by law, Rev. Sarver and 
his party gave up the church and built another.’ 


Naturally, the feelings generated by these experiences were 
such that it is difficult to tell the story even at the present day. 
The following statement of the division was made to Rev. David 
Earhart by Pastor Sarver: 


“T succeeded Rev. L. M. Kuhns, who was called to Belle- 
fontaine, Ohio. A year or two later a rupture in the General 
Synod took place. Kuhns took-the General Synod side and used 
his influence to divide the congregation. ‘Then followed litiga- 
tion; several trials in court. In one case the pastor and church 
council stood a trial under the charge of conspiracy; costs di- 
vided. There were several law suits about the church property. 
General Synod gained first in the lower court, and then in the 
supreme court; all this involving several years of time. Before 
the decision of the supreme court, I and my people built a new 
church at a cost of $5,000. The ground on which the church 
stands was a donation from me. When the supreme court went 
against us, then we were sued for damages for allowing the old 
church building to go down. This was decided against us; the 
amount of the damages we had to pay I do not recollect. In the 
meantime I built the parsonage. It was my own property, and 
remained in my own possession until I resigned in the spring of 
1883, after a pastorate of seventeen years.” 


The church ground, referred to in the above statement, con- 
sisted of two lots and was conveyed by Jonathan Sarver to 
Jacob Kepple, Michael Spang, Levi McCreary, James A. Cogly, 
Martin Thounhurst, and Winchester Hill, acting trustees of the 
congregation, September 18, 1872. The corner stone of the 
church was laid, July 16, 1872, after a sermon by Doctor Henry 
W. Roth. The completed church was dedicated, November 16, 
1872, when Pastor Sarver was assisted by Doctor J. A. Kunkel- 
man, Doctor W. A. Passavant, Rev. J. H. A. Kitzmiller; Rev. 
V. B. Christy; and Rev. ‘J. K.:Melhorn, . It was :built of brick, 
40x70, and faced on Main street. 


“The furnishings of this church were of the simplest. Large 
coal oil lamps furnished the illumination at night. The pews 
were low-backed, straight-backed, uncushioned, of course, and 


5—History of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Leechburg, Earhart, page 10. 


HISTORY OP THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 385 


prohibited any falling asleep during the sermon. The pulpit was 
the one now in use in the Sunday School room, and the reading 
stand the one standing in the chime room. ‘There was no bell or 
pipe organ, the windows unstained. The chairs in the pulpit 
were ordinary cane-seated ones, and in addition there was a 
hair-cloth sofa.” 


The parsonage built and owned by Pastor Sarver was sold 
to the congregation, June 20, 1881, for a consideration of $1,150. 
When Pastor Sarver resigned, many of the people were so 
strongly attached to him that he was offered a vacation of one 
year on full pay if he would consent to remain, but a sense of 
duty compelled him to decline the generous offer. His successor 
was Rev. William J. Miller, who served from July 29, 1883, to 
June 30, 1894. During his pastorate there were large additions 
to the membership and many improvements to the property. , 
When he took charge of the parish this church was connected 
with Zion and St. Paul’s, so that there were no evening services 
in Leechburg. After a short time there was a division of the 
parish, and evening services were made possible. This pastor 
also introduced the Lutheran order of service, as given in the 
Church Book. Strange as it may seem, up to this time the con- 
gregation was without. constitution or charter. The constitution 
recommended by the General Council was adopted, February 23, 
1884, and a charter obtained, December 1, 1884. When the con- 
stitution was adopted, there was considerable debate as to their 
name; and the question was decided when a motion of Jacob 
Kepple prevailed, accepting the name, “The First Evangelical 
Lutheran Church of Leechburg, Armstrong County, Pa.” The 
building of a new church was also projected during this pas- 
torate, and subscriptions amounting to $5,000 were secured, but 
the intervening steel strike led to a postponement. After the 
resignation of Pastor Miller, a call was extended to Rev. Elmer 
I’. Krauss. When he declined, the call was renewed and accepted. 
The envelope system was introduced, February 10, 1895. This 
pastorate closed, May 1, 1900, when Pastor Krauss was called 
to a professorship in Chicago Seminary, and a long vacancy en- 
sued. The next pastor was Rev. M. L. Zweizig, whose pastorate 
extended from February 3, 1901, to January 31, 1909. Ata con- 
gregational meeting, March 28, 1903, it was decided to build a 
new stone church; and the following building committee was 
appointed: Pastor M. L. Zweizig, Levi Hill, Joseph Kepple, 
Zechariah Shaner, J. F. Allshouse, and John G. Stivenson. The 
last service in the old church was held, June 14, 1903, and Kirk- 
patrick Hall and the Methodist Church were used until the new 
building was ready for occupancy. The corner stone was laid 
by Pastor Zweizig, September 20, 1903, the chief address being 


386 HISTORY OFM THE Pit tS bURGH Soy NOD 


delivered by Doctor George M. Heindel, pastor of Hebron 
Church. ‘The services of dedication were held, October 30, 1904, 
Doctors David H. Geissinger and William J. Miller preaching the 
sermons. ‘The church was built of Hummelstown brown stone, 
60x112, and arranged in such a manner that the entire Sunday 
School room was made available as an annex to the auditorium. 
The chancel was arranged according to the historic Lutheran 
order, and furnished with rich and churchly memorials. The 
Austin pipe organ, together with a number of memorials that 
were not in use on dedication day, were dedicated by Pastor 
Zweizig, May 12, 1907. The cost of the organ was $2,500, half 
of which was donated by Andrew Carnegie. The entire cost of 
the church plant was $31,000. At the close of his pastorate 
Pastor Zweizig left not only a fine church property, but also a 
united and devoted congregation of more than four hundred 
‘members. The next pastor was Rev. Frederick A. Reiter, who 
served from September 26, 1909, to October 1, 1920. This pas- 
torate was also rich in fruit, and resulted in building up a strong 
and efficient congregation of 606 confirmed members. The pub- 
lication of “The Tidings” began in February, 1910, and did 
much to strengthen the organization, especially in the Sunday 
School. A chime of ten bells, installed in the tower at a cost of 
$6,000, was dedicated by Pastor Reiter, October 30, 1910. The 
placing of this churchly equipment was the fruit of a wish of 
Mrs. Flora Stivenson, expressed on Christmas Day, 1909, to 
place a bell in the tower in memory of her deceased husband. 
At a congregational meeting held in April, 1912, it was resolved 
to liquidate the remaining indebtedness, install a steam plant and 
build a new parsonage; and these resolutions were soon carried 
out. The fine brick parsonage adjoining the church, complete 
and modern in all its appointments, was erected in 1913 at a 
cost of $7,000. The next pastor was Doctor William H. Shepfer, 
who took charge of the congregation at a critical period in its 
history and rendered valuable service. The traditions of the 
fathers are dear to the hearts of the people of this parish; and 
a future of great promise lies before them. The pastors were: 
Rev. Jonathan Sarver, 1868-1883; Rev. W. J. Miller, 1883-1894; 
Rev. E. F. Krauss, 1894-1900; Rev. M. L. Zweizig, 1901-1909; 
Rev. F. A. Reiter, 1909-1920; Rev, W. H. Shepfer, D.D., 1921-. 


BEIRST ENGLISH EVAN “LUTHERAN CHURGE 
APOUUOMPAS 


“Apollo is one of the oldest towns in this section of the 
state, having been laid out in 1816, and incorporated as a borough 
in 1848. For many years the chief industry of the town ‘was the 


BELOW ORG rE Pi TTS BURGH ss YNOD 387 


manufacture of high 
grades of sheet iron; first 
by the old Kiskiminetas 
Iron Company, which 
developed by easy stages 
into the Rogers and 
Birchfield Mills, then 
Laufman and McElroy, 
tien acheme= Veo lita wz. lron 
Works, and finally the 
Pvpoldpeskton mana yoteel 
Company, which in 1901 
was absorbed by the 
PMericanensneet poit.e cu 
Company, and the Apollo 
Mills consolidated with 
fhemmvandereritts » plant: 
situated one mile farther 
down the river.” 

In the © surrounding 
country, on both the 
Westmoreland and Armstrong sides of the river, are found some 
of the oldest Lutheran churches of western Pennsylvania, and 
members of some of these churches have lived in the vicinity of 
Apollo since the earliest times; but no attempt was made to 
organize a Lutheran congregation in the town until November 
of 1858, when a number of persons sent a petition to the Middle 
Conference, requesting that they be given a regular pastor. The 
Rev. A. C. Ehrenfeld responded to their call, and organized the 
“First English Evangelical Lutheran Church of Apollo’ in the 
ViegpeaChiuncome MarchalOm1359) Lheskev. L. MelKuhnswot 
Leechburg was also present at the organization. The charter 
members of the congregation were the following: 









































Bair, John Hunter, Margaret J. McCullough, Matilda 
Bair, Elizabeth Kepple, Christian Resher, Levi 
Brandthoover, Peter Kepple, Elizabeth Resher, Belinda 
Brandthoover, Emeline Long, Philip Starry, Deborah 
Dibler, Frederick Long, Sarah Townsend, Isaac 
Dibler, Nancy Martin, Mary Townsend, Bohemia 
Fair, James McMillen, G. W. Townsend, Mary 
Gumbert, Esther McMillen, E. C. Uncapher, Sarah 


Isaac Townsend and Philip Long were elected elders, and 
Christian Kepple and James Fair, deacons. After several weeks 
of service, Pastor Ehrenfeld resigned the care of the church to 
Pastor L. M. Kuhns of Leechburg, who supplied them from 
April 1, 1859, to April J, 1860;'using the Seceder Church as a 
place of worship. Their first church building, together with the 
lot, cost about $1,500, and was dedicated by Pastor John A. 
Delo, April 30, 1863. At that time Apollo was united in a parish 


388 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


with Springs Church and Maysville, the entire time of a pastor 
not being secured until 1890. The name of the church does not 
appear upon the records of the Pittsburgh Synod until 1861, 
when 35 communicants were reported. Although never formally 
received according to the records, the church regarded itself a 
member of the Pittsburgh Synod from the beginning. During 
the synodical controversy, June 1, 1867, it formally withdrew, 
and remained independent until after the organization of the 
Pittsburgh Synod of the General Synod, when it united with 
that body. During the pastorate of Rev. C. B. King, 1883-1890, 
the frame church was remodelled at a cost of $1,870, and re- 
dedicated, September 25, 1887. Here the congregation gradually 
increased in strength, until it numbered 305 members in 1896. 
When the town of Vandergrift was established in 1897, and the 
mills of the Apollo Iron and Steel Company were moved there, 
about seventy members of the Apollo Church united in the or- 
ganization of First Church, Vandergrift. While this seemed a 
great loss at the time, it aroused such a fine spirit of devotion in 
those who remained that the membership was soon larger than 
ever. This growth made the further enlargement of the church 
necessary, and the erection of an addition at a cost of $1,095 
was completed, September 28, 1909. In 1924 the confirmed 
membership numbered 561, and further expansion became im- 
perative. A more advantageous site had already been secured 
for $6,000, and here ground was broken for the erection of a~ 
large stone church in the fall of 1924, under the leadership of 
Doctor M. Ll. Clare. The cost of the completed and furnished 
structure was then estimated at $160,000. The following pastors 
have served: heres) -Rev.A,#C.i Ehrenfeld) 1859 sRevy beeen 
Kuhns, 1859-1860; Rev. J. A. Delo, 1860-1864; Rev. John 
Welfley, 1864-1868; Rev. Michael Colver, 1868-1876; Rev. G. 
F. Schaeffer, 1876-1882; Rev. C. B. King, 1883-1890; Rev. M. 
L.. ‘Culler, D.D.,189021897;; "Rev, W2 HY Nicholas 1S8974)oues 
Rev. M. E. McLinn, 1903-1910; Rev. H. E. Berkey, 1910-1914; 
Rev MM haa Glaren i) 1) abo lee 


MOUNT UNION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
PLUM CREE KSI WP. ARMGTRONG COUN DY ep ae 


Prior to 1869 Lutherans living in this vicinity were accus- 
tomed to attend church at St. Jacob’s or St. Michael’s. A union 
Sunday School was organized in 1854, and many of the people 
of the community were anxious for the building of a church; 
but the controversies of the period divided the Lutherans into 
two parties, neither of which was willing to do its best until the 
question of synodical relations was settled. Rev. J. H. Wright 


Hive yer le Per S BURGH SYNOD 389 


organized a General Syn- 
od congregation in Mc- 
Cullough’s school house, 
August 25, 1869, with 
sixteen members; but 
that did not settle the 
question at issue. A lot 
was purchased from 
James Rearic by a com- 
munity committee, and a 
contract let for the build- 
ing of a frame church. 
The corner stone was 
larduainet purie, «'LO/0 se by 
Rev. Jonathan ,Sarver, 
and Revie 1 KeMelhorn, 
but the raising of funds 
was so difficult that Rev. 
J. H. Wright proposed a 
miectino molesallathe Tie 
therans. of the commun- 
ity, at which the vexed question of synodical relations should be 
determined by a majority vote. This meeting was held, but the 
General Council Lutherans declined to attend it; and the church 
was therefore completed and dedicated by the Reformed and 
General Synod Lutherans as a union church. It was a sub- 
stantial building, 40x50, costing $3,100, and was dedicated free 
of debt, October 23, 1870. Doctor J. W. Schwartz preached the 
dedicatory sermon. ‘The first communion. service of the Lu- 
theran congregation was held, May 21, 1870, when the follow- 
ing communed : 



































Dunmire, Andrew Rearic, Isaac Rupert, Daniel 
Dunmire, Isaac Rearic, Barbara . Rupert, Andrew 
Dunmire, Magdalena Rearic, Jane Schaeffer, Mr. and Mrs. H. 
Houser, Philip Roley, Mary and Nancy Schaeffer, John 
Houser, Margaret Rupert, Samuel’ Schaeffer, Margaret 
Landis, Joseph Rupert, Catherine Schaeffer, Isabel 
Linsenbigler, Abraham Rupert, Isaac Smith, Elizabeth 
Linsenbigler, Margaret Rupert, Christian Young, Andrew 
Linsenbigler, M. Rupert, Philip Young, Mary 
Mulberger, John Rupert, Klizabeth Young, Joseph 
Mulberger, Lucinda Rupert, James Young, Esther 


An article of agreement, governing the rights of each con- 
gregation worshipping in the church, was signed by their re- 
spective officers, February 24, 1871. At the time of organiza- 
tion a constitution in harmony with the General Synod was 
adopted. A charter was secured on petition of the two congre- 
gations, September 11, 1871. The Reformed congregation dis- 
banded in 1916. The parish relations of Mount Union Church 
have been frequently changed, but it has been a part of Elderton 


390 HISTORY: OF THE: PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


Parish since 1897. The following pastors have served here: 
Rev. J. H. Wright, 1870-1881; Rev. R. B. Starks, 1881-1885; 
Rev. Samuel Krider, 1886-1889; Rev. S. V. Dye, 1889-1893; 
Rev. William Hesse, 1893-1895; Rev. C. M. Wachter, 1895-1898 ; 
Rev. J. E. F. Hassinger, 1899-1902; Rev. J. M. Hankey, 1902- 
1903; Rev. C. L. Wisswaesser, 1904-1905; Rev. W. L. Price, 
1905-1909; Rev. J. L. Nicholas, 1910-1913; Rev. Carl F. Miller, 
1913+1915; Rev! J. M. Stover, 1915-1917; Rev Jr FY Booher; 
1918-1921; Rev. Oscar Woods, 1921-. 


Sb ITyGPAUIYS EVANGELICAL LWrHERANKCH WRG 
PARKS TOWNSHIP, ARMSTRONG COUNTY, PA. 


This church, locally known as Highfield’s, was organized by 
Rev. Jonathan Sarver in 1871. The following persons con- 
stituted the original membership: 


Artman, John Heckman, Louis Lookabaugh, P. J. 
Bowman, George Heckman, Susie Lookabaugh, Lucinda 
Brown, Samuel Heckman, Esther Lookabaugh, Margaret 
Hawk, Aaron Heckman, John Riggle, Jacob 
Hawk, Mrs. Aaron Heckman, Elizabeth Riggle, Elizabeth 
Hawk, Isaac Heckman, Barbara Shutt, Michael 
Hawk, Jane B. Jack, Catherine Thounhurst, E. H. 
Kepple, Samuel Thounhurst, Angeline 


A smal frame church, 32x40, was built in the summer of | 
1871, and dedicated by Pastor Sarver, October 27, 1871, Doctor 
W. A. Passavant preaching the sermon. The cost of this church 

was $1.800. The land on 


7 Se which it was built, to- 
nod ik ies + gether with that secured 
Si\g- Sen A 


for burial purposes, was 


ce cacy a COPS u obtained in four convey- 











ances : one-half acre from 
Henry B. Klingensmith 
and wife, February 18, 
1876; 113 perches from 
David EF. Shutt and wife, 
June 23, 1886; one-half 
acre from As J. Riggle 
and wife, July 31, 1886; 
2774 square feet from A. 
W.. Artman and wife, 
August 16, 1897. Pastor 
Sarver served the con- 
gregation regularly in 
connection with Leech- 
burg Parish from the 
time of organization to 









































His lORAS OREO E PITTSBURGH SYNOD g91 


March 1, 1883. His successor in the Leechburg Parish, Rev. 
William J. Miller, rendered similar services from July 29, 1883, 
to August 1, 1887, when the congregation accepted the services 
of Rev. Robert G. Rosenbaum of Crooked Creek Parish. By 
this time the membership of the church had increased to more 
than one hundred. The church was connected with Crooked 
Creek Parish until 1902, when it was made a part of Forks Par- 
ish. After undergoing extensive repairs in the summer of 1908, 
the church was formally rededicated, September 20, 1908. 


The following pastors have served here: Rev. Jonathan 
Sarver,- 1871-1883; Rev. W. J. Miller, 1883-1887; Rev. 
R»’ G. Rosenbaum, 1887-1892° “Rev. D.°D.: Muller, . 1892- 
1901; Rev. W. A. Billheimer, 1902-1903; Rev. George J. Diener, 
1903-1907; Rev. J. H. Young, 1908-1910; Rev. Jacob Ash, 1911- 
1916; Rev. D. K. Fetterly, 1918-1925; Rev. G. J. Baisler, 1925-. 


Serle HVANCE EPICA Ui DOE RANG CEH Uk CH 
GUD CIMPAYE TEA. 


The founding of this city was due to Captain John B. Ford, 
who inspected the ground in 1888, and selected it as the site of a 
large manufacturing plant. Among the workmen employed in 
this glass plant were a number of Germans, who were organized 
into a congregation of 58 members in the winter of 1889-1890. 
Their first services were held in an unfinished house, in which 
rough planks served as pews and a shoe box as a pulpit. A well 
furnished hall was then placed at their disposal by Captain Ford. 
In 1890 they were constituted a mission of the Pittsburgh Synod 
AuaeDlaceqmunuerttiercaresotmbastor Alois, Collman.. [his 
pastor remained but a few months, and was succeeded by Pastor 
Robert Barner in July, 1891. Pastor Barner effected a complete 
reorganization of the congregation. The first officers of the 
reorganized congregation were: John Reitler, Carl Reitler, Fritz 
Liepke, Carl Schmidtke, and Carl Litteck. Captain Ford then 
donated two lots, and a frame church was built for $5,000, ‘This 
church was dedicated by Pastor Barner, July 24, 1892, when ad- 
dresses were made in German and English. ‘The business de- 
pression of 1893 led to the removal of many members, but re- 
turning prosperity brought the church to self-support in 1896. 
After the resignation of Pastor Barner in 1904, the membership 
scattered because of lack of pastoral care. It was united with 
Freeport as a mission parish in 1907 and reached self-support 
again in 1910. A parsonage was secured, but the pastor has re- 
sided in New Kensington for several years. An English Sunday 
School was organized by Pastor F. J. Fuerst in 1922, and serv- 
ices now alternate between English and German. The following 


392 HISTORY OF PPHE FIPTSBURGH SYNOD 


pastors have served here: Rev. Martin Gaudian, 1889-1890; Rev. 
A. E. R. Collman, 1890-1891; Rev. Robert Barner, 1891-1904; 
Rev. H. P. Hansen, 1907-1910; Rev. John Burgdorf, 1910-1919; 
Rev. Emil Jestinsky, 1919-1922; Rev. F. J. Fuerst, 1922-. 


GRACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
MANORVILLE, PA. 


Manorville is located 
on the east bank of the 
Allegheny River, a few 
miles south of Kittan- 
ning. The first effort to 
establish a Lutheran con- 
eregation here was made 
in January, 1878, when 
Rev. G. W. Leisher can- 
vassed the town and 
found a number of Lu- 
therans eager to enter 
such an organization. A 
meeting was held, Feb- 
ruary 24, 1878, when a 
temporary organization 
was effected: by the elec- 
tion of the following offi- 
Cefs Soh Seolioo pees 
William Truby, elders; 
and Alexander Hileman and” G. W. Crytzer, deacons. The 
organization was completed, March 10, 1878, under the name 
of Manorville Union Church, when the following persons were 
enrolled : 


avo 









































Crawford, Levi Heffelfinger, Catherine Otto, Caroline 
Crawford, Sarah Hileman, Alexander Schall, Nancy 
Crytzer, John Hileman, Laura Shoop, F. S. 

Crytzer, Elizabeth Kerr, Mary Shoop, Rebecca 
Crytzer, Margaret Leisher, Kate R. Shoop, Elizabeth 
Crytzer, George Mansfield, Susanna Truby, William 
Euchler, Amelia Marks, Christina Truby, Christina 

Pry, John vA, McLarren, Mary Truby, Susanna 

Fry, JTucinda ' Neal, Turney Truby, Elizabeth 
Heffelfinger, W. S. Neal, Ella Wolt, John and Sarah 


At the first communion service, April 21, 1878, thirty-three 
persons received the sacrament. The first services were held in 
the Manorville school house, with an occasional service in num- 
ber nine school house near the town. In 1882 plans were laid 
for the building of a suitable church, and a building committee, 
consisting of Pastor Leisher, William Truby, J. A. Fry, I. N. 
Shaeffer, and Lewis Schrecengost, was appointed. ‘Two lots on 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 393 


the corner of Water and Manor streets were procured from 
Miss Elizabeth Sibbet of Pittsburgh. One of these lots was 
donated by the owner; the other was purchased for $100. The 
corner stone of their first church was laid, July 28, 1883, and 
the church dedicated, January 6, 1884. Doctor Frederick W. 
Conrad preached the dedicatory sermon. ‘The church was built 
of frame at a cost of $1,658. The parsonage was secured by the 
organization of a stock company, which bought a property for 
$1,000, April 5, 1883. The three congregations of the parish 
agreed to purchase it at the end of two years, the pastor mean- 
while paying six per cent on the investment as rental. The stock 
company, composed of Jacob Fennel, Mrs. Hobaugh, Amanda 
Hileman, Doctor J. T. Deemer, Ernest Miller, Peter Hileman, 
and Joseph Snyder, donated their interests to the parish, with 
the exception of a few shares that were secured by purchase in 
1886. The development of manufacturing interests along the 
river increased the population so much that a new church was 
made imperative. The corner stone was laid, October 22, 1917, 
and the building dedicated as “Grace Evangelical Lutheran 
Church” by Pastor J. G. Langham, January 12; 1919. It was 
built of brick and stone at a cost of $17,000. ‘The pastors 
were: Rev. Se W. Leisher, 1878-1885; Rev. J. W. Tressler, 1886- 
1o00 eheve le: |. alViatter, 1900- 1909; Rev. J. G. Langham, 1910-. 


ol MATTHEW'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
ROCK LE LEA RA, 


The early history of St. Matthew’s Church is found in St. 
John’s, where the fathers worshipped from 1848 to 1893. The 
story of the serious effect of the synodical controversy upon the 
life of the congregation is told in the history of St. John’s. 
When the court gave the General Council party the right to the 
property, August 1, 1892, the General Synod people transferred 
their place of worship in the following spring to Rockville. Rev. 
S. V. Dye, who was pastor at the time of this court decision, re- 
signed in 1893, and all plans for building were postponed. When 
Doctor William Hesse became pastor of Elderton Parish he soon 
learned of the troubles of St. John’s, and preached in the Rock- 
ville school house, January 13, 1894. A congregational meeting 
was called at the same time, when it was decided. to reorganize 
the congregation as “St. John’ s Evangelical Lutheran Church of 
the General Synod’. A few weeks later the old St. John’s con- 
stitution was rescinded, and the congregation reorganized as “St 
Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church”. The first council of 
the new church consisted of Simon Schaeffer, Jacob Kunkle, 
Reuben Hileman, and G. A. Schall. The first communion of St. 


394 HISTORY:OF THEsPYTTSBURGH SYNOD 


Matthew’s, February 17, 1894, was attended by 37 members. The 
corner stone of a new church was laid, June 21, 1894, and the 
building dedicated, April 28, 1895. Doctor Hesse resigned, 
October 20, 1894, and was succeeded by Pastor C. M. Wachter, 
March 10, 1895, so that the first named laid the corner stone, and 
the second dedicated the church. The success of this building 
venture inspirited the congregation, and the membership was 
increased to 125 in a short time. The Sunday School was organ- 
ized, April 7, 1895, and had a proportionate growth. From 1903 
to 1909 St. Matthew’s and Bethel constituted a parish; from 
1909 to 1914 St. Matthew’s was connected with Wickboro; from 
1915 to 1919 it was connected with St. Paul’s Church of Kit- 
tanning; since 1920 it has been connected with Brick Church 
Parish. The pastors have served in the following order: Rev. 
William Hesse, 1894; Rev. C. M. Wachter, 1895-1898; Rev. J. 
[Dede Hassinger, 1899- LOUS aks eves dagt! Dickey, 1903- 1909 ; Rev. 
LW. Walter 91909-1911. Rev. W. R. Goff, 1911-1913; Rev. Ie 
E. Lowe, 1914; Rev. C. H. Tilp, 1915- 1917; Rev. E. E. Oney, 
1917-1919; Ree Ro Wee Yeany, 1919-1920: Rev. .G. aWe ewe 
Amick, 1921-. 


MOUNT PLEASANT EVAN. LUTHERAN CHURCH 
SUGAR CREEK TWP? ARMSTRONG COUNT Yep 


Many of the first settlers of this community were Germans, 
who were organized as “Bernhard’s Church” by Pastors Henry 
Kochiya nid ac} Gas 
Schweizerbarth, about 
the year’ 1827: 2°A” log 
chturch = -wasmbuilian 
which Lutheran and Re- 
formed congre gations 
worshipped for many 
years. In the old burial 
ground of this church lie 
the bodies of many of 
the pioneers of the com-_ 
munity. When the Lu- 
therans organized a con- 
gregation in Chicora, De- 
cember 30, 1848, it meant 
that the disruption of 
this congregation. The 
Reformed then relocated 
their place of worship, 
and the old burial ground 
was left alone at “Bern- 










Sale 
a 


WArerDy) 


BI 
































































HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 395 


hard’s’. After the lapse of many years a Lutheran congregation 
was organized by Rev. Eli Miller, October 28, 1888, with 31 
members. The following family names were represented in this 
organization: Foringer, Kepple, King, Myers, Pontius, Steel, and 
Wiles. Much of the credit of this organization is due to Amos 
Steel, who donated the ground and served as chairman of the 
organization committee. ‘The corner stone of their church was 
laid, December 1, 1888, and the building dedicated by Pastor Eli 
Miller, May 5, 1889. The church was built of frame at a cost 
of $2,500. For a time the congregation supported their own 
pastor, and a parsonage was built for $1,200 during the pas- 
torate of Rev. J. C. Nicholas. In 1907 the church was thor- 
oughly renovated, and memorial windows were installed. The 
following pastors have served here: Rev. Eli Miller, 1888-1893 ; 
Rev. J. R. Williams, 1893-1897; Rev. J. C. Nicholas, 1897-1900 ; 
Rev. W. O. Ibach, 1900-1901; Rev. A. J. B. Kast, 1902-1903; 
Rev. G. W. McSherry, 1903-1910; Rev. C. W. Barnett, 1910- 
Ole Revelieaties Blick 19172 


GRACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
PRE CIBURGeDA® 


During the latter part of the pastorate of Rev. J. C. N. Park 
in Hebron Church, there was a dissension that required a special 
meeting of the Pittsburgh Synod for healing. The trouble was 
settled by the Synod, but a divisive sentiment remained that re- 
sulted in the organization of Grace Church, July 21, 1900. A 
Sunday School of 130 members was organized, July 29, 1900, 
and a Christian Endeavor Society at the same time. Rev. Park 
served as the first pastor of the congregation from September 9, 
1900, to April 1, 1906. A number of persons, active in the or- 
ganization, returned to Hebron or. were dismissed to First 
Church before the close of his pastorate. Their first place of 
worship was Kirkpatrick Hall. In 1901 a lot was bought for 
$400, on which a frame church was built at a cost of $3,000. 
The first council meeting was held in the new church, December 
11, 1902, but there is no record of its dedication. Application 
for admission to the Pittsburgh Synod of the General Synod 
failed in 1905 and 1906, but the church was received in 1907. 
The pastor of Grace Church also serves Bethel Church of Hyde 
Park, but the two churches are not united as a parish. A good 
frame house was presented as a parsonage by Mr. and Mrs. 
Holmes George in 1923. Two pastors of this church closed their 
pastorates in death: Pastor J. W. Tressler, March 5, 1907, and 


396 HISTORY: OF (THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


Pastor T. A. Himes, May 3, 1920. A complete list of pastors is 
as follows: Rev. J. C. N. Park, 1900-1906; Rev. J. W. Tressler, 
1906-1907; Rev. William Hesse, D.D., 1907-1911; Rev. T. A. 
Himes, D.D., 1911-1920; Rev. H. K. Shanor, 1920-1924; Rev. 
H. A. Seel, 1924-. 


FIRST EVANGELIGAL VUTHERAN: CHUKRGE 
RUPRE eave You Pan, 


On August 11, 1901, Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church 
of Yatesboro was organized by Rev. S. J. McDowell with 14 
members. ‘The prime mover in this organization was John F. 
Rupp of Pleasant Union 
Services were held every 
two weeks in Sheftig’s 
Hall, where a Sunday 
School of 25 members 
was organized. Yates- 
boro and Pleasant Union 
were constituted a parish, 
and served by Pastor J. 
W. Tressler from March 
1,.19024 to “Septembena 
1906. ‘The parish was 
self-supporting during 
this first pastorate. A 
three-story building on 
the main street was 
bought for $2,800, March 
14, -1903 «and :themfarst 
floor was fitted up for 
services. For seven years 
after the resignation of Pastor Tressler, the parish was without 
the services of a regular pastor, and almost perished. It was 
accepted as a mission of the synod in 1912, and much encouraged 
by. the work of Pastor C. F. Gephart, 1913-1918. On February 
25, 1913, a deal was made by which the congregation exchanged 
their property for a brick church erected by the Reformed. 
Since this church was valued at $5,000 at the time, the deal was 
considered highly advantageous to the Lutherans. The Re- 
formed parsonage on the adjoining lot was bought during the 
next year. Since the time of this transfer the congregation has 
been known as the First Lutheran Church of Rural Valley. 
After the resignation of Pastor W. S$. Hinman in 1920, the con- 
gregation passed through such a period of discouragement that 












































HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 397 


its future seemed hopeless. A new parish was then formed, con- 
sisting of Rural Valley, Pleasant Union, and Jerusalem, to which 
Rev. W. L. Price was called. Under this arrangement all three 
congregations have faken on new life and begun to prosper. The 
following pastors have served here: Rev. J. W. Tressler, 1902- 
1906; Supplies, 1906-1913; Rev. C. F. Gephart, 1913-1918; Rev. 
W. S. Hinman, 1919-1920; Rev. William Weicksel (supply), 
RUA ceneV ae WLR Tice nL O22-. 


DRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
SAGAMORE, PA. 


Lutherans were employed by the coal company owning the 
town of Sagamore from the time of its beginning; but no sus- 
tained effort was made to minister to them until February 10, 
1918, when Rev. E. F. Dickey of Harmony Grove opened a Sun- 
day School in the theatre. Thirty-eight children were enrolled 
in this school, and Mrs. John Henderson proved herself a cap- 
able superintendent. Within a short time the enrollment had 
increased to more than one hundred. Pastor Dickey wanted to 
organize a congregation, but feared the opposition of some of 
the men of his own parish. He laid his case before the president 
of the Pittsburgh Synod, who organized Trinity Church with 28 
members, May 9, 1920. The first Church Council was composed 
of Virtue Adamson, Joseph Reho, Alfred Dahlen, Ernest John- 
son, Olaf Quist, and Walter Whitacre. Student Oscar Carlson 
spent the summer of 1920 in the field, and a class of 33 was con- 
firmed, September 5, 1920. To the surprise of the officiating 
minister, thirty-seven children were presented for baptism. 
Sagamore, Harmony Grove, and St. John’s were organized as a 
parish in 1920, and Rev. J. E. McDonald was installed as the 
first pastor, November 1, 1920. The great problem of this con- 
gregation was how to secure a church building. All the land was 
owned by the coal company, and the best they could do was to 
grant a lease. ‘This made it impossible for the congregation to 
borrow the money needed to build. The East Conference of the 
Pittsburgh Synod then took up the matter and raised a generous 
building fund. A frame chapel was built on leased ground at a 
cost of $7,500, which was dedicated by Pastor MacDonald, 
September 21, 1924. The pastorate of Rev. MacDonald closed, 
March 26, 1925. The labor troubles connected with the Sagamore 
mine almost destroyed the congregation in 1925. 


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CHAPTER XI 
CHURCHES OF BEAVER COUNTY 


1832-1924 
“My tabernacle also shall be with them.” 


EZAGQEAVER COUNTY was taken from Allegheny and 
Washington, March 12, 1800, but not organized for 
judicial purposes until 1803. The first white settlers 
were the German Moravian missionaries, who con- 
ducted a mission near Darlington, 1770-1773, and 
then followed their Indian converts into Ohio. From 
1768 to 1785 the Ohio River separated Pennsylvania from the In- 
dian land; andno man built a cabin north of that line during that 
period, except at the peril of his life. George Baker, a Pennsyl- 
vania German, settled on Raccoon Creek in 1772, but he and his 
family were taken to Canada by the Indians during the Revolu- 
tionary War. Returning after an absence of several years, he 
cleared his farm for the second time and lived here until the day 
of his death. It is said that travelling Lutheran missionaries 
held services in his home at an early date, but whatever organt- 
zation was effected in the Raccoon district was allowed to perish 
for lack of ministers. The first settlers of Beaver County were 
chiefly Scotch-Irish. The first of the German settlements was 
that of the dissatisfied Eronomites, who came to Monaca under 
the leadership of Count DeLeon in 1832, and founded the New 
Philadelphia Society. This society established St. Peter’s Church 
of Monaca, which has been served by pastors of the Pittsburgh 
Synod for many years. Between the years 1830 and 1836 many 
Germans settled in the vicinity of the Knob, where St. John’s 
Church was founded by Pastor John H. Hohnholz in 1832. It 
was named St. Daniel’s in honor of Daniel Otto, who donated 
the ground. The Breitensteins of Wall Rose were among the 
founders of this congregation, but they withdrew in 1838 to 
found St. Matthew’s Church nearer home. It is also claimed 
that a German congregation was established in Bridgewater as 
early as 1835. All these first German congregations were of a 
liberal type, and accepted Lutheran, Reformed, and Evangelical 
pastors with equal pleasure. That a number of these churches 
are now in the Pittsburgh Synod is due to the fact that their 
strongest pastors happened to be Lutherans. The English con- 
gregations established by Doctor Passavant had few Germans in 
their original membership. The leading churches of the county 





400 HISTORY OP DH EPILTSBURGH SYNOD 


in 1916 were Roman Catholic, Methodist, and Presbyterian. The 
Lutherans had 20 churches with 3,828 members in 1919, all but 
two of which belonged to the Pittsburgh Synod. Six of these 
churches conducted part of their services in German; the rest 
were entirely English. 


O17. .PETER’S UNITED EVANS PROTESTANG CH Uinta: 
MONACA, PA. 


The founding of this church was due to the dissatisfied 
Economites, who left the parent colony under the leadership of 
Count Maximilian De Leon, March 6, 1832, organized the New 
Philadelphia Society, and bought the entire tract of ground on 
which Monaca now stands. The true name of their leader was 
Bernard Mueller. He came from Germany with forty followers 
in 1831, and identified himself with the Economites in the same 
year. Ina short time radical differences of opinion developed 
between George Rapp and himself, especially on the question of 
marriage, leading to a secession of 250 members, who formed the 
New Philadelphia Society. Count De Leon was made president 
of the society, and was assisted in its government by twelve 
trustees. The sum of $105,000 was received from the Econo- 
mites at the time of the secession, but this was quickly spent in 
the purchase of land and the erection of necessary buildings. 
Financial difficulties followed, and the society was dissolved by 
mutual agreement, August 10, 1833.' De Leon removed’ to 
Louisiana a few weeks later, where he died in 1834. The re- 
maining members carried on a cooperative business in Monaca 
for a few years, but gradually established business interests of 
their-own. Among the first buildings erected by the society in 
1832 was St. Peter’s Church. Services were held in this church 
every Sunday, conducted by Count De Leon or S. G. Goentgen. 
In the cupola was installed a peal of three bells, one of which 
was later given to Miss Agnes Schade, a member of St. Peter’s, 
for service in the Rajahmundry Mission in India. ‘The first 
communion service of the church was also given her for a sim- 
ilar purpose. The church was so well built that it has served the 
congregation to the present day. It was renovated in 1888, when 
new pews and memorial windows were installed. Some of the 
pews, as well as the altar, were preserved as memorials of the 
handiwork of the New Philadelphians. The pipe organ, said to 
be the oldest in the valley, is also kept for use on special occa- 
sions. Electric chandeliers did not replace the oil lamps until 
1922. ‘The first ordained pastor was Rev. FE. F. Winter of the 
Reformed Church, whose pastorate continued from 1834 to 
1859. At his direction a constitution was adopted in 1835, in 





SISTER ELIZABETH HUPPERTS 


402 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


which the name “St. Peter’s United Evangelical Protestant 
Church of Phillipsburg” was assumed. As late as 1923 this 
constitution was still in force. Some large buildings on Fourth 
street, erected by De Leon, were bought and converted into a 
sanatorium by Doctor Edward Acker in 1848; and for this rea- 
son the town was sometimes called Water Cure, although it was 
incorporated as Phillipsburg in 1840, and renamed Monaca in 
1892. These buildings furnished the first home of Thiel College. 
During the five years in which the educational work of the Pitts- 
burgh Synod was carried on here, professors and students wor- 
shipped in St. Peter’s as a separate congregation. The first Lu- 
theran pastor of St. Peter’s was Rev. Frederick Zimmerman, 
who served a large parish consisting of Phillipsburg, Bridge- 
water, New Castle, and Zion. After short pastorates by Rev. J. 
C. Yehle and Rev. J. O. Zwicker, another Pittsburgh Synod 
pastor was secured in the person of Rev. Carl Jaeckel. Since 
that time-all the pastors 01 ot.) beter sy withethe .exceaionmes 
Rev. Michael Orendt, have been members of the Pittsburgh 
Synod. During the course of the years, many of the children of 
the original stock have become members of the Church of the 
Redeemer, but a large number of Siebenburger Saxons have 
come here recently, all of whom look to St. Peter’s Church as 
their spiritual home. ‘The following pastors have served here: 
Rev. E. F. Winter, 1835-1859; Rey. Frederick Zimmerman, 
1$59-1 66 li aieviee |e Ome edie 1861- 1862) Reve | © ms7wickem 
1862- 1864: Rev. Carl Jaeckel, 1865- 1867 ; Rev. E. F. Giese, 1867- 
1868 ; Rev. C. J steinbachs 1868- 1870 ; Rev. Peter Born, 1870- 
1876: Rev. M. F. Dethlefs (supply), 1876-1877 : Rev. F, Gar 
Lemcke, 1877-1901; Rev. Michael Orendt, 1901-1902; Rev. Paul 
Kummer, 1902-1905; Rev. Robert Barner, 1905-1925; Rev. H. 
QO SB Simolertad 9252 


Sie PAUL SOE VANGEEICAT Wa Gib RANE GT Gi Gia 
ROCHE S GE Re PAs 


The Germans of Beaver and vicinity were organized into a 
congregation by Pastor Jacob Hoelsche of the Ohio Synod as 
early as 1835. It was such a free church, however, that Lu- 
theran pastors found it hard to serve. This congregation was 
made the nucleus of the Beaver Mission, established by the Pitts- 
burgh Synod in 1847. The first pastor of the mission was Rev. 
Casper Braun, who suffered many indignities and was compelled 
to resign in 1850. His successor was Pastor H. C. Kaehler, who 
was able to lay the foundations of a genuine Lutheran work. A 
frame church was bought from the Baptists in 1853, and dedi- 
cated as St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church by Pastor 
Kaehler. When he resigned in 1858 he left a church of 30 mem- 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 403 


bers. His successors were Rev. Frederick Zimmerman, 1859- 
1861, and Rev. J. G. Pfuhl, 1861-1863. In 1866 a new mission 
parish was formed of Rochester and East Liverpool, to which 
Rev. E. F. Giese was called. The services at Rochester were 
held in Grace Church, where St. John’s Church of Bridgewater 
and the Reformed Church of Rochester united to form St. Paul’s 
Lutheran Church in 1867. Both congregations agreed to sell 
their properties and build a new church in Rochester. Two lots 
were secured for $575, September 24, 1867, and then a two-story 
brick church was erected. The corner stone was laid, September 
le LbOo, eancdatheychurch dedicatediby,/Pastor,Ce | stembach, 
July 25, 1869. The parish at that time consisted of Rochester, 
Phillipsburg, and East Liverpool. During the pastorate of Rev. 
Peter Born, 1870-1876, a new constitution was adopted and a 
charter secured. Student F. C. FE. Lemcke spent the summer of 
1876 in the parish, and pleased the people so well that he became 
their regular pastor, April 1, 1877, and served until death, July 
13, 1902. Pastor Robert Barner also closed his pastorate here in 
death, January 19, 1925. The following pastors have served the 
congregation since the merger of 1867: Rev. E. F. Giese, 1867- 
1868; Rev. C. J. Steinbach, 1868-1870; Rev. Peter Born, 1870- 
1876; Rev. F. C. E. Lemcke, 1877-1902; Rev. G. A. Fechner, 
19027-1904 -a5, Reva, Robert Barner» 1905-1925 3 “Rev? HH.’ O. FE: 
Simoleit, 1925-. 


pe VAS DLE Wish AN Lob RAN CHURCH. 
VATE ©) SRG 


Between 1832 and 1837 a number of Germans from Alsace, 
Wittenberg, Bavaria, and Switzerland settled in Economy Town- 
ship. Prominent among these were the Breitensteins, after whom 
the church was commonly named. Beginning in 1837, Rev. E. F. 
Winter of the Reformed Church held services in their homes. 
On January 1, 1838, he organized what was known as the “Ger- 
man Evangelical Reformed and Lutheran Church”. Among the 
members of this congregation in 1840 were the following: 


Amsler, J. J. Hammon, Philip Schaeffer, Johann 


Bardonner, Adam Hockenberger, Johann Schmidt, Johann 
Breitenstein, Herman Hoenig, Jacob Schneider, Johann 
Breitenstein, Wilhelm Kuhlman, Johannes New, Heinrich 
Brodel, George Loeffert, Andreas Sevin, Karl 
Eckert, Heinrich Mattern, Christian Sevin, Michael 
Fisenhuth, Philip Mattern, Philip Sohn, Valentin 
Eisenhuth, Johann Meszmann, Johann Tauber, Conrad 
Frey, Michael Musch, Christoph. Weyl, Wilhelm 
Gross, Heinrich Neumer, Heinrich Zipke, Christian 


Probably forty additional families were identified with the 
congregation during the next twenty years, showing that it was 


“9 


404 HISTORY OB HM ESPEELSBURGH SYNOD 


located in a strong German settlement. ‘The erection of their 
first church was made possible by Wilhelm Breitenstein, who 
sold them two acres of ground for $12, and then donated the pur- 
chase price to the building fund. ‘The logs for this church were 
cut on the farms of Jacob Hoenig, John Danny, and Philip , 
Hammon; the shingles were furnished by Herman Breitenstein ; 
and such additional donations were made that the cost was not 
more than $100 in money. It was dedicated as St. Matthew’s 
Church by Pastor E. F. Winter, May 22, 1842. When this 
church became too small for the congregation, additional ground 
was donated by Henry Breitenstein. The corner stone of a new 
church was laid, August 9, 1854, and the building dedicated by 
Pastor Winter,’ June 3, 1855. As in the first instance?so much 
was donated that the cash cost of the church was less than 
$1,000. The old log church was-sold in 1855, but was still used 
as a stable in 1922. New pews and stained glass windows were 
installed in 1900. The first constitution was adopted, January 4, 
1845; the second on June 3, 1855; the third in 1880. A charter 
was obtained in 1884. The chief feature of these changes of 
constitution was the change of names. At first they called them- 
selves the “German Evangelical Reformed and Lutheran 
Church”; in the constitution of 1880 they were called ‘The Ger- 
man United Evangelical St. Matthew’s Church”; and at present 
the congregation is known as “St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lu- 
theran Church”. At the beginning only German was used in the 
public services; since 1909 it has been eliminated. In early years 
the policy of the congregation was exceedingly liberal, and any 
German pastor was welcome in the pulpit, whether he was Lu- 
theran, Reformed, or Evangelical. An article in the constitution 
of 1855 said: “This congregation shall not be in connection with 
any synodical body as long as three members only are opposed 
to it”, but sentiment gradually changed, until in 1922 the congre- 
gation voted unanimously to apply for membership in the Pitts- 
burgh Synod. The first Lutheran pastor of St. Matthew’s was 
Rey. Carl Jaeckel, whose parish in 1866 included Phillipsburg, 
Wall Rose, Brandt’s, and Glenfield. A notable pastorate was 
that of Rev. tte Reinartz, whose strong conservative teaching 
laid the foundations for the work of later years. The following 
is a consecutive list of pastors: Rev. E. F. Winter, 1838-1865; 
Rev. Carl Jaeckel, 1865-1867; Rev. Herman Gilbert, 1867-1872; 
Rev. John Muehlhauser, 1875 ; Rev. Blaesi, Rev. Minnich, Rev. 
Frommel, 1875-1887 ; Rey. J. G, Reinartz, 1887- 1399°° Revied = AR 
Frischkorn, 1899- 1901 ; ARC asad Eto fal Gy Glatzert, 1902- 1907; Rev. 
J. A. Frischkorn (second term), 1907-1909; Rev. J. I. Shand. 
1909-1915; Rev. W. M. Weaver, 1915-1916; Rev. H. D. Whit- 
teker, 1917-1921 ; Rev. Bernard Fetterly, 1921-. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 405 


Sr. JOHN'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
FREEDOM, PA. 


Freedom was founded by the boat-building firm of Phillips 
and Graham in 1832. ‘The first houses were regarded as temp- 
orary shelters for the boat builders, and were soon replaced by 
better homes. Among the 








first workmen: were a ae 

number of Germans, who ne all ee 
were. ministered to by a Lo SYS S Sao: Se at 
Pastor Jacob Hoelsche of Zoe WC SHC CoN 








hice ONioee synod, on he 
old record shows that he 
began to baptize children 
here, February 9, 1840, 
and continued to preach 
for the people until May 
19, 1844. The character 
of the organization ef- 
fected by this pastor can 
not be determined, but 
the record proves that 
there was an ‘Evang. 
Puth. Gem éin.de? in 
Freedom, August 23, 
1840, and this may be 
accepted as the birthday 
of St. John’s. The next pastor was a member of the German 
Reformed Church, Rev. E. F. Winter, who wrote the words 
“Und Reformierte” into the title page of the old record. Whether 
this addition to the name meant a reorganization of the Lu- 
theran congregation of Pastor Hoelsche or the personal wishes 
of the Reformed pastor cannot be determined. The third pastor 
was another Lutheran, Rev. H. C. Kaehler, who served them 
from December 25, 1851, to February 10, 1861. The first serv- 
ices were held in a school house on the corner of Virtue and 
Betz streets, and their frame church was not dedicated by Pastor 
Kaehler until 1852. At that time the congregation numbered 20 
members, but these were increased to 67 in 1861. No commun- 
ion records are preserved earlier than 1868, so that the names 
of the original members can be learned only from the Tauf 
Register. The fathers of St. John’s, as given in Pastor Kaehler’s 
record of baptisms, 1851-1861, were the following: 









































Apple, Louis Gripp, Jacob Kleiber, Engelhard 
Bentel, Gottlieb» Gripp, Erasmus Kohlhepp, Johannes 
Brandt, Conrad Haller, Karl Metz, Petrus 
Gartner, Heinrich Haller, Christian Mingel, Elias 


Gres, Johannes Hardle, Carl Frederich Mingel, Johann 


406 HISTORY sO THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


Minke, Johann Ruckert, Johann Schnabel, Zeno 


Moller George H. Schallenberger, Michael Schoenemann, Christoph. 
Paul, Heinrich Schaufelberger, Wilhelm Seefried, Christian 
Ripper, Johann Schnabel, Wilhelm Tinkhan, Johann 


The Rev. Casper Braun of Beaver preached occasionally for 
them, but was never their pastor. From 1862 to 1870 they were 
served by pastors not connected with the Pittsburgh Synod, and 
then, beginning with Pastor Peter Born, an unbroken line of 
Pittsburgh Synod pastors has been preserved. When the young 
people began to demand English services, pastors of the Missourt1 
Synod took advantage of the confusion and organized Trinity 
German Church. From 1870 to 1902 St. John’s was served in 
connection with Rochester and Monaca; from 1902 to 1907 it 
was shifted about from one parish to another; since 1907 it has 
been connected with Rehoboth and Crows Run. The frame 
church of 1852, although renovated in 1904, proved inadequate, 
and the present brick church was built at a cost of $15,263. The 
corner stone was laid, May 24, 1914, and the church dedicated 
by Pastor W. A. Zunidel, @ctober 18, 1914. The constitution 
recommended by the General Council was adopted in 1916, and 
the congregation admitted to the Pittsburgh Synod during the 
same year. The pastors served in the following order: Rev. 
Jacob Hoelsche, 1840-1844; Rev. E. F. Winter (Reformed), 
1845-1851 Rev H.C: Kaehler, 1851-1861; Rev. C. Scheel, 1861- 
1865 ; Supplies, 1865-1868 ; Rev. C. A. Frank, 1868-1870; Rev. 
Peter Born, 1870-1876; ieyei Ie Ce De Lemcke, 1877-1901: Rev. 
Paul Kummer, 1903-1905; Rev. R. M. Smith (English), 1903- 
1907; Rev. J. Ll. Fischer (supply), 1907; Rev. Ludwig Beiseck- 
er, 1907-1911; Rev. W. A. Zundel, 1912-1916; Rev. W. E. Arn- ~ 
holt, 1916-1924; Rev. J. B. Lambert, 1924-. 


GRACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN :CHURCH 
IMGIOISU SMOG IPA. 


Before there were five Lutheran families living in this com- 
munity, Doctor W. A. Passavant, with his remarkable foresight, 
had determined that Rochester should be made a center of in- 
fluence for the Lutherans of the Beaver Valley. As he jour- 
neyed between Pittsburgh and Zelienople, his plans were laid for 
the planting of the Church. As there was no church building of 
any kind in the town, he held his first services in a car factory 
with a work bench as his pulpit. Many of the people of his 
audiences were not Lutheran, but all appreciated the great 
preacher and were willing to follow his counsels in the estab- 
lishment of a church. A building site, then regarded as far out 
in the country, was donated by M. T. e Gould, on which a good 
church was built for the Lutheran congregation yet unor- 


‘Vd ‘UYALSAHOOY ‘SOILdATIdaA YOA AWOH “THdVHO WALAV 





408 HISTORY ‘OF “THEsPEVLS BURGH SY NOD 


ganized.) ; Nes decd mats 
this land bears the date, 
Aprils 21 1855 ee beee 
church was organized in 
1856, but the names of 
the original members can 
not be given, since it was 
the unfortunate custom 
of Doctor Passavant to 
keep many of his church 
records on scraps of pa- 
per that were easily lost. 
The number could not 
have *béen “large;eeing. 
the.-church {,eportedmpas 
36° members: “ini eo 
when its name appeared 
on | the records some 
synod for the first time. 
Their first church was 
2 built of gravel andsgimon 
tar as an experiment, and for this reason was frequently called 
the Gravel Church. The experiment was not a complete success, 
and part of the walls had to be rebuilt, but it was finally placed 
under roof in the late summer of 1856. Although the building 
was yet unfinished, and only muslin screens covered the window 
openings, the enthusiastic Sunday School marched in a body 
from the school house and took possession of the new quarters 
at the first opportunity. This school enrolled 150 children, and 
possessed an unusually fine corps of teachers. Its first superin- 
tendent was George Delo, 1855-1862, who died in the service of 
his country. The dimensions of the Gravel Church were 33x92, 
with a massive corner tower. On the night of December 21, 
1883, this church was destroyed by fire, nothing of value being 
saved but the rivermen’s bell. To add to their discouragement, 
the congregation was still burdened with a debt of $1,500. When 
Doctor Passavant heard of the calamity, he came to Rochester 
and preached a sermon of wonderful helpfulness to the stricken 
flock. Doctor Henry W. Roth was pressed into service after the 
resignation of Pastor Hemsath, and directed the work of gather- 
ing a rebuilding fund. ‘The corner stone of the second church 
was laid by Rev. J. K. Melhorn, June 28, 1885, and the building 
dedicated by Doctor H. W. Roth and Rev. W. P. Shanor, April 
25, 1886. So generous was the response of the congregation that 
sufficient funds were raised to pay for the new church and dis- 
charge half of the old debt. Pastor J]. W. Myers took charge of the 
parish on the Sunday after dedication, and soon brought the 









ats 















































HISTORY OF "THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 409 


congregation to the position of self-support. When Rey, F. A. 
Bowers became pastor, June 16, 1901, he announced his ambi- 
tion to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the congregation in 
a new church. While his plans were approved, local labor 
troubles led to the postponement of the work. ‘The trustees of 
the church were authorized to proceed with the erection of the 
proposed church in 1906. The corner stone was laid by Doctor 
Henry W. Roth, September 30, 1906, and the church dedicated 
by Pastor F. A. Bowers, October 13, 1907... This church was 
built of stone, Gothic in style, and churchly in all its appoint- 
ments, at a cost of $58,000. The great stone tower is the most 
striking feature of the Rochester sky line, and is admired by 
thousands. The debt of $29,000, incurred in building, was paid 
Obie tuee pasioldie ‘Ol Kev Nonett wVVuotyenm » 1924. 
and adjoining property bought. During the course of the 
wears tere) Nass been ay steady. development™ in, the mem- 
Del HiperOriiiee Chur Chy ee UN Uiberine uOOssInwelOOZ) ite. was 
increased to 89 in 1870, 125 in 1883, 194 in 1892, 410 in 1901, 
500. in 1909, and 1033 in 1925. The pastors have served in the 
following order: Rev. W. A. Passavant, D.D., 1855-1863; Rev. 
Henry Reck, 1863-1870; Rev. W. A. Passavant, D.D. (supply), 
1870-1872; Student Hiram Peters (supply), 1872; Rev. H. W., 
Koth, DD? (supply), 1872-1876; Rev? W. Av Passavant, D-D. 
(supply), 1676-1878; Rev. C.-H: Hemsath, 1878-1883 ; Rev. H. 
W. Roth, D.D. (supply), 1884-1886; Rev. J. W. Myers, 1886- 
1892; Rev. J. F. Heckert, 1893-1898; Rev. J. E. Whitteker, D.D., 
1898-1901; Rev. F. A. Bowers, 1901-1909; Rev. A. M. Mehr- 
Ram, £1) 1909-1917 Rev. R.W. Doty,7.D,D:,1918-. 


CHRIST’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
BADEN, PA. 


The founding of this church was largely due to the death of 
an old horse. When Doctor Passavant missed the Deardorf 
family from his Rochester services, and learned their absence 
was due to the loss of their horse, he determined to carry the 
ministry of the Lutheran Church to their Baden home. His 
first services were held in the Methodist Church, and Christ’s 
Church was organized in the fall of 1858. One of the weak- 
nesses of Doctor Passavant was his inability to keep good church 
records, and the early records of Christ’s Church are confined to 
a few scraps of paper, on which are written some names and 
dates. From these records it appears that the following persons 
were numbered among the original members: 


Biegle, Mrs. Hahn, Mrs. Caroline McKee, John 
Deardorf, D. Kennedy, John Miller, William 
Deardorf, Mrs. D. Kennedy, Mrs. John 


410 HISTORY (OB SDH ESPINT SBURGH SYNOD 


A plain frame church was built in 1861 at a cost of $1,500, 
but no record has been preserved of its formal dedication. ‘The 
church was first mentioned in the records of the Pittsburgh 
Synod in 1862 as a congregation of twelve members, but it was 
not regularly admitted to the synod until 1908. The deed for 
the church ground was dated, February 27, 1862, the trustees 
being W. A. Passavant, John Kennedy, John McKee, Thomas A. 
Hering, and Dittmer Ehrman. The large parsonage lot of one 
and a half acres was secured for the congregation by Doctor 
Passavant, September 28, 1877, for a consideration of $550. A 
frame parsonage was erected on this lot in 1890. From the par- 
sonage acreage lots were sold at various times, 1891-1898, and 
the parsonage itself was sold to E. L. Fruth for $5,200 in 1922. 
Two lots remained unsold at the time of the dedication of the 
brick church. Doctor Passavant served this church from 1858 
to 1879, making the trip from Pittsburgh every two weeks, and 
built up a congregation of fifty members. Baden, Logstown, 
Rehoboth, and Crows Run composed the parish. His successor 
was his son, W. A. Passavant Jr., who served with equal accept- 
ance for six years. Another long pastorate was that of Doctor 
R. M. Smith, 1887-1907, during which the congregation had a 
steady if slow development. For a number of years the need of 
a better church was discussed, and a small building fund was 
accumulated, but the new building did not take form until 1922. 
It was the intention to build on the parsonage corner, but careful 
examination showed that the cost of excavating. would be almost 
prohibitive, and another site in the opposite end of the town, 
120x120, was bought for $2,500. Having studied architecture 
in former years, Pastor F. F. Haworth prepared the plans and 
superintended the construction of a brick church and parsonage 
at a cost of $30,000. The corner stone was laid, February 26, 
1922, and the church dedicated by Pastor Haworth, October 1, 
1922. Nearly all the Lutheran pastors of the Beaver Valley 
were present at the dedication service. A debt of $17,000 re- 
mained, but other property to the value of $5,000 remained in the 
possession of the church. ‘The pastors served in the following 
order: Rev. W. Av*Passavant, D:D21856-1879> Rev, SV eae 
Passavant’|r., 1879-1885 ; Revi RM) Smithy DD) 188741907 
Rev. W. F. Pfeifer, 1908-1911; Rev. F. W. Richter, 1912-1920: 
Rev. F. F. Haworth, 1920-1925; Rev. C. S. Brewer, 1926-. 


FIRST GERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
BRAMER® HAWS. Ae 


This church was founded by Pastor Otto Von Zech with 23 
members, September 10, 1871. The charter was secured, Decem- 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 411 





ber 7, 1874. Three 

















churches have been erect- nS ae, 
ed by the congregation neh o ake a oO oar 
”, : a Wo ——— fe \ ——— rf re 
The corner stone of the gee ap Se 
AACA} Zs E|ear 








Heshescuurch «was. laid: 
November 3, 1871, and 
the building dedicated, 
Pine ele /72e teas 
built of frame on Fifth 
street in the lower end 
of the town. Because of 
a heavy debt it was sold 
iemelooc.. = Lhe comer 
StOn Gm Ole tlien. second 
church was laid, July 2, 
1882, and the building 
dedicated by Pastor John 
Mueller, November 19, 
1882. ‘This brick church 
was located at Sixth ave- 
nue and Ninth street, and 
was sold to the Polish Catholics in 1910. The corner stone of 
the third church was laid at Fourth avenue and Sixteenth street, 
November 27, 1910, and the building dedicated by Pastor J. C. C. 
Scheer, September 4, 1911. The present name was assumed by 
the congregation at that time, and the name St. Paul’s surren- 
dered. The congregation has owned two parsonages. The first 
was bought in 1893; and, when this was sold, the pastor fur- 
nished his own home until 1921, when a brick house was built on 
the church ground. For the first seven years this church was a 
member of the Joint Synod of Ohio, but it was accepted as a 
mission of the Pittsburgh Synod in 1877. From 1883 to 1893, 
the name of the church does not appear upon the synodical roll, 
and then it was admitted to membership the second time. The 
history of the church has been one of many trials, but it has 
maintained a steady increase in membership through them all. 
The Sunday School was organized with a few children in 1871, 
but it now enrolls 11 teachers and 150 pupils. The Ladies’ Aid 
Society was organized with 12 members in 1871, and this strong 
auxiliary now enrolls 82 devoted women. The Luther League 
was organized by Pastor Paul Kummer in 1895. Other helpful 
auxiliaries are the Marthas and the Sewing Society. A list of 
pastorates follows: Rev. Otto Von Zech, 1871-1872; Rev. John 
Hoerr, 1872-1873; Rev. Edward Knauth, 1873-1874; Rev. Otto 
Von Zech (second term), 1874-1875; Rev. Egbert Sylla, 1876- 
1877; Rev. John Mueller, 1878-1883; Rev. William Steinmann, 



































412 HISTORY OF THEsPITTSBURGH SYNOD 


1884-1885; Rev. M. I. Lauffer, 1886-1887; Rev. C. J. Bohnen, 
1887-1889; Rev. H. Wellhausen, 1889-1890; Rev. Ewald Hann, 
1890; Rev. P. J. C. Glatzert, 1890-1891; Rev. E. F. V. Stein- 
hagen, 1891-1893; Rev. Paul Kummer, 1893-1895; Rev. J. P. 
Hansen, 1895-1896; Rev. J. C.-C. Scheer, 1896-1920; Rey. C. R; 
Stolz, 1920-. 


ST. MARK’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
TIP EYVILLE, RA, 


This church was founded by Rev. M. L. Kunkelman, De- 
cember 29, 1872. The first constitution was adopted, January 11, 
1873, and the first officers were Andrew Nagel, John Doutt, 
William Nagel, and E. Autenrieth. The charter members were 
the following: | 


Autenreith, FE. Koch, Paul * Nagel, William 
Doutt, John Koch, William Parker, Samuel 
Fischer, Jeremiah Musser, T. J. Strohecker, M. 
Houksaien a): Nagel, Andrew Zimmerman, Joseph 


A frame church was erected at once, which was dedicated 
by Pastor M. L. Kunkelman, August 30, 1873.. During the pas- 
torate of Rev. Ira J. Goehring,. the chancel was rearranged to 
conform to Lutheran usage and new furnishings were dedicated. 
A tower was also built and furnished with a bell. During 
fifty years of history about 250 names have been recorded on 
the communion roll, but the number of members has never been 
large at any one time. It has passed through some severe trials, 
but a loyal membership of fifty still remains, Since 1912 St. 
Mark’s and Zion have constituted the Middle Lancaster Parish. 
The following pastors have served here: Rev. M. L. Kunkel- 
man, 1872-1876; Rev. Peter Riffer, 1877-1890; Rev. {G. J. 
Diener, 1891-1894; Rev. H. K. Shanor, 1895-1896; Rev. Peter 
Riffer (second term), 1897-1901; Rev. A. P. Lentz, 1902-1911; 
Rev. R. W. Yeany (supply), 1912; Rev. I. J. Goehring, 1913- 
1925; Rev. H. C. Glander, 1925-. 


OAK GROVE, EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN GCHURGH 
NEW SEWICKLEY TWP., BEAVER COUNTY, PA: 


Rev. Gottlieb Bassler of Zelienople held services in the 
Bonzo school house during the summer as early as 1867. A 
Sunday School was organized in this school house, which was 
superintended by Andrew Bonzo. Rev. M. L. Kunkelman also 
held services here, and the result was the organization of a 
church, March 15, 1873, when the first trustees were chosen. 
This organization was completed in January of 1874, with the 
following members : 


HISTORY OF THE PIETSBURGH SYNOD 413 


Bonzo, George Freshcorn, Sarah Goehring, Jacob 
Bonzo, George R. Goas, jacob Goehring, Margaret 
Bonzo, Caroline Goas, Hannah Graham, Charles 
Bonzo, Margaret Goas, Elias Graham, Lottie 
Bonzo. J. f Goas, Andrew Kirschler, Matthew 
Bonzo, Henry Goehring, Henry McKee, Margaret 
Dambach, Jacob Goehring, Zeno Panner, Jacob 
Deemer, Andrew Goehring, Christ Powell, Joseph 
Deemer, William Goehring, Elizabeth Powell, Annie and John 
Douglass, Barbara Goehring, Amelia Reader, Margaret 
Freshcorn, Mr. Goehring, Adam Stout, Margaret 
Freshkorn, Nettie Goehring, Sarah Troutman, Callie 


Many unchurched families of the community were glad to 
welcome this organization, and plans were made at once for the 
building of a church. A fine oak grove of three acres was 
donated by Henry Bonzo, 
where a frame church 
was built at a cost of ho Re 
$1,150, and dedicated by “Po #98882 G py 
Pastor M. L. Kunkel- ¢ YEN ONY 
man, August 16, 1874. 
The congregation was 
admitted to membership 
in the synod in 1875, and 
made a part of Zelienople 
Parish. Services were 
held every alternate Sun- 
day afternoon, always in 
the English language. 
The church was _ served 
by Zelienople pastors un- 
til August 1, 1902, when 
it became a separate par- 
ish. During the pastorate 
of Rev. E. H. Daugherty, 
1901-1907, a parsonage 
was built and a more adequate church secured. The corner 
stone of this second church was laid, October 15, 1905, and the 
building dedicated by Pastor Daugherty, February 11, 1906. It 
was built of frame at a cost of $5,600, and furnished according 
to Lutheran ideals. During the summer of 1922 both parsonage 
and church were renovated. The pastors were: Rev. M. L. 
Kunkelman, 1873-1877; Rev. J. A. Kribbs, 1878-1881; Rev. V. 
B. Christy, 1881-1890; Rev. R. R. Durst, 1890-1895; Rev. L. O. 
Benze, 1896-1902; Rev. E. H. Daugherty, 1902-1907; Rev. J. J. 
Myers, 1907-1909; Rev. F. W. Ash, 190921014 Reva re 3G. 
Snyder, 1915-1916; Rev. G. J. Diener, 1916-1920; Rev. A. G. 
Fischer, 1923-. 








AS 


























414 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


HOUSE. OF (PRAYER EVANS LUDHERAN (GEILE 
WOODLAWN, PA. 


When Baden Church was established by Doctor W. A. 
Passavant, a number of Logstown people crossed the river in 
boats in order to attend the services. When the pastor proposed 
that they build a church in their own community, it met with the 
favor of all classes of people. Half an acre of ground was 
bought at once. The corner stone of a frame church was laid by 
Doctor Passavant, October 31, 1875, but no record of its dedi- 
cation has been preserved. The following statement was placed 
in the corner stone: ‘““This edifice is to be erected, in which the 
pure faith of Christ will forever be proclaimed, as confessed in 
the confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and the 
holy sacraments shall be administered as they were instituted by 
Jesus Christ, who is Head overall things in his Church”’. 

Before the building was finished, a Sunday School of seventy 
children was gathered. The early records of this congregation 
are found in the Baden Church Book. From these records it 
appears that the following persons were charter members: 


Grinder, Mrs. Mary McKee, Rolf Wilson, Albert 
McKee, John McKee, Mrs. Abby Wilson, Emma 
McKee, Laura White, Elizabeth Winkle, William E. 
McKee, Ophelia Wilson, Mrs. Mary Winkle, Mrs. W. E. 


The church was more fully organized by Rev. W. A. Passa- 
vant Jr., August 15, 1881, with “some thirty members’, and 
made a part of Baden Parish. When Rev. R. M. Smith became 
pastor in 1887, he found church interest at such a low ebb that 
he could report only 12 members. When he resigned, October 
23, 1892, the Middle Conference requested Pastor F. W. Kohler 
to serve the congregation in connection with Monaca. ‘This 
pastor reported that he could find “no records, no constitution, 
no organization, only a debt of $450”. A secretary, treasurer 
and collector were elected, August 27, 1893, and the church 
began to show signs of life. Then came the Christmas enter- 
tainment of 1894, with a neighborhood quarrel that made church 
work difficult for several years. When Doctor D. lL. Roth be- 
came pastor, October 21, 1906, he preached his introductory 
sermon to 12 persons. About this time the Jones and Laughlin 
Company began the erection of their large Aliquippa plant, 
which meant the creation of a large industrial population in 
Woodlawn. Large numbers of foreign-speaking people settled 
near the old church, and it was sold for $6,400 in 1910. After 
the church was surrendered, services were held in private homes 
until a church was built on the two lots secured in Woodlawn. 
The corner stone of this church was laid by Doctor D. L. Roth, 
May 19, 1912, and the building was used first on December 29, 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 415 


1912, when the pastor presented his resignation. The mission- 
ary superintendent took charge of the congregation and reorgan- 
ized it under a new constitution and charter. Their church was 
dedicated, April 27, 1913, when Doctor G. J. Gongaware 
preached the sermon. It was built of brick and stone, high above 
the level of the street, at a cost of $12,000. At the beginning 
of the pastorate of Rev. C. M. Teufel in 1920, a parsonage was 
bought for $6,500. This pastor added 132 new members to the 
congregation during the first two years of his pastorate, and 
inspired all with confidence in the success of the mission. The 
pastors served in the following order: Rev. W. A. Passavant, 
11D .5°1876-1879; Rev. W.-A. Passavant Jr.; 1879-1885; Rev. 
R. M. Smith, 1887-1892; Rev. F. W. Kohler, 1892-1896; Rev. 
C. L. Holloway, 1896-1901; Rev. R. G. Rosenbaum, 1902-1903 ; 
Rev. G. W. Critchlow, 1903-1906; Rev. D. L. Roth, D.D., 1906- 
1910; Rev. C. E. Rudy, 1910; Rev. D. L. Roth, D.D. (second 
term), 1910-1913; Supplies, 1913-1914; Rev. C. E. Schweikert, 
1914-1920; Rev. C. M. Teufel, 1920-1924; Rev. C. I, Empson, 
1925-. 


PO > bao TeV ERO Yor VAIN oe ELE RAINS GH UR CE 
CROWS RUN, BEAVER COUNTY, PA. 


When Doctor Passavant revived Rehoboth Church, it was 
necessary for him in journeying to and from Baden to pass 
through this community. Impressed by the spiritual needs of 
Fem pecoplere se. olrered 
his services as a minister 
and was cordially wel- 
COMIC Nt tel wnis a4intst 
service the people urged 
him to preach for them 
regularly. The first serv- 
ice was held in the open 
dirnear thevsite of) the 
present church. The cor- 
ner stone of a frame 
church was laid by Doc- 
tor Passavant in October, 
1878, and the building 
was dedicated by his son, 
ENWTGEGE yatey = Peleg Ba keeate 
W. A. Passavant, Jr., or- 
ganized a congregation 
of 24 members on the 
day of dedication. Their 
church 1s described in the 






































416 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


synodical record as. ‘‘a neat Gothic edifice, with open roof and 
vestibule, the dimensions being fifty feet in length and thirty-two 
feet in breadth, a model of cheapness, neatness and convenience”. 
The record of baptisms for this church begins with 1879, but 
that of communions not until 1888. From 1888 to 1891 the 
following family names are found on the register: Briggs, 
Brown, Craig, Dalis, Frazier, Garrett, Grophy, Harger, Hen- 
drickson, Holsinger, Horris, Hillman, Jackson, Javens, McCourt, 
McCracken, Parks, Phillips, Piersol, Powell, Reno, Romigh, 
Ruckert,~.omithy ’Sproaty.s and pey,eacer a)" Lihismeces ister 
once stamps the congregation as a typical “Passavant Church”. 
Such was the missionary zeal of the pastor that all nationalities 
were alike Lutheran material to him. Adjusting himself to the 
wishes of the people in matters liturgical, he taught them such 
a pure gospel that they naturally developed into the best of Lu- 
therans. Within twelve years the church developed a member- 
ship of 45; then came the establishment of the large railroad 
yards at Conway, and the organization of Trinity Church of 
Vicary, November 8, 1891. This took many members from 
Crows Run, and the loss was deeply felt. The pastors were the 
same as those of Rehoboth. 


ZION’S “FIRS bP EVANGEVICAL LUTE ERAN GEOR Gis 
AMBRIDGE, PA. 


Ambridge was founded in 1903, when the American Bridge 
Company erected a great plant along the Qhio River, midway 
between Fair Oaks and Economy. In the fall of the same year 
Pastor Paul Kummer began to call upon the Lutheran families 
of the new town, with a view to interesting them in the establish- 
ment of a church. A list of 74 Lutherans was secured in a few 
months. A Missouri Synod pastor from Freedom also entered 
the field, and rented the only available place of worship in the 
town. Pastor Kummer called an informal meeting at the home 
of J. F. Jessen, April 25, 1904, when it was decided to organize. 
This organization was effected, May 2, 1904, when a committee 
on constitution and charter was appointed. The petition for a 
charter was signed by Paul Kummer, J. F. Jessen, G. B. Kroll, 
John -Serak) John Yay sHillers Simon \V etter, pw hettinger 
Louis Beitner, Andrew Augustine, John Neiman, John Beitner, 
and John Weber. The charter was secured and the church ad- 
mitted to the Pittsburgh Synod in 1904. ‘The Missouri Synod 
discontinued services, June 2, 1904, and Zion’s Sunday School 
moved into the Bank Hall. The first regular church service was 
conducted by Pastor Kummer, May 9, 1904, when 25 persons 
were present. The American Bridge Company agreed to donate 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 417 


$500 to any congregation that would build a church and place the 
same under roof before January 1, 1905, provided the cost was 
twice that of the lots on which it was built. Pastor Kummer 
accepted the offer on his own responsibility, and made a payment 
of $100 on one of the two remaining lots on Park road, between 
Seventh and Eighth streets, with the understanding that the 
second lot would be donated by the company. ‘The corner stone 
of their church was laid, October 9, 1904, and the building ded1- 
cated by Pastor Kummer, March 26, 1905. The dedicatory 
sermon was preached in German by Rev. J. C. C. Scheer. 
English services were held in the evening of dedication day. The 
church was built of brick and cement blocks at a cost of $5,250. 
In as much as many of the members of Zion were paying for 
their new homes at the time, the remaining debt was not paid for 
several years. During the pastorate of Rev. John I. Shaud, 
1909-1915, a larger church site on the corner of Maplewood and 
Eighth streets was secured, and the membership was also greatly 
increased. During the pastorate of Rev. H. D. Whitteker, 1917- 
1921, property adjoining the church was bought for $7,760. On 
this property were a cottage and a frame house, and the latter 
was renovated at a cost of $1,000 for the parsonage. The fol- 
lowing pastors have served here: Rev. Paul Kummer, 1904-1905 ; 
Rev. J. A. Frischkorn, 1906-1909; Rev. J. I. Shaud, 1909-1915; 
Rev. W. M. Weaver, 1915-1916; Rev. H: D, Whitteker, 1917- 
1921; Rev. Bernard Fetterly, 1921-. 


FIRST ENGLISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
CONWAY; PA: 


The first Lutheran service in this town was conducted by 
Pastor W. F. Pfeifer in Stahl’s Hall, September 6, 1908. Many 
members of Baden Church attended this service, for they were 
deeply interested in the establishment of a congregation. Among 
the leaders in this movement was George B. Forsythe. On 
January 10, 1909, the church was organized by Pastor Pfeifer 
with 25 members. It was admitted to the Pittsburgh Synod in 
1909 and attached to Baden Parish. A Sunday School of 32 
members was opened at the time of the organization. A build- 
ing lot was donated by Adolph Heppel, but this was sold in order 
to secure a better location on the corner of Second avenue and 
Tenth street. The last named lot was bought for $775, Decem- 
ber 11, 1910. When building plans were prepared, the old 
Vicary Church was bought for $200, and made the frame for a 
brick-cased church that was dedicated by Pastor W. F. Pfeifer, 
September 10, 1911. The Vicary Church was located on 


418 HISTORY, OFSEHE PIT spBURGHASYNOD 


Freedom Hill, most of whose members went to St. John’s 
Church when the organization disbanded in 1907. The congre- 
gation has been served by the Baden pastors from the beginning. 


REHOBOTH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
ECONOMY TOWNSHIP, BEAVER COUNTY, PA. 


Rehoboth Church was built by the United Presbyterians, but 
abandoned by them after a division of their congregation. The 
neglected building was used for a time as a sheep stable, when 
Doctor | Wifes nassan 
vant heard of it and de- 
termined to restore it to 
its original use. Neigh-— 
bors cleaned it for serv- 
ices, and Doctor Passa- 
vant and Doctor Boal 
then bought the church 
and ‘cemetery | for .$200) 
holding it in trust for a 
Lutheran congregation. 
Lutheran services were 
begun in 1875, and the 
congregation was likely 
organized during the fol- 
lowing year. A Sunday 
School of 80 scholars was 
organized at the begin- 
ning. Some of the early 
records of this church 
were preserved in the 
Baden Church Book, but the greater part was lost. From 1888 
‘to 1891 the following family names are found on the communion 
record: Baird, Beighley, Bentel, Bergman, Bock, Brown, Block- 
ham, Calhoun, Cottom, Charleston, Dunlap, Ehrman, Gray, 
Hagan, Hendrickson, Hillberg, Hillman, Marr, Martin, Mc- 
Norton, Miller, Morgan, Nichols, Reed, Smiley, Snyder, Steel, 
and Stewart. During the pastorate of Rev. R. M. Smith, the 
old church was replaced by a more adequate building at a cost of 
$4,000. The corner stone was laid, September 4, 1904, and the 
building dedicated by Pastor Smith, December 4, 1904. The 
church was connected with Baden Parish until 1907, when it 
was transferred to Freedom Parish. The pastors were‘ Rev. 
W. A, Passavant, D:D: 1876-18/9;eRevaW. “A> Passavant ajar 
1879-1885; Rev. R. M. Smith, 1887-1907; Rev. Ludwig Beiseck- 
er, 1907-1911; Rev. W. A. Zundel, 1912-1916: Rev. W. E. Arn- 
holt, 1916-1924; Rev. J. B. Lambert, 1924-. 

































































BintORY Ob DotvPlDCSBURGH SYNOD 419 


ENGUISH EVANGE GICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
OF THE REDEEMER 
MONAGA PAs 


The first attempt to found an English Lutheran Church here 
was made by Doctor W. A. Passavant in 1865. Pastor Henry 
Reck of Rochester also had a part in these services, and met 
with much encourage- 
ment. When Thiel Hall 
was opened in 1866, the 
need for such a church 
became imperative, and 
an annual appropriation 
for this purpose was 
made by the Pittsburgh 
synod.) An “English 
Sunday School was start-: 
ed by Professor William 
Kopp in 1867. On No- 
vember 28, 1868, Profes- 
sor H. E. Jacobs organ- 
iZeCmUicmORULCIawoL athe 
Redeemer with six mem- 
bers, and _ reorganized 
the Sunday School with 
12 teachers and 85 pupils. 
For nearly three years 
services were held at an : 
early morning hour in the German Church, with occasional eve- 
ning services in Thiel Hall. Then came the removal of Thiel to 
Greenville and the dissolution of the organization. No further 
effort was made at English work until 1877, when Doctor Passa- 
vant began to hold English services in St. Peter’s Church in the 
evenings. The synod connected Monaca with Rochester in 
1879, but Pastor C. H> Hemsath became discouraged with the 
small returns, and in 1880 surrendered the field to Rev. W. A. 
Passavant Jr. Christian Erbeck made it his duty to bring the 
Baden pastor to Monaca every two weeks; Edwin R. Frank 
took charge of the reorganized Sunday School; others volun- 
teered for helpful service; and a provisional organization was 
effected, May 7, 1882, when Nelson H. Trumpeter, Edward R. 
Frank, and Robert Merryman were elected trustees. The church 
was more fully organized, July 1, 1887, when a constitution was 
adopted and provision made for securing a charter. The mem- 
bers of this provisional organization, 1882-1887, were the 
following: 











~~ SSS : NG u 
:: ZZ = a : 
oe nx 





=< 



































420 HISTORY OF THE Pit lespuRGH SYNOD 


Able, Charles Frank, Edward R. Miller, James 

Able, Mrs. Mary Frank, Mrs. Jennie Miller, Mrs. Maragret 
Bickerstaff, Mrs. Anna Frank, HVicteg ene Veen) Robinson, Mrs. Annie 
Bickerstaff, Lida Grinder, Mrs. Eleanor Schnobel, Clara E. 
Blatt, Adolph Grundstrom, Anton Steifel, John 

Blatt, Sophia Grundstrom, Mrs. Eva Steifel, Mrs. Elizabeth 
Brady, Arthur Guba, Joseph M. Steifel, Eckhart B. 
Brady, Mrs. Helen Guba, Mrs. Mary C. Strunge, Mrs. Ida B. 
Faust, Mrs. Fannie Hemphill, Mrs. “Blizabeth Trumpeter, Nelson B. 
Figley, Mrs. Ida Krossen, Mrs. Sophia Trumpeter, Mrs. Mary E. 
Folland, Mrs. Mary Krossen, Margaret E. Vollhardt, William C. 
Folland, Jizzie Lay, Josephine W. Vollhardt, Mrs. Jessie 
Folland, JTouisa Lundie, Mrs. Rachel White, Mrs. Elizabeth 
Folland, George LeGoulin, Mrs. Clara Weigel, Mrs. Dorothy 
Folland, Mrs. Margaret Merryman, Robert Weigel, Mary H 


Rev. W. A. Passavant, Jr., served as supply pastor from 
May 7, 1882, to Ooctoher 24, 1886, when he accepted a formal 
call and served until December 1, 1889. The congregation was 
admitted to the synod i in 1887 and chartered in 1889. For nearly 
seven years services were held_in St. Peter’s Church, gradually 
gathering the strength that enabled them to build a church of 
their own. ‘Two lots were bought from the Lias heirs for $1,000, 
April 28, 1888, one of which was sold for $600. A carpenter 
shop, which stood on this ground, was also sold for $100, so that 
the net cost of the site was $300. The corner stone of a brick 
church was laid, September 21, 1888, and the building was partly 
finished at a cost of $3,500. In this unplastered church services 
were held until the fall of 1890, when Pastor F. W. Kohler 
raised the funds to complete the church and make it comfort- 
able. The gift of pews and chancel furniture from the First 
Church, Pittsburgh, was a great encouragement at this time, but 
the people were not ready to dedicate the church until all the 
debt had been paid. The church was dedicated by Pastor I. H. 
Stetler, September 6, 1908, twenty years after the laying of the 
corner stone. The parish became self-sustaining about the same 
time, 190 members being enrolled. The present parsonage was 
bought for $3,000 in 1917, and remodelled at a cost of $1,000. 
This parsonage lot, 120x120, adjoins the church grounds, and 
offers an ideal site for the future church. From 1882 to 1889 
the church was connected with Baden; from 1889 to 1890 with 
Rochester; from 1890 to 1894 with New Brighton; from 1895 
to 1896 with Chartiers ; from 1896 to 1903 with Logstown; since 
1903 it has been a separate parish, The following pastors have 
served here; Rey. W2AlsPassavant’ Jr. 1lee2- 1889 : Reve" |W 
Myers (supply), 1889-1890; Rev. F. W. Kohler, 1890- 1894 ; 
Student E. O. Graham (supply), 1505s Reveal) Waters (sup- 
ply), 1895-1896; Rev. Dero! loway, 1896-1902; Rev. R. G. 
Rosenbaum, 1902- 1907 ; eee I. H. Stetler, 1907- 1912: Reva: 


E. Dozer, 1912- 1916; Rev. H. S$. Gilbert, 1916-1918: Rev. A. 
Ps*entz, 1918 


Tis GORY SOR THe Pi DSBRURGH SYNOD 421 


CHRIST’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
BEAVER FALLS, PA. 


The first effort to establish an English Lutheran Church in 
this community was made by Doctor Passavant in 1866, ‘The 
number of Lutheran families then was so small that the effort 
failed. A standing mis- 
sionary appropriation 
was made by the Pitts- 
burgh Synod, 1871-1877, 
but no missionary pastor 
could be secured. Pastor 
John Mueller organized 
Grace English Lutheran 
Church in connection 
with his German parish 
in 1880, but this organi- 
zation failed after an ex- 
wstence yol, two y.earts. 
Pate in” 18383°a “number 
of Lutherans addressed 
a letter to the missionary 
euiperimtendent. ol .the 
synod, which resulted in 
regular services every 
two weeks in W.C. T. U. 
Hall for one year. In the 
spring of 1885 this same company of Lutherans began to hold 
services in the German Evangelical Church, but their organiza- 
tion was not effected until June 20, 1886, under the direction of 
Rev. J. W. Myers of Rochester. ‘To the original 19 members 5 
others were added, making the following charter members: 

































































Arkwright, Mrs. E. Conkle, Mrs. Mary Shanon. wert 

Ase vT. Deering, Mrs. A. Shanor, Mrs. W. A. 
Aye, Mrs. Sallie Hawkins, Mrs. Emma Valentine, Mrs. C. E. 
Bingel, L. E. Johnson, A. F. Vaughen, Mrs. Anna 
Bingel, Mrs. Wilda Owen, G. M. Vogeley, Charles C. 
Campbell ts S8 aks Owen, Mrs. Mary J. Vogeiey, Mrs. Laura 
Campbell, Mrs. A. E. Ruckert, William Welfschaeffer, William 
Campbell, Fannie M. Ruckert, Mrs. Carrie Wolischaeffer, Mrs. H. 


The constitution recommended by the General Council was 
adopted at the organization meeting, but the first officers, J. T. 
Aye, G. M. Owen, W. A. Shanor, L. E. Bingel, and S$. R. Camp- 
bell, were not elected until the next week. The Sunday School 
was organized in the German Evangelical Church, with J. T. 
Aye as the first superintendent. ‘he average attendance at this 
school for the first year was fifteen. A lot on the corner of 
Fourth avenue and Eleventh street was bought from the Har- 
mony Society for $1,000, the deed bearing the date, April 1, 1887. 


422 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


The corner stone of their church was laid by Rev. J. K. Melhorn, 
November 27, 1887, and the building was dedicated by Pastor J. 
W. Myers, May 18, 1888, Doctor Edmund Belfour preaching the 
sermon. It was built of frame, 34x56, with a corner tower, at a 
cost of $3,463.90. A debt of $2,524 proved a heavy burden for 
many years. When Pastor Myers resigned, June 1, 1888, the 
church was connected with the newly organized church of New 
srighton, and placed under the care of Pastor J. H. Delo. This 
parish relation was dissolved in 1890, and Christ Church has 
been a separate parish ever since. During the pastorate of Rev. 
Jonathan Sarver, 1891-1893, the basement of the church was 
finished, and a frame parsonage built. The successor of Pastor 
Sarver was Pastor J. C. N. Park, 1894-1897, during whose term 
serious trouble in the congregation occurred, and the trustees 
were authorized to sell the parsonage in order to pay the burden- 
some debt. Better counsel prevailed, however, and the property 
was retained. As a climax there was a secession of 25 members, 
who organized Trinity Lutheran Church, March 14, 1897, and 
were admitted to the Pittsburgh Synod of the General Synod. 
Missionary aid was denied by the General Synod, and the church 
disbanded in 1899. Under the leadership of Pastor J. lL. Fischer, 
1903-1909, the debt was cancelled and the parish reached self- 
support. Pastor Fischer also introduced the churchly forms of 
the Lutheran Church, as the congregation grew and prospered. 
Another long and successful pastorate was that of Rev. Franklin 
Pierce Cook, who began his work, February 6, 1910, and closed 
it in death, December 13, 1919. Beloved by all, the work of the 
Lord prospered in his hands. Rev. Charles H. Tilp began his 
pastorate, March 28, 1920, and the confirmed membership was 
increased to 460 in 1924. This large increase necessitated the 
building of a larger church, and the gathering of a building fund 
was authorized in 1923. A two-manual pipe organ was dedicated 
by Pastor Tilp, September 25, 1921. The pastors have served 
in the following order: Rev. J. W. Myers, 1886-1888; Rev. J. H. 
Delo, 1888-1891; Rev. Jonathan Sarver, 1891-1893; Rev. J. C. 
N. Park, 1894-1897; Rev. C. T. Benze, 1897-1898; Rev. 
Zundel, 1898-1903; Rev. J. L. Fischer, 1903-1909; Rev. 
Gook, 1910-1919; Rev Gao Tilp, 1920- 


ae. 
ia 


TRINITY EB \ANGE TT CAT URE ERIN Ne rik Grr 
NEW BRIGHTON, PA. 


During the fall of 1887 a canvass of New Brighton was 
made by Rev. J. W. Myers and Rev. D. M. Kemerer, the result 
of which was the organization of Trinity Church with 26 mem- 
bers in January, 1888. The synodical record of 1888 gives the 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 423 


following account of the Wada Ses 
organization: “‘A consti- Ss Vee i 
: i 4 


tution was adopted, a hall 
rented, and services regu- 
larly continued. The ad- 
ditional labor which this 
imposed upon Rev. My- 
ers, necessitating him to 
preach four times every 
Sunday, was more than 
hem could #*perform.? In 
view of this fact the mis- 
sion committee, at its 
meeting in March, re- 
solved to divide the work, 
making a new mission of 
Beaver Falls and New 
Brighton, and permitting 
Rev. Myers to confine 
his labors to Rochester, 
as soon as a suitable man 
could be secured for the new field. An invitation was given J. 
H. Delo, a student in the Philadelphia Seminary, to visit the 
mission. A call was extended, which he accepted. After his 
ordination in May he entered on his work there”. A charter was 
secured, June 2, 1890, in which the name “English Trinity 
Evangelical Lutheran Church” was assumed. The word English 
caused some trouble, and it was dropped from the corporate 
name when a new charter was obtained, September 16, 1897. 
The pastor longest conmected with this parish was Rev. F. W. 
Kohler, whose first pastorate was from November 1, 1890, to 
September 30, 1900, and his second from April 1, 1907, to July 
31, 1922, the two covering a period of more than 25 years. A 
lot on the corner of Tenth avenue and Tenth street was bought 
from Mrs. Townsend in 1891. The corner stone of a church was 
laid, December 27, 1891, and the building dedicated by Pastor 
Phohieom UunerZ0. lou2m ultewasepuiltsoleitame, 30x30, and cost 
$4,000. It was enlarged in 1908, when a two-manual pipe organ 
was installed. A second addition to the building was made in 
1914. In 1901 a lot with a frame house was bought from Mrs. 
Alero mocy Ot Orounderunninosirom, Lenth: to, Eleventh 
avenue, was secured from Mrs. Mary Brown. A small store 
room beside the church was bought and converted into a Sunday 
School annex. In 1915 the house and lot at 1006 Tenth street 
was bought; in 1922 the Thomas house was purchased; and in 
1923 the present parsonage was bought for $10,500. In the 










3 









































=e 
as 


424 HISTORY, OF THE PLL TSBURGH SYNOD 


acquiring of all this real estate the Ladies’ Aid Society had a 
large part. When the day comes for the building of a modern 
church and parish house, the site will be ready. During all these 
years there has been a steady increase in the membership, and 
250 confirmed were reported by Pastor J. F. Bermon in 1924. 
The pastors were: Revs J." W. Myers) 1888; Reva J wHe Delo, 
1888-1890; Rev. F. W. Kohler, 1890-1900; Rev. G. W. Critch- 
low, 1901-1907; Rev. F. W. Kohler (second term), 1907-1922; 
Rev. J. F. Bermon, 1923-. 


CHAPTER XII 
CHURCHES OF BUTLER COUNTY 
1806-1924 


“Remember the days of old; consider the years of 
many generations”. 


AINE, of the first white men to make a home within the 
borders of this county was Rev. John Roth, 
Moravian missionary of the Indian village of Kus- 
kuskoong in 1771. His descendants have proven 
towers of strength to the Pittsburgh Synod. ‘The 
Scotch-Irish began to settle in Butler County in 
1792, but no great numbers came until 1796. The number of 
Lutherans among the pioneers was comparatively limited. The 
list of 987 county taxables of 1803 contains but 62 names that 
may be safely classed as German, Perhaps the oldest of the 
Lutheran families of the county were those of the Buechle 
brothers, after whom the oldest Lutheran Church of the county 
was named. Another well known family was that of the Passa- 
vants of Zelienople, who settled on the Dettmar Basse estate in 
1807. Philip Louis Passavant married Miss Zelie Basse, after 
whom the town of Zelienople was named. ‘The third son of the 
Passavants, William Alfred, became the founder of the Pitts- 
burgh Synod and one of the greatest missionaries and philan- 
Mropicits sol Americas Of athe, originals(0,000macres* Of) ‘the 
Dettmar Basse estate, 6,000 were sold to the Harmonites, who 
in turn sold them to Abraham Ziegler. This progressive Penn- 
sylvania German disposed of much of this land in small farms 
to his fellow Germans, who soon made them to blossom as the 
rose. Hazard’s Register of June,-1832, speaks in the highest 
terms of their contribution to the citizenship of Butler County. 
The first settled Lutheran pastor of the county was “Bishop” 
Johann Gottlob Christian Schweizerbarth, who rendered incal- 
culable service in the establishment of the Lutheran Church. He 
was an intense German, with conservative ideals that ever gave 
strength to the congregations served by him. ‘The four central 
churches of his great parish were Zelienople, Buechle’s, Barn- 
hart’s and Butler, but his labors were. by no means confined to 
them. In 1840 he served an immense parish of eleven congrega- 
iionseesZelienople, ot, John'sButler,Barnhart’s; Liebendorfer’s, 
St. Matthew’s, Hannahstown, Boyer’s school house, Jerusalem, 
Emmanuel and Sugar Creek’. In 1919 there were 27 Lutheran 





426 HISTORY OFTHE sii SBURGH oyNoOD 


churches in Butler County with 4,967 members. ‘Ten of these 
churches belonged to the General Council, nine to the General 
Synod, seven to the Ohio Synod, and one to the Missouri Synod. 
All churches of the Pittsburgh Synod then used only English 
in their public services. 


SOR NGS EV AON G Ee LGA ive Le Gd BAIN eC Tein is a 
LANCAS PER <LOWINGEILE SB UDI ReCO WING Yara 


Two of the oldest, if not the two oldest, church buildings 
of Butler County stand today, after the lapse of almost a cen- 
tury, in regular use for the purposes to which they were dedi- 
cated, in as good condition as when they were built. These are 
St. Paul’s of Zelienople and St. John’s of Lancaster Township, 
the latter being commonly known as ‘“‘Buechle’s” or the “Stone 
Church”. The pastor, to whose efforts the building of both 
churches was due, was Rev. Johann Gottlob Christian Schweizer- 
barth. He was the first regular pastor of St. John’s, coming to 
this community in the fall of 1821, after receiving a license from 
the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Ohio, and completing the 
organization of the congregation in the same year, ‘This does 
not mean that there was no church organization here prior to 
this. A provisional organization existed as early as 1806, when 
Rev. Philip Muckenhaupt, an independent pioneer preacher, held 
services in the Buechle barn. How frequently these services 

were held is not known, 
eee Tas but they were discon- 


9) ee ; tinued in.elSliesbastos 





a aa 2s) Se NOS ae 4) John Michael Steck was 
qip pa y eB y =e ans alP S 5 Aner 

ml So Worse Ss ie also an occasional visitor 
“i a Pate) in early days, as the rec- 


: ord of a baptism in 1812 
ise, bears witness. Rev. 
Jacob Schnee was pas- 
tor of the German Evan- 
gelical Church of Pitts- 
burgh, ‘181321818; sand 
preached occasionally at 
the Buechle home during 
this period. The Buechle 
family was dominant in 
the founding of the con- 
gregation, which for 
many “years: \bore* ithe 
Buechle name. John, 
Henry) “Geo re enpand 












































HisvoOkRY OR STH PULP SBURGH SYNOD 427 


Peter Buechle settled here in 1796, and were numbered among 
the earliest pioneers of the county. A log building was erected 
on the land of John Buechle in 1818, serving the double purpose 
of church and school house for several years. This land, con- 
taining one and three-quarter acres, was deeded, April 1, 1836, 
to “John Meyer and John Buechle, Trustees, and David Roth, 
George Buechle, Samuel Meyer, David Barley, William Buechle, 
and Michael Lepley, Council of the German Reformed and Lu- 
theran Church, United Congregation of St. John’s, and their 
successors in office’, for a consideration of one dollar. ‘The first 
recorded communion service of the old log church was conducted 
by Pastor Schweizerbarth, December 19, 1822, when thirty-two 
were confirmed and the following received the sacrament : 
Baumgartner, Jacob Buechle, Anna Marie Mohn, David 
Baumgartner, Katharina Buechle, Anna Margaretha Mohn, Agnes 


Baumgartner, Margaretha Buechle, Anna Magdalena Mohn, Georg 
Baumgartner, Elizabetha Buechle, Anna Kath. (2) Muehleisen, Jacop 


Baumgartner, Susanna Handschuh, Johannes Muehleisen, Johannes 
Buechle, Johannes Handschuh, Helena Muehleisen, Daniei 
Buechle, Katharina (2) Huber, Magdalena Muehleisen, Anna O. 
Buechle, Jacob Kistler, Johannes Muehleisen, Maria M. 
Buechle, Margaretha Kistler, Daniei Ottenberger, Elizabetha 
Buechle, Sara Kistler, Peter Rosenbach, Johannes (2) 
Buechle, Georg Kistler, Susanna Rosenbach, Heinrich 
Buechle, Christina IG ohe Yo dale ALp Rosenbach, Margaretha 
Buechle, J. G. Meyer, Johannes Schoener, Heinrich (2) 
Buechle, Adam Meyer, Sara Schoener, Elizabetha 
Buechle, Joh. Conrad Meyer, Saloma Schoener, Susanna 
Buechle, Joh. Heinrich Meyer, Samuel Schoener, Michael 
Buechle, Peter Meyer, Margaretha Schoener, Johanna 
Buechle, Wilhelm Meyer, Rachel Schoener, Saloma 
Buechle, Maria and Vera Mohn, Johannes Schoener, Christina 
Buechle, Magdalena Mohn, Jacob Schoener, Phryer 
Buechle, Elizabetha Mohn, Ruth (2) Taftert, Johannes 


Four generations of Buechles account for the large number 
of that family name. Other early families of St. John’s, not 
included in the above list, were the Roths, Lepleys, Millers, 
Alberts, Bargleys, Barleys and Bastons. Some of them were 
compelled to travel many miles in order to reach the church. Of 
these pioneers, John Buechle settled in 1796, Heinrich Schoener 
in 1798, Adam Albert in 1799, Johannes Beyer, Johannes Mohn, 
and Johannes Baston in 1805. The first of the Roths came to 
Butler County in 1774. Such signal success attended the labors 
of Pastor Schweizerbarth that the old log church was often over- 
crowded. With characteristic deliberateness, Pastor Schweizer- 
barth took plenty of time to lay his plans for the building of an 
adequate church. He made long journeys to the east for the 
purpose of collecting funds. Native stone was selected as the 
material, for the Bishop was opposed to tawdry and cheap 
houses of worship. The corner stone was laid, June 24, 1829, 
but a fire broke out in the unfinished church and destroyed some 
of the furnishings, so that it was not dedicated until July 8, 
1832. Pastor G. A. Reichert preached the dedicatory sermon. 
Pastor Schweizerbarth continued his ministry here until 1849, 


428 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


after which his labors were restricted to Zelienople. At the be- 
ginning he preached altogether in German, expressing his con- 
tempt for “Irish” sermons; but near the close he consented to 
preach in both German and English at every appointment. Dur- 
ing the greater part of his Butler County pastorate, he served 
only Zelienople, Butler, and St. John’s, but there were times 
when he assumed the care of no less than eleven churches. His 
successor here was Rev. W. A. Fetter, who served St. John’s in 
connection with Butler, 1849-1851. When the Pittsburgh Synod 
met in Prospect in 1852, a delegation was sent from St. John’s 
to inquire as to the possibility of securing a pastor, who could 
officiate in both English and German. In answer neighboring 
pastors supplied them with English services, and Rev. Herman 
Mantz became the German pastor, serving from August 1, 1852, 
until death, December 16, 1853. On March 31, 1856, it was 
agreed that the English congregation should have the same 
rights in the church as the German, and this dual arrangement 
continued until 1868, when the German ceased. At the time of 
this division there were about 40 members in each congregation. 
The first regular English pastor was Rev. Asa Harris Waters, 
who served from 1855 to 1866. During the pastorate of Rev. 
Lewis Hippee, 1866-1873, the interior of the church was re- 
modelled, the gallery removed, and the high pulpit replaced. The 
fiftieth anniversary of the laying of the corner stone was cele- 
brated in 1879, when Doctor T. B. Roth, Doctor D. L. Roth, and 
Professor Herman Gilbert were the speakers. After the speak- 
ing a banquet was spread under the great chestnut tree, at 
which forty persons, who had witnessed the ceremony of 1829, 
were the guests of honor. From 1874 to 1884 there was a large 
emigration from this community to the western states ; and many 
influential families were lost to St. John’s. The centennial of 
the founding of the congregation was celebrated in 1922. The 
following pastors have served here: Rev. Philip Muckenhaupt 
(supply), 1806-1811; Rev. J. M. Steck (occasional supply), 
1808-1820; Rev. Jacob Schnee (supply), 1813-1818; Rev. J. G. 
C. Schweizerbarth, 1821-1849; Rev. W. A. Fetter, 1849-1851; 
Rev. Herman Mantz (German), 1852-1853; Rev. Anton Lachen- 
meier (German), 1854; Rev. C. F. W. Brecht (German), 1854- 
1864; Rev. Herman Gilbert (German), 1865-1867; Rev. J. G. 
Butz (German), 1867-1868; English supplies, 1852-1855; Rev. 
A. H. Waters, 1855-1866; Rev. Lewis Hippee, 1866-1873; Rev. 
S. H. Swingle, 1874-1879; Rev. G. W. Critchlow, 1880-1884; 
Rev. R. R. Durst, 1886-1889; Rev. Nathanael Scheffer, 1889- 
1894:\Rev.D) Be Stahlman, 1895-1900; Rev. H. Kk eShanes 
1902-1906; Rev. C. L. V.. Dozer, 1907-1910: Rev. D.-H. Ger 
berich, 1913-1917; Rev. J. V. Sappenfield, 1917-1920; Rev. JV A. 
Frischkorn, 1920-1924; Rev. C. L. V. Dozer (second term), 1924-. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 429 


ST. MATTHEW’S EVAN. LUTHERAN CHURCH 
DVAL IN Lhe ls oe OWVeiNis ELE Paci Wcb I Be COLEN SY. .P A: 


This church is located in a community known as Little 
Germany. ‘The rugged land did not appeal to the early settlers, 
but remained a hunter’s paradise for many years. In 1836 a 
number of German settlers came, and soon reduced the wilder- 
ness to cultivated farms. Their first pastor was Rev. J. G. C. 
Schweizerbarth, who organized a union church of Reformed 
and Lutherans in 1837, and reported St. Matthew’s as one of his 
regular appointments, 1837-1841. All services were held in 
private homes, for the church was not built until later. Rev. 
John Esensee of the Maryland Synod visited the community in 
1842; and St. Matthew’s and Hannahstown united in petitioning 
the Ohio Synod to renew his license that he might be their pastor. 
In 1843 he served Prospect, Hannahstown, Sugar Creek, Fair- 
view, Fair’s, Millerstown, and St. Matthew’s. In 1844 he sur- 
rendered St. Matthew’s to his brother, Rev. Henry Esensee, who 
served it in connection with Fork’s, St. John’s and Eisemann’s, 
1844-1851, when he was deposed. In 1842 a rough building was 
_erected on donated ground by twelve men, and this served as a 
place of worship for several years. ‘Their cemetery was laid 
out about the year 1847, the first recorded burial being that of 
Mrs. Anna M. Gundlach, October 27, 1847. A constitution was 
adopted, February 17, 1850, to which the following names were 
signed : 


Baltz, Johannes Hartung, Heinrich Sandrock, Nicolaus 
Biehling, Conrad Hartung, Casper Sandrock, Jacob 
Birx, Conrad Heim, George Ludwig Scharf, John George 
Blaurock, Heinrich Kaufhold, George H. Schrompf, Adam 
Duerr, Frederick Krug, Justin Heinrich Schrompf, Simon 
Falkner, Johann Kuetch, August Schl A 
Fischer, Lorenz Minzel, Heinrich Trube, George 
Goering, Heinrich Mochel, Michael Trube, Christian 
Grossheim, Heinrich Nenstiehl, Johannes Weber, Christoph 
Gundlach, Johannes Nenstiehl, George Wetzel, Gottlieb 
Hagel, Valentin Prat) Conrad: Wiegand, Valentin 
Puhlhafer, [Leonard Zier, Barthold 


The church was under the care of pastors of other synods 
from 1851 to 1885, after which they were served with one ex- 
ception by pastors of the Pittsburgh Synod. During the pas- 
torate of Rev. J. G. Amschler, 1885-1889, many important 
changes occurred. The congregation was reorganized as Lu- 
theran, and was chartered, November 12, 1888. <A lot on the 
opposite side of the road was bought for $100, where a frame 
church was built at a cost of $3,000. ‘This was dedicated by 
Pastor Amschler in 1886. It was damaged by lightning in 1919, 
but quickly repaired at a cost of $1,700. All services in St. 
Matthew’s were held in German until 1903, when Pastor J. A. 
Beighey began to use English. All German ceased in 1920. The 


430 HISTOR YiOF "EE be PITTSBURGH US YWOD 


following pastors have served here: Rev. J. G. C. Schweizer- 
barth, 1837-1841; Rev. John Esensee, 1842-1844; Rev. Henry 
Esensee, 1844- 1851; Rev. J. G. Hahn, 1851-1856; Rev. J. Engers, 
1857-1859; Rev. C. Tiesell 1860-1862; Rev. Ludwig Zuber, 1863- 
1866; Rev. A. W. Pohl, 1866-1869; Rev. Frederick Wilhelm, 
1870-1881; Rev. Frederick Deamond, 1882-1885; Rev. J. G. 
Amschler, 1885-1889; Rev. Henry Voegele, 1890-1892; Rev. 
Conrad Engelder, 1892-1902; Rev. J. A. Beighey, 1903-1908; 
Reve oje~A. Prischkor 1909- 1911; ‘Rev. “Johannes Burgdorf, 
191221914 Rev i) ae | eeacs, Glatzert, 1915-1919; Rev.. Herbert 
Martens, 1920- LOLS Reyer ia meolcaet. shoZl. 


SLY LUKE'S PVANGELIGATYVE UTTERAN CVLCi Ga 
SAX ONDOURG EA? 


This community was settled by German Saxons from 
Muehlhausen and Zwickau in 1832. Pastor William Fuehrmann 
accompanied the emigrants, and organized the greater part of 
them into a German Evangelical Church. One of these Saxons 
was John A. Roebling, who became famous in later years as the 
designer of the Brooklyn Bridge. In 1837 the Lutherans of the 
colony were organized into St. Luke’s Church of Hannahstown 
by Rev. J. G. C. Schweizerbarth. This congregation was listed 
as ““Cooper’s” in the records of the Ohio Synod for that year. A 
small frame church was built in 1838, but left unfinished until 
August 30, 1849, when it was dedicated by Pastor David Ear- 
hart. Pastor Earhart accepted a call from the English part of 
the congregation in 1844, and for that reason 1844 is sometimes 
given as the date of the organization of St. Luke’s Church of 
Saxonburg; but this English congregation was a part of the 
original organization, so that 1837 is the correct date. In 1862 
the English congregation attempted to build a church of their 
own, but were deeply discouraged by failure. The credit for 
reviving their interest is due to Rev. J. K. Melhorn, who re- 
organized them as St. Luke’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of 
Saxonburg, June 6, 1870. A lot in Saxonburg was donated by 
John A. Roebling. The corner stone of a new church was laid 
by Pastor Melhorn, October 5, 1869, and the building dedicated 
ee Pastor.J;,H, AS Kitzmiller? August 43087 le [itwast bute 
brick, 35x45, and cost $2,800. The building committee consisted 
of John E. Muder, Isaac Lefevre, Michael Stepp, Thomas Greer, 
and William Burtner.. The parsonage was bought in 1919 for 
$3,000. From 1844 to 1849 the church was a part of Leechburg 
Parish; from 1857 to 1866 it was a part of Butler Parish; trom 
1869 to 1885 it was connected with Freeport Parish; for many 
years St. Luke’s and St. Paul’s constituted a parish, to which St. 


His lORYOrelHt ProrSBURGH=syY NOD 431 


Matthew’s was added in 1920. The pastors from the time of the 
original organization were: Rev. J. G. C. Schweizerbarth, 1837- 
1842; Rev. John Esensee, 1842-1844; Rev. David Earhart, 1844- 
1849; Supplies, 1849-1857; Rev. A. H. Waters, 1857-1861; Rev. 
J. H. Fritz, 1861-1866; Supplies, 1866-1869; Rev. J. K. Melhorn, 
1609-167 ie Reve Jovi Awe Kitzmiller, 1871-18815" Rev, Hike: 
Shanor, 1882-1885; Rev. Nathanael Scheffer, 1885-1889; Rev. 
C. A. Fetzer, 1890-1891; Rev. Philip Doerr, 1891; Rev. Herbert 
Martens, 1892-1895; Rev. N. N. Harter, 1895-1901; Rev. D. B. 
Stahlman, 1901-1903; Rev. J. A. Beighey, 1903-1908; Rev. J. A. 
Frischkorn, 1909-1911; Rev. Herbert Martens (second term), 
HOU7aLOZ eh eve Gor}, Diener™ 192251926: 


ZAG NismisNG Abo EV ANEW WT ELE RAINS CHURCH 
NID Dy SIAN AS oa ERs 


The German pioneers of this community attended services 
at Buechle’s or Zelienople. Finding the distance too great, they 
appealed to Pastor Schweizerbarth for the organization of a 
church in Middle Lancaster. Their appeal was granted, and 
Zion’s German and English Evangelical Lutheran Church was 
organized by the pastor named, September 17, 1842. Ground 
for a church and cemetery was donated by Jacob Swain, who, 
with Henry Bieber, Jacob Neely, Jacob Moyer, Samuel Myers, 
William Buechle Sr., George Buechle Sr., and James Kirker, 
Duos sun ally frame 
church, which was dedi- 
cated by Pastor Schweiz- 
erbarth,« (september! «13: 
1842. This church was 
so well constructed that 
it still meets the require- 
Mientsa,oteuthe -German 
congregation, after bear- 
inswethes storms of 82 
years. On the day after 
organization, Pastor 
Schweizerbarth adminis- 
tered the sacrament of 
the altar to 40 persons. 
Rev. John Esensee_ be- 
came the first pastor of 


the German  congrega- oe 3 pS=s i q 









































tion, while Rev. Gottlieb 
Bassler accepted the’ call’ i+ 
of the English congre- : 


432 HISTORY+OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


gation, preaching his first sermon, October 25, 1842. Pastor 
Bassler resigned, September 1, 1861, in order that a new parish 
might be formed of Zion’s and Pine Creek. During these early 
years the German congregation was served by Rev. John 
Esensee, 1842-1848; Rev. Herman Mantz, 1848-1853; Rev. 
Anton Lachenmeier, 1854; Rev. C. F. W. Brecht, 1854-1868. A 
Sunday School was organized in 1842, in which there were Ger- 
man and English teachers; and, if the school was opened in one 
language, it was always closed in the other. After a time the 
school was divided, each part meeting at a different morning 
hour. While there was some conflict between the languages in 
the parish, an amicable way was always found to settle their 
differences. Lest these differences should become irreconcilable, 
it was decided to organize the church into two separate bodies, 
and this was effected by Pastors Brecht and Bassler, April 8, 
1861. The name given to the new English organization was 
“Zion’s English Evangelical Lutheran Church”, Atithe time of 
the eae each congregation had about 60 members. Zion’s 
English Church was admitted to the Pittsburgh Synod, June 3, 
1861, and adopted the constitution recommended by that body, 
July 1, 1861. The first officers under the new constitution were: 
GC. S* Beighley, Isaac Kelly helders:» Gharless Petrereavine ane 
Sheever, deacons; William Kirker, John Sieg, trustees. During 
the next 30 years both congregations worshipped in the same 
church, holding services on alternate Sundays. When the 
English outgrew these quarters, they proposed to the Germans 
that a larger church be erected. ‘This proposition was declined, 
but the English bought two and a half acres, bordering the south 
line of the original property, on which a good frame church was 
dedicated by Pastor, G. ]-eijiener, May 8, 1892. They then 
offered to sell their interest in the old church to the Germans, 
who finally gave them $150 for it. A frame parsonage was built 
in 1894. ‘The church reached the height of its prosperity during 
the pastorate of Rev. H. K. Shanor, 1894-1906, when 220 com- 
municants were enrolled. In recent years the go-to-town move- 
ment has reduced the number to 123. During the pastorate of 
Rev. Ira J. Goehring, a number of improvements were made to 
the property. The pastors of this English congregation were: 
Rev. Gottlieb Bassler, 1842-1861; Rev. Josiah McPherrin, 1861- 
1862; Rev. A. H. Waters, 1863- 1864; Rev. Jonathan Sarver, 
1864-1866; Rev. Gottlieb Bassler (second term), 1866-1867; 
Rev. G. W. Frederick, 1867; Rev. M. L. Kunkelman, 1868-1870: 
Rev. David McKee (supply), 1870-1871; Rev. M. L,. Kunkelman 
(second term), 1871-1877; Rev. Peter Riffer, 1878-1890; Rev. 
G. J. Diener, 1891-1894; Rev. H. K. Shanor, 1894-1906; Rev. 
C. L. V. Dozer, 1907-1910; Rev. I: J. Goehring, 1913-1925; Rey. 
H. C, Glander, 1925-. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 433 


EMMANUEL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
RROSPHGIae PAs 


A small group of men met with Pastor Gottlieb Bassler in 
the home of Lewis Roth, December 5, 1842, and resolved to 
establish a church in Prospect. These men were faithful mem- 
bers of the Stone Church, 
Duleebelcved mmtnat @. tae 
time had come to provide 
the means of grace near- 
er home. Since they be- 
lieved that more English 
preaching was _ needed 
than Pastor Schweizer- 
barth was willing to give 
in the Stone Church, 
tievastutned:) tom Pastor 
Gottlieb Bassler as their 
leader, A ‘constitution 
was adopted, January 2, 
1843, and signed by 
Dayid Roth, Robert 
DenLUnsewaASeh Othaa)se |. 
Shanor, Benjamin Roth, 
and Daniel Barclay, as 
the founders of Emman- 
Hele enurch wel ast.o.r 
Bassler began regular services in the shaban preaching either 
in the school house or in the union church, and conducted the 
first communion service, May 21, 1843, when 34 persons received 
the sacrament. When the G. P. Robinson property was secured 
for $300 in 1844, the German Lutherans and Reformed became 
interested and asked for a share in the building venture. This 
was granted, January 28, 1844. 
































1“An understanding, fair to each party, was entered into, 
reduced to writing and duly subscribed, with respect to the 
ownership and use of the property now about to be secured. In 
less than two months the property was bought, vacated and fitted 
for a place of public assembly. On May 19 the first communion 
was held. Fifty-one persons participated; and then already it 
was realized that the place was too small. We must not enter 
into the details of the fitting up of this first House of God, how 
the galleries were erected, the walls plastered, the stoves put in 
for winter use, and the windows glazed; but we hasten on to 
record that in December the Germans and the English framed a 


1—The Old Home Week Book, McCullough and Roth, p. 32. 


434 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


contract, which specified their respective rights and privileges. 
And here it is worthy of note that nothing in the history of Pros- 
pect more clearly sets forth the honest and truly Christian spirit 
of its people than the kind, harmonious and equable agreement, 
which the Germans and the English reached and kept in the ad- 
justment of the temporal interests of this congregation”. 


The congregation prospered under the ministry of Pastor 
Bassler, and the building of a larger church soon became impera- 
tive. A lot was secured from James McCullough for $76, 
September 20, 1847, on which a brick church was dedicated, 
March 9, 1849. The carpenter work was done by John Bow- 
man, for which he was given the Robinson property. The 
actual money cost of this church was small because of many 
donations. The successor of Pastor Bassler was Pastor Asa H. 
Waters, who left a strong spiritual impress upon the community 
during a pastorate of eleven years. From 1855 to 1861 he served 
a large parish, consisting of Prospect, Stone Church, Butler, and 
Hannahstown, after which the last two were surrendered to the 
care of Pastor J. H. Fritz. During the Civil War he led a com- 
pany of volunteers to Camp Curtin, and later rendered service 
in the Christian Commission. The large parsonage property was 
bought for $1,000 during his pastorate, and the present parson- 
age was built there in 1888. The church has been renovated or 
remodelled several times, the most important of which led to a 
rededication by Pastor A. H. Bartholomew, August 16, 1903. A 
German congregation worshipped in Emmanuel Church for 
many years. “After:the death of Pastor @; Avslimbero ore 
Reformed Church, June 30, 1900, only occasional German serv- 
ices were held, “the people and property being now united in the 
one body and title as Emmanuel Lutheran Church”. The follow- 
ing young men from this church entered the ministry: John 
scott, Henry W. Roth, John D. Roth, D: Luther’ Roth/*1 2B: 
Roth, Carl C. Roth, Paul Wagner Roth, Paul H. Roth, Samuel 
H. Roth, W. P. Shanor, George W. Critchlow, John A. Waters, 
A. C. P. Hays, and Mosheim Waters. Samuel Marion Roth and 
Shannon Wright lost their lives in the service of their country 
before their ministerial studies were completed. The pastors of 
Emmanuel were: Rev. Gottlieb Bassler, 1842-1854: Rev. A. H. 
Waters, 1855-1866; Rev. Lewis Hippee, 1866-1873; Rev. S. H. 
Swingle, 1873-1879; Rev. G. W. Critchlow, 1880-1884; Rev. 
R. R. Durst, 1886-1889; Rev. Nathanael Scheffer, 1889-1894; 
Rev. D. B. Stahlman, 1895-1900; Rev. A. H. Bartholomew, 1901- 
1907; Rev. Herbert Martens, 1908-1911; Rev. D. G. Gerberich, 
1912-1917; Rev. J..V. Sappenfield, 1917-1920 ; Rev. J. A. Frisch- 
korn, 1920-1924; Rev. C. L. V. Dozer, 1924-. 


His LOR wer eh be yPl iT SBURGHIESYNOD 435 


THE ENGLISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
ZEIE NOPE PA: 


Dettmar Basse of Frankfort on Main, Germany, came to 
America in 1801 to seek his fortune. After a short time he 
bought 10,000 acres of government land in the Connoquenessing 
Valley. <A large part of 
this domain was bought ; 
by George Rapp for the ia ES a 
Harmony Society in & fp 
1805. In 1807 Mr. Basse GP SEEMS 
brought his family to a4 o 
America. This family wif 
included his son Charles, 
his daughter Zelie, and 
his son-in-law, Philip 
Louis Passavant. In the 
following year the Passa- 
vants built a home in the 
Dow 1 "sol, @Zelienople; 
named after Mrs. Passa- 
vant. Dettmar Basse was 
not a good business man, 


and soon lost his money WA PALIT) Ce ey 

: hes SING 

invgeexperlinents:. so@that x 2 
a 





















































BS 


themeremainder of his et 

large estate was sold to 

Daniel Beltzhoover of Pittsburgh. A part of the estate was sold 
to G. H. Mueller of Havana, who settled his father-in-law, 
Casper Mueller, upon it. He built a stone residence upon a hill 
overlooking the Connoquenessing, and in this home of refine- 
ment the first Lutheran services of the valley were held by Pastor 
Jacob Schnee of Pittsburgh. The first resident pastor was Rev. 
Johann Gottlob Christian Schweizerbarth, who spent his entire 
ministerial life in this community, 1821-1853, and left a won- 
derful impress upon the Lutheran life of Butler County. His 
parish records are marvels of neatness, and show that he baptized 
992, confirmed 569, and buried 445 members of his St. Paul’s 
Church. St. Paul’s was organized by Pastor Schweizerbarth in 
September, 1821, and the large stone church, dedicated by him in 
1827, still stands as a model of Lutheran architecture after a 
century of service. When a strong demand for English preach- 
ing arose in St. Paul’s, he was glad to welcome Rev. Gottlieb 
Bassler, a former private student, for the purpose of founding 
an English congregation. His first services were held in St. 
Paul’s Church, with the understanding that the English congrega- 


436 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


tion should ‘“‘pay a rental of one dollar per year, be responsible 
for all damage to property, provide wood for fuel, and pay the 
janitor”. 


The congregation was organized by Pastor Bassler with 16 
members, January 21, 1843, and the first officers were Henry 
Muntz, Michael Liebendorfer, Charles Sidney Passavant, and 
Reuben Heberling. Henry Muntz was an elder for twenty-seven 
years; and Charles Sidney Passavant was treasurer for fifty-one 
years. The church was not incorporated until June 16, 1860. 
Three churches have been dedicated in this parish. The first was 
a brick building on Grandview avenue, erected at a cost of 
$1,000, and dedicated by Pastor Bassler, July 6, 1845. The site 
was donated by Philip Louis Passavant, and the dedicatory 
sermon was preached by his son,.William Alfred Passavant. The 
second church was also built of brick, and was dedicated by 
Pastor V. B..Christy, January 13, 1884. Certain dangerous de- 
fects developed in this building, and it was displaced by the 
present stone structure. ‘The corner stone of the third church 
was laid, August 30, 1903, and the building dedicated by Pastor 
L. O, Benze, November 7, 1904. The cost of this stone church 
was $20,035. During the pastorate of Doctor M. M. Allbeck a 
two manual pipe organ was installed, and the chancel refinished 
to correspond. ‘Two of the institutions of the Pittsburgh Synod, 
the Orphans’ Home and Farm School and the Old People’s 
Home, are located within the bounds of the parish, in which the 
pastors of the congregation have rendered a helpful ministry. 
The march of the orphan children to Sunday School is a treat 
to all. The Old People’s Home is located in a beautiful grove 
of native oaks, which was donated by Mrs. Jane Passavant of 
this church. The following young men have entered the ministry 
from this fruitful parish: Michael Colver, Henry Geisz, John A. 
Kribbs, Frank Richards, Lewis Hay, Peter Riffer, Jacob Ash, 
Charles W. White, Henry Voegtley, John S. Albert, Norman D. 
Goehring, Alvin F.. Teichart, and Willard D. Allbeck. Miss Vir- 
ginia Boyer of this church lost her life at sea on her way to 
service in the India mission field in 1922. The following pastors 
have served here: Rev. Gottlieb Bassler, 1843-1864; Rev. Jona- 
than Sarver, 1864-1866; Rev. G. W. Frederick, 1867; Rev. M. L,. 
Kunkelman, 1868-1877; Rev. J. A. Kribbs, 1878-1881; Rev. V. 
B. Christy, 1881-1890; Rev. R. R. Durst, 1890-1896; Rev. L. O. 
Benze, 1896-1905; Rev. I. J. Baker, 1905-1909; Rev, F. G. 
Longaker, 1909-1913; Rev. G. H. Schnur, D.D., 1914-1918; 
Rev. M. M. Allbeck, D.D., 1919-. 





UNDER THE GREAT OAK, ORPHANS’ HOME AND FARM SCHOOL, 
ZELIENOPLE, PA. 


438 HIsTORYIO Re tote ELD SpURGHssy NOD 


EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
NORTH WASHINGTON, PA. 


This church was organized by Rev. Elihu Rathbun in 1843. 
The nucleus was gathered by Pastors Koch and Mueller of the 
Reformed Church, the first named preaching here as early as 
1832. For a number of years Pastor Koch preached in Jacob 
Hilliard’s barn. According to tradition the German Reformed 
and the Associate Reformed congregations built a union church 
in 1838, which was called Mount Varnum because of its location 
on a hill of the Enoch Varnum farm. The building agreement 
was that the German Reformed should have the use of the 
church one-fourth of the time, and the Associate Reformed the 
rest. This arrangement continued until a language dispute arose 
in the German Reformed congregation, which dismissed their 
pastor and secured the services of a Lutheran, Rev. Elihu Rath- 
bun, because of his willingness to preach in English. Pastor 
Rathbun reorganized the congregation on a Lutheran basis in 
1843 with the following members: 


Bollman, Joseph and wife Hilliard, Isaac Meals, George 

Byers, Fred and wife Hilliard, Susan and Mary Meals, Elizabeth 
Bollman, Miss Hilliard, Elisha and Peter Mechling, Wm. and wife 
Daubenspeck, Jacob Hilliard, Elizabeth Rumbaugh, Jacob 
Daubenspeck, Catherine Hoover, Christian Rumbaugh, Leah 

Hale, Mrs. Hoover, Mary Schryock, John 

Henlen, Mrs. C. L. Meals, Samuel Schryock, Eliza 

Henlen, Nacy Meals, Elizabeth Varnum, Philip and wife 
Hilliard, John Meals, Jacob Wilson, Mary 


After the reorganization the question was raised as to 
whether they had any rights in the building, since they were no 
longer Reformed but Lutherans. They were permitted to use 
Mt. Varnum Church only until they could erect a church of their 
own. This building was dedicated as Jerusalem Church by 
Pastor Eli Fair, February 9, 1849. Their present church was 
built of frame at a cost of $4,000, and dedicated by Pastor R. B. 
Starks, February 21, 1892. Within the bounds of this parish, a 
number of Lutheran congregations have been organized, only to 
be absorbed by others. The Mt. Varnum Church was absorbed 
by North Washington; the Fairview Church was disbanded in 
1856, and the proceeds of the sale of the building used to build 
a parsonage in North Washington; the Mt. Pisgah Church, or- 
ganized in 1843, was absorbed by Mt. Olive or Six Points; the 
Mt. Olive Church, organized in 1869, built a good church, but 
this has not been used for many years; the West Sunbury 
Church was absorbed by Springdale. The North Washington 
Church was incorporated in 1908. Four young men have entered 
the ministry from this congregation: G. W. Haldeman, Mosheim 
Rhodes, G. M. Rhodes, and L. M. Daubenspeck. The pastors 
were: Rev. Elihu Rathbun, 1843-1847; Rev. Eli Fair, 1847-1850: 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 439 


Rev. J. B. Breckenridge, 1850-1855; Rev. J. A. Delo, 1857-1859 ; 
Rev. Jacob Singer, 1859-1864; Rev. A. S. Miller, 1865-1872; 
Rev. J. W. Reese, 1872-1875; Rev. M. L. Smith, 1876-1879; 
Rev. J. N. Zimmer, 1879-1883; Rev. C. L. Streamer, 1883-1885 ; 
Rev. R. B. Starks, 1886-1895; Rev. Shile Miller, 1895-1902; 
Rev. S. A. Zimbeck (assistant), 1897-1898; Rev. E. F. Dickey, 
1902-1903; Rev. I. Z. Fenstermacher, 1904-1909; Rev. G. W. 
MeSherry, 1910-1915; Rev. P. J.-Fau, 1917-1924; Rev. H..O. 
Harner, 1924-. 


RIDER’S. EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
CE MEER LOW NSELLR BU TEER: COUN DY. PAY. 


The beginnings of this church are credited to the work of 
Pastor J. G. C. Schweizerbarth, 1837-1842, when he held services 
in the school house. When Pastor Gottlieb Bassler took charge 
of the English work of the parish in 1842, this field was placed 
under his care. The Lutherans of the community were mem- 
bers of the Butler Church, but the distance made regular attend- 
ance impossible. A meeting was held in the school house, 
December 18, 1843, at which it was resolved to organize a con- 
gregation. The following persons constituted the original mem- 
bership : 


Byers, John Brown, Jacob Rider, Jacob 


Byers, William Brown, Barbara Rider, John S. 
Byers, Anna Fleeger, Francis Rider, Samuel, B. 
Byers, Catherine Fleeger, Catharine Rider, Sarah 
Byers, Susan Fleeger, Mary Schleppy, Jacob, Jr. 
Byers, Mary Fleeger, Nancy Schleppy, Elizabeth 
Byers, Sarah Heck, Daniel, Jr. Thompson, Mary A. 


UMeeiGst eolicers were «ehtictopucry ehider,.|acob.) Rider: 
Daniel Heck Jr., and William Byers. No constitution appears 
on the record until December 3, 1859, when that recommended 
by the Pittsburgh Synod was adopted. The congregation was 
named after Jacob Rider, who was born in York County in 1787, 
and came to Butler County in 1830. Christian Fleeger came to 
this community among the pioneers of 1797. Services were held 
in the school house until 1844, when a church was built, but this 
church was not dedicated until 1847. After extensive repairs it 
was rededicated in 1877. In 1899 it was decided to relocate the 
church on ground donated by John Byers. It was built of frame 
at a cost of $2,000, and dedicated by Pastor Shile Miller, October 
1, 1899. Under the inspiration of building the congregation took 
on new life and soon enrolled 100 members. This church is 
noted for its fine attendance. The pastors were: Rev. Gottlieb 
Bassler, 1843-1845; Rev. Elihu Rathbun, 1846-1847; Rev. Eli 
Fair, 1847-1850; Rev. J. B. Breckenridge, 1851-1856; Rev. J. A. 


440 HISTORY*ORS TH ESRICESBURGH SY N@D 


Delo, 1857-1859; Rev. Jacob Singer, 1859-1864; Rev. A. 5. 
Miller, 1865-1867; Rev. J. H. Fritz, 1867; Supplies, 1867-1870; 
Rev. Samuel Stouffer, 1870-1875; Rev. David Townsend, 1876- 
1877; Rev. C. L. Streamer, 1878-1885; Rev. R. B. Starks, 1886- 
1895; Rev. Shile Miller, 1895-1899; Rev. S. A. Zimbeck (assist- 
ant), 1897-1898; Rev. S. T. Himes, 1900-1904; Rev. G. F. 
Scheese, 1905-1906; Rev. W. O. Ibach, 1908-1913; Rev. W. A. 
Logan, 1914-1917; Rev. W. E. Watts, 1917-1920; Rev.-J."R: 
Nicholas, 1920-. 


FIRST ENGLISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
EAU EN IA Balke WE 


The oldest Lutheran congregation of Butler is St. Mark’s, 
which was organized by Pastor J. G. C. Schweizerbarth in 1822. 
In 1840 this busy pastor preached at eleven different places, but 
this number was soon reduced to Zelienople, Stone Church, and 
Butler. When the demand for English services arose in St. 
Mark’s, Pastor Gottlieb Bassler was called as the assistant of 
Pastor Schweizerbarth, and organized the First English Evan- 
gelical Lutheran Church of Butler in St. Mark’s, January 16, 
1843, with about 35 members. The first church officers were: 
Jacob Walter Sr., John McCullough Jr., elders; John Dull Jr., 
Daniel Kreidler, deacons. ‘The first communion service was held, 
June 18, 1843, when fourteen were confirmed, and a number of 
the members of St. Mark’s communed with the new congrega- 
tion. For a few years the congregation worshipped in St. 
Mark’s, only one service a month being held, since Pastor Bassler 
was not physically able to make more frequent appointments. 
The Germans made the proposition that, “if the English congre- 
gation would assume $500 of the debt on the church building, 
they might have the use of the church for ten years, at the end 
of which time the $500 would be refunded’; but Pastor Bassler 
was only able to raise $197, and the generous offer was declined. 
First Church gave Pastor Bassler an annual salary of $50 at this 
time, and the other churches of the parish did little better. The 
congregation was eager to secure a church, but did not have the 
money. Services were held for several years in the court house, 
or in other churches. When the building question was taken up 
again in 1848, John Negley offered a site in the south end of 
town, and Michael Emerick another in the north end, and the 
latter was accepted. The work was not begun, however, until the 
spring of 1849, when a brick church, 40x50, was erected. ‘This 
building, located at Church and North streets, was dedicated by 
Pastor Bassler in September, 1849. It was during the early 
part of this pastorate that a company of pastors met in the 





CHURCHES OF BUTLER 


FIRST CHURCH GRACE CHURCH 
TRINITY CHURCH 


442 HISTORY OFS LA EAP IMTS BURGH ES MNOD 


humble lodging place of Pastor Bassler, and started the move- 
ment that resulted in the organization of the Pittsburgh Synod. 
Butler Parish is therefore regarded as the cradle of the synod. 
Pastor Bassler served the church from 1843 to 1854, with the 
exception of a short period between 1846 and 1848, when Pastor 
Elihu Rathbun had charge. Among the experiences of the first 
pastorate was one of peculiar interest. Samuel Mohawk, an 
Indian, having murdered a mother and her four children, had 
been committed to jail to await trial. Pastor Bassler secured 
admission to this man’s cell, and brought him to a sense of his 
sin. After satisfying his church officers that the man was a true 
penitent, he administered the sacrament of baptism, February 
28, 1844. In 1868 Butler was constituted a separate mission 
parish of the Pittsburgh Synod, and was brought to the position 
of self-support by Rev. J. Q. Waters. This pastor was respon- 
sible for the purchase of the Witherspoon Institute in 1876, which 
later furnished the site for the present church. ‘This Institute 
had long been used for educational purposes, and was large 
enough to furnish a pastor’s home as well as a place of worship. 
The size of the lot was 90x180. It was bought for $6,000, and 
remodelled at an additional cost of $1,700. After this work was 
completed a debt of less than $2,000 remained. ‘The new place 
of worship was occupied by the congregation in August, 1876. 
When Pastor J. Q. Waters, resigned, September 1, 1884, Doctor 
D. Luther Roth was elected as his successor. One of the condi- 
tions under which Doctor Roth accepted the call was that the 
clerical robe should be used in all public services. ‘This condi- 
tion was accepted, and the robe was used for the first time on 
Palm Sunday of 1885. The claim is made that this was the first 
use of the clerical robe in any of the English-speaking churches 
of the Pittsburgh Synod. A second condition stated by Doctor 
Roth was that the salary of the pastor should be $800, payable 
semi-annually in advance. The congregation accepted the figure, 
but declined to pay for any work before it was finished. Doctor 
Roth-served two pastorates in this church: 1884-1888, and 1894- 
1899. During his second pastorate a large stone church, 76x116, 
with a 96 foot tower, was erected and dedicated. ‘The last serv- 
ice in the old building was held in May, 1897, and services were 
held in Wick’s Hall during the period of building. The contract 
for the unfurnished building was let for $17,912. ‘The corner 
stone was laid, August 15, 1897, and the beautiful structure 
dedicated by Pastor Roth, June 26, 1898. One of the great days 
in the history of this church was March 8, 1908, when the debt 
of $7,280 was cancelled, and an Estey pipe organ, presented by 
the Reiber family in memory of Martin and Mary Reiber, was 
dedicated by Pastor Robert D. Roeder. On January 10, 1919, 
this church was almost destroyed by fire. After the first shock 


HISTOR MOR HEsPILTSBURGH- SYNOD 443 


of grief, the congregation responded nobly to the call of Pastor 
Frank C. Oberly and raised a reconstruction fund of $65,000. 
An examination showed that only a part of the walls would need 
to be rebuilt. The reconstruction plans included only a slight 
enlargement of the building, but a number of improvements to 
the interior. The church was rededicated by Pastor Oberly, 
September 12, 1920. Two of the pastors of First Church closed 
pastorates in death: Rev. Enoch Smith, May 22, 1894, and Rev. 
Richard: C. Rengier, January 1, 1913... The parish is’ noted for 
its hospitality, and entertained the Pittsburgh Synod in 1877, 
1899, 1916, and 1923. The pastors served in the following 
order: Rev. Gottlieb Bassler, 1843-1846; Rev. Elihu Rathbun, 
1846-1848; Rev. Gottlieb Bassler (second term), 1848-1854; 
Rev. A. H. Waters, 1855-1861; Rev. J. H. Fritz, 1861-1869; Rev. 
L. H. Geschwind, 1870-1874; Rev. J. Q. Waters, 1875-1884; 
Rev. D. L. Roth, D.D., 1884-1888; Rev. G. E. Titzel, 1888-1891 : 
Rev. Enoch Smith, 1891-1894; Rev. D. L. Roth, D.D. (second 
term), 1894-1899; Rev. T. B. Roth, D.D., 1900-1903; Rev. S. M. 
Mountz (assistant), 1900-1903; Rev. R. D. Roeder, 1904-1910; 
Rey. RY Cy Rengier, 1911-1913 Rev. F. C. Oberly, 1914-1920; 
Reverie tia Baccer y1920=, 


Piks lee NCES LUSH B RAN CHURCH 
CHICORA, PA. 


For many years before the organization of a Lutheran 
Church in this town, Rev. 
J. G. ©. Schweizerbarth 
and Rev. John Esensee 
held services in the Barn- 
ateec Onn unites the 
former as early as 1829. 
Pastor John Esensee also 
preached occasionally in 
Millerstown, 1842-1844, 
Duieenevcurorlanized a 
Cnr Ci ameli = Lo36s Ee hilip 
Barnhart donated a lot in 
the town, on condition 
that it should be used ex- 
clusively for church and 
school purposes. <A _ log 
building was erected 
here, which was used as 


a place of worship on Ne sy 0 
Sundays, and as a school eas 



































house during the week. 


444 HISTORYsOR SPH EPIL TSBURGH SYNOD 


St. Paul’s Church of the Ohio Synod now stands on the eastern 
end of this lot. A Sunday School was organized by Joseph 
Eberhard in a school house in 1844. ‘This school house was 
located on the farm of Peter F. Barnhart. English Lutheran 
services were held for the first time in 1846 at the home of Wil- 
liam McCullough, and several communion services were also 
held there. The large family reared in this home has added 
much to the strength of this parish. The “First Evangelical 
Lutheran Church of Millerstown” was organized by Rev. Eli 
Fair with 16 members, December 30, 1848. Full provision was 
made in the constitution for both English and German, but the 
Germans were not satisfied, and organized a separate congrega- 
tion, October 15, 1849. First Church was incorporated, October 
24, 1849, on petition of Rev. Eli Fair, William McCullough, 
Leonard Rumbaugh, Isaac Reep, and Solomon Fleeger. A lot 
was secured from F. W. Barnhart, and the trustees were in- 
structed to build. The corner stone of the church was laid by 
Pastor Eli Fair, June 8, 1849, and the building dedicated by 
Pastor Thomas Steck, March 21, 1852. A new constitution in 
harmony with General Synod requirements was adopted, June 
12, 1858. The “strict discipline” of this constitution was en- 
forced by the congregation for twenty years, with not a little of 
the wheat disturbed with the tares. But this was in perfect 
harmony with the church spirit of that day. In 1880 the congre- 
gation decided to build a new church. The first plan was to 
build “on the corner lots below Barney Frederick’s”, but this was 
abandoned and the church built on the old site at a cost of $6,000. 
The corner stone was laid, July 27, 1884, and the building dedi- 
cated by Pastor T. A. Himes, January 5, 1885. During the pastor- 
ate of Rev. C. E. Frontz, 1901-1907, Mrs. Mary McCullough 
presented a pipe organ in memory of her husband, and Mrs. 
Frederick gave a fine altar. Other improvements were made at 
the same time at a cost of $1,000, and a service of dedication was 
conducted by Pastor Frontz, June 4, 1905. The improvement of 
the highway in front of the church made an unsightly entrance, 
and it was decided to move the church back 20 feet and to add 
14 feet to the building, These improvements were carried out 
at a cost of $20,000, and the church was rededicated by Pastor 
H. H. Flick, November 23, 1924. The following pastors have 
served here: Rev. Eli Fair, 1848-1850; Rev. A. C. Ehrenfeld 
(supply), 1850-1851; Rev. Thomas Steck, 1851-1854; Rev. J. B. 
Breckenridge, 1854-1856; Supplies, 1856-1858; Rev. I. J. Delo, 
1858-1859; Rev. Jacob Singer, 1860-1863; Rev. A. S. Miller, 
1865-1872; Rev. J. W. Reese, - 1873-1875; Rev. J. F. Cressler, 
1876-1879; Rev. A. C. Felker, 1879-1881; Rev. T. A. Himes, 
1881-1886; Rev. Eli Miller, 1887-1893; Rev. J. R. Williams, 


His TORYORSIHESPITTSBURGHZSYNOD 445 


1893-1896; Rev. J. W. Romich, 1897-1901; Rev. C. E. Frontz, 
1901-1907; Rev. W. B. Claney, 1907-1910; Rev. W. C. Barnett, 
1910-1917; Rev. H. H. Flick, 1917-. 


Sepa LER S EVANGELICAL ALU TEERAN GOURCH 
IVAN CHEY ahA’ 


The first Lutheran services of this community were held by 
Pastor John Esensee of Prospect in 1845. Pastor Herman 
Mantz succeeded Pastor E'sensee in Prospect Parish in 1848, and 
took a deep interest in the Germans of Ewansburg. He con- 
ducted a communion service here, December 26, 1848, when 
Pastor Gottlieb Bassler assisted in administering the sacrament 
to 25 persons. “The German Lutheran and Reformed St. Peter’s 
Church of Evansburg” was fully organized by Pastor Mantz, 
February 5, 1849. Both Lutherans and Reformed were pleased 
to accept the services of this pastor. ‘The first communicants of 
this congregation, April 27, 1850, numbered six. A _ building 
site on Pittsburgh street was secured, where a small church was 
erected at a cost of $300. This church was dedicated by Pastor 
Mantz, November 29, 1849, during a meeting of the Middle 
Conference. In the spring of 1853 the union between the Re- 
formed and Lutherans was dissolved, and the latter were reor- 
ganized by Pastor Mantz, May 23, 1853, when a constitution was 
adopted, in which they assumed the name of “The German 
Evangelical Lutheran St. 
Peter’s Church of Evans- 
burg, Cranberry Town- 
ship, Butler County, Pa.” 
Pastor Mantz served the 
Pauisnewonti. calleds, by 
death, December 16, 
1853. At that time the 
church had 65 members, 
among whom were 
Henry Buhl and his fam- 
iiveeue next resular 
pastor was‘ Rev. C. F. 
W. Brecht, during whose 
pastorate their interest in 
the old church was sold 
to the Reformed and a JU 3 F 
new church built on a) (eras) Beas AG: 
Water street. This sec- oa Be) 
ond church was built of 
frame, and was dedicated 


























rie 





446 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


by Pastor Frederick Wilhelm in 1869. Pastor Brecht withdrew 
from the Pittsburgh Synod in 1860 to unite with the Joint Synod 
of Ohio; and Pastor Wilhelm persuaded the congregation to 
follow the same course. From May 16, 1872, to September 2, 
1895, the church belonged to the Ohio Synod. A charter was 
secured, February 21, 1875, and a new constitution adopted, 
March 29, 1875. ‘This constitution contained such strict rules on 
the lodge question that many members withdrew. St. Peter’s 
Church was led back into the Pittsburgh Synod by Rev. P. J. C. 
Glatzert in 1895. It was also during his pastorate that the 
present Gothic church was erected at a cost of $11,269. The old 
church building was sold to W. C. Laderer, and the lot to D. H. 
Hill. The site for the new church was already in their posses- 
sion, having been bought from Peter Peiffer for a cemetery in 
1869, and condemned as such by the town council in 1891. The 
bodies were moved to the Ewans City cemetery, and the ground 
was ready for the builders. The building committee consisted 
of Rev. P. J. C. Glatzert, William Koehler, John Marburger, 
William Bishop, Albert Lotz, Fred Winner, and George G. Lotz. 
The corner stone was laid, August 9, 1897, and the church dedi- 
cated by Pastor Glatzert, June 5, 1898. Dedicatory sermons 
were preached in German and English. A Worsching pipe organ 
was installed in this church at a cost of $2,300, and dedicated by 
Pastor Ro .W.. Yeany, July 19, 1934. Onvfunes 14, 191 Syathe 
church was struck by lightning, and damages amounting to 
$3,000 were caused by the ensuing fire. The repairs were quickly 
made, and the building was rededicated by Pastor Yeany, 
November 21, 1915. The duplex system was introduced in 1911, 
and the parish has taken just pride in its benevolences. For a 
time visions of great church wealth floated before their eyes, 
when an oil well on the parsonage lot in 1915 proved a gusher. 
The well soon lost its force, but not until royalties of $1,000 had 
been paid into the church treasury. The old parsonage was sold 
for $3,500 in 1919, and the Clyde Brehm property bought for 
$8,000. One of the most troublesome problems of the church 
was that of the languages. Organized as a German congrega- 
tion, the older people wanted no changes made in the services. 
The young people of the parish were not satisfied with that, and 
organized Grace English Lutheran Church, January .26, 1884. 
Fortunately for the unity of the church, these young people con- 
sented to receive services from the German pastor, and were 
soon led back into St. Peter’s by a compromise, which gave them 
two English services a month. In later years the German was 
gradually displaced, so that the last German sermon was pyeached 
by Pastor R. W. Yeany, February 6, 1916. Henry Voegele and 
William F. Peiffer entered the ministry from this parish. The 


HISTORY OHH PITTSBURGH SYNOD 447 


pastors were: Rev. Herman Mantz, 1849-1853; Rev. Gottlieb 
Bassler (supply), 1853-1854; Rev. C. F. W. Brecht, 1854-1868 ; 
Rev. Frederick Wilhelm, 1868-1873; Rev. E. Mahlberg, 1874- 
1875; Rev. A. C. Sylla, 1875-1876; Rev. W. L. Bush, 1877-1881 ; 
Rev. W. H. Kropp, 1881-1885; Rev. L. Wagner, 1886-1895 ; 
Reuven Pe © Glatzert; 1895-1900 Rev Ci J Stretch, 1901- 
1907; Rev. C. E. Ziegelbrier, 1907-1909; Rev. R. W. Yeany, 
1910-1918; Rev. W. C. Beck, 1919-1921; Rev. W. C. Barnett, 
1922-. 


ZIONGEVANGHEICATCLUU LARRA NS CHURCH. 
CONCORD TOWNSHIP, BUTLER COUNTY, PA. 


This church is located six miles southeast of North Wash- 
ington. It was organized by Rev. John A. Delo in 1858 with the 
families of the following: 


Bullman, Andrew Jamison, Samuel Starr, Jeremiah 
Byers, William Kauffman, James Starr, William 
Campbell, George Pisor, Jacob Starr, Elisha 
Christy, James K. Pisor, Daniel Troutman, Stephen 
Crawford, James Starr, John Witchy ines 
Harper, Robert S. Stati Onn.) fe Wick, William 


The first church was built in 1858 at a cost of $800, but 
there is no record of its dedication. ‘The corner stone of the 
second church was laid, September 14, 1902, and the building 
dedicated by Pastor S$. T. Himes, March 3, 1903. It was a frame 
church with spire, and cost $3,300. The burial ground near the 
church was donated by William Byers. Zion is one of the three 
churches of West Sunbury Parish, and has been served by the 
following pastors: Rev. J. A. Delo, 1858-1859; Rev. Jacob 
Singer, 1859-1864; Rev. A. S. Miller, 1865-1872; Rev. Samuel 
Stouffer, 1873-1875; Rev. David Townsend, 1876-1877; Rev. 
C. L. Streamer, 1878-1883; Rev. T. A. Himes, 1883-1885; Rev. 
R. B. Starks, 1886-1895; Rev. Shile Miller, 1895-1899; Rev. S. 
A. Zimbeck (assistant), 1897-1898; Rev. S. T. Himes, 1900- 
1904; Rev. G. F..Scheese, 1905-1906; Rev. G. W. Fortney, 1907 ; 
Rev. W. O. Ibach, 1908-1913; Rev. W. A. Logan, 1914-1917; 
Rev. W. E. Watts, 1917-1920; Rev. J. R. Nicholas, 1920-. 


Siebel SE VANGH ITCRA IU fob RAN CHURCEL 
BOVE TPARGSN A SDD rsa 


The first regular Lutheran services in this community were 
begun by Pastor J. H. Fritz in 1865, but Pastor J. G. C. Schweiz- 
erbarth held German services here at a much earlier date. The 
first church building was erected by the Covenanters, and was 
known as the Lovejoy Church. This church was bought for 


448 HISTORY: OF (PHE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


$500, September 23, 1865, and dedicated by Pastor J. H. Fritz 
as St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, March 18, 1866. A 
congregation of 23 members was organized on the same day. 
The deed for the property, including one acre and 156 perches, 
was secured, January 7, 1868. Four additional acres were se- 
cured later for cemetery purposes. The church was incofrpor- 
ated, March 4, 1868. During the first few years the membership 
increased so rapidly that the church soon became too small. The 
corner stone of the second church was laid by Pastor J. K. Mel- 
horn, September 20, 1870, and the building dedicated by Pastor 
ye Ase itziniler September 24) 1871) It was built otsitanes 
43x60, at a cost of $4,000. For a long time St. Paul’s was con- 
nected with Freeport Parish; for several years St. Paul’s and St. 
Luke’s constituted Sarver Parish ; since 1920 St. Matthew’s has 
also been included in what is known as Saxonburg Parish. The 
pastors were: Rev: J. H: Fritz; 1866; Rev. J. K. Melhorn, 1867- 
LG Ale Reva tees Kiteriiler 1871- 188l7Rev> Hoke Shange 
1882-1885 ; Rev. Nathanael Scheffer, 1885- 1889. Reva Gee 
Fetzer, 1890- LSO1PILR Cys k rai Doerr, 1891; Rey, Herbert 
Martens, 1892- 1895 ; Rev. N.N. Harter, 1895-1901; Rev. D. B. 
1901-1903; Rev. J. A. Beighey, 1903- 1908 ; Rev. J. A. Frisch- 
korn, 1909- 1O1T > Rev HerbertMartens (second term), 1912- 
1921 - Rey eG |. ‘Diener 1922-1926. 


BVANGEUIGA TSU T bite GH GENCE NO las DONG eee 
CONCORDITOWN SHIRA BRUTE RICO UN Tye een 


In July, 1876, a number of the members of Rider’s Church, 
in company with the few remaining members of Bethesda 
Church of: West Sunbury, united to form this congregation. 
Bethesda Church had been organized by Pastor Jacob Singer in 
1860. The Whitmire, Rider, Aggas, Wilson, Rhoades, Painter, 
and Halstine families composed the original membership of the 
Springdale Church. When their first church was dedicated in 
November, 1876, the organization was perfected. ‘This church 
was built for $1,300, and, although frequently repaired, is still 
their place of worship. Most important among these repairs 
were made in 1923 at a cost of $1,500, when the chancel was 
furnished according to Lutheran ideals. It was rededicated by 
Pastor J..R. Nicholas; September 30, 1923. A’ parsonage “in 
West Sunbury was bought by the three churches of the parish 
in 1899 for $775, but this was replaced in 1918 by the erection 
of a better house on ground adjoining the Springdale Church. 
This congregation is regarded as one of the most vigorous rural 
churches of the county, and had a membership of 155 in 1924. 
The following pastors have ministered here: Rev. David Town- 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 449 


send, 1876-1877; Rev. C. L. Streamer, 1878-1885; Rev. R. B. 
Starks, 1886-1895; Rev. Shile Miller, 1895-1899; Rev. S. A. 
Zimbeck (assistant), 1897-1898; Rev. S. T. Himes, .1900-1904 ; 
Rey. G. F. Scheese, 1905-1906; Rev. G. W. Fortney, 1907; Rev. 
W. O. Ibach, 1908-1913; Rev. W. A. Logan, 1914-1917; Rev. 
W. E. Watts, 1917-1920; Rev. J. R. Nicholas, 1920-. 


ST. JOHN’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
Wis Da LB ERI 7PAg 


Doctor Henry W. Roth preached in this community, April 
28, 1878, and consulted with the people regarding the organiza- 
tion of a church. The church was regularly organized, June 22, 
1878, when the following members were enrolled: 


Croll, John J. Hahn, Louisa Staff, John 

Croll, Catherine Hahn, Frank Staff, Mary and Sara 
Croll, Taura Hahn els Smith, John B. 

Croll, Asa B. Koch, Jacob Smith, Susanna 
Croll, Martin L. Kranz, William Weitzel, Nicolaus 
Croll, Caroline Kranz, Mary. Jane Weitzel, Christina 
Hahn, William C. Roenick, Margaret Weitzel, John 


Their church was ready for dedication as soon as the con- 
gregation was organized. It was built of frame at a cost of 
$2,500, and was dedicated by Doctor H. W. Roth, June 23, 1878. 
For a short time the church was supplied by Doctor H. W. Roth, 
and it was then made part of Prospect Parish. Since that time 
it has been regularly served by the Prospect pastors. It has 
never had a large membership, and reported 38 confirmed in 1924. 


CRACH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
BeUEl IER PAG 


When the synodical division of 1867 occurred, St. Mark’s 
Church of Butler was a member of the Joint Synod of Ohio, and 
First Church decided to follow the Pittsburgh Synod into the 
General Council. While there were several General Synod 
churches in the northern end of the county, no attempt was made 
to organize a General Synod church in Butler until 1889. During 
that year a number of General Synod Lutherans appealed to 
the Pittsburgh Synod of the General Synod for the organization 
of a mission church. Services were held for the first time by 
Rey. H. B. Winton in the Y. M. C. A. building, July 6, 1890, and 
these were continued regularly until August 31, 1890, when 
Grace Church was organized with 31 members. The first offi- 
cers were J. H. Conrad, J. L. Snyder, Joseph Gensbigler, Harri- 
son Miller, Isaac Shearer, and Lewis Byers. For the first four- 
teen months the new church received only such supplies as the 


450 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


missionary superintendent could provide. The first regular 
pastor was Rev. Jacob Evan Maurer, who served them from 
October 1, 1891, to January 1, 1893, receiving generous mission- 
ary aid. During the pastorate of Rev. Eli Miller, 1893-1901, the 
church was built of brick at a cost of $6,500. A special offering 
was taken by the Pittsburgh Synod in order to encourage them 
in this work. Considerable difference had developed in the con- 
gregation as to the proper location, but all this was amicably 
settled when the lot on the corner of Mifflin and Church streets 
was bought. The owner of this lot was a Lutheran, H. J. Kling- 
ler, who made a donation of $350 on the cost price of $1,400. 
The church was dedicated by Pastor Eli Miller, April 12, 1896. ° 
The successor of Pastor Miller was Pastor J. C. Nicholas, 1901- 
1915, who built up the congregation from 125 to 789 members, 
and secured the erection of the present church. The building of 
an addition to the Sunday School room in 1904 gave but tempo- 
rary relief to the fast developing congregation. ‘The organization 
of Trinity Church in 1912 took 25 members from Grace. 
The new church was built of stone, with a commanding corner 
tower, at a cost of $35,000. By a liberal use of galleries a seat- 
ing capacity of one thousand was secured, while the Sunday 
School was housed in a well-finished basement. At this time the 
Sunday School had an enrollment of 638 members. The build- 
ing was dedicated by Pastor Nicholas, January 3, 1915, but the 
pipe organ was not installed until the following September. A 
debt of $20,900 was incurred in building, which was reduced to 
$8,868 in 1922. During the pastorate of Rev. EF. Victor Roland, 
a large parsonage was secured for $15,500, and the congregation 
steadily advanced in numbers and influence. The following is a 
consecutive list of the pastorates: Rev. J. E. Maurer, 1891-1893; 
Rev. Eli Miller, 1893-1901; Rev. J. C. Nicholas, 1901-1915; 
Rev EE. Vo oRolands 1916— 


HVANGEPICALSIU DHE RANECHURGH 
ANNANDALE, PA. 


This congregation was the outgrowth of a disagreement in 
the Methodist Episcopal Church of Annandale. The dissatisfied 
part of the Methodist congregation held a meeting in the school 
house in March, 1896, and resolved to organize themselves into 
a Lutheran Church. Rev. Shile Miller was asked to supply 
them, and he responded by holding services every two weeks. 
On the first Sunday of September, 1896, a congregation of 71 
members was organized, which was admitted to the Pittsburgh 
Synod of the General Synod and made a part of North Wash- 
ington Parish. The first church officers were John McDowell, 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 451 


D. V: Hutchison, Thomas Christley, E. W. Hutchison, S. L. 
Nelson, and Johnston Stoops. A new church was built for 
$3,500, and dedicated by Pastor Shile Miller, December 20, 1896. 
The pastors were: Rev. Shile Miller, 1896-1902; Rev. E. F. 
Dickey, 1902-1903; Rev. I. Z. Fenstermacher, 1904-1909; Rev. 
G. W. McSherry, 1910-1915; Rev. P. J. Tau, 1917-1924; Rev. H. 
O. Harner, 1925-. 


TRINITY EVANGELICALS LUTHERAN] CHURCE 
AO MMEDASG SVP Fay) 


This section of Butler, known as Institute Hill, was can- 
vassed by the missionary superintendent of the Pittsburgh Synod 
of the General Synod in the summer of 1912. The field seemed 
promising, and Student Charles G. Aurand was placed in charge 
of it for three months. During that time he organized a Sunday 
School, and enlisted the interest of a number of families in the 
proposed church. Trinity Church was organized by Doctor J. E. 
Bittle, September 1, 1912, 25 of the 35 members coming from 
Grace Church. A corner lot was secured as a church site, and 
the support of the mission was assumed by the Woman’s Home 
and Foreign Missionary Society of the Pittsburgh Synod. A 
large frame chapel was erected at a cost of $7,000, and dedicated 
by Doctor J. E. Bittle, December 1, 1912. ‘While there was a 
measure of progress made by the mission during the early period 
of its history, it was not able to do all that was expected of it; 
and this was generally charged to poor equipment. When Rev. 
F. H. Crissman became pastor in 1921, he soon sensed this need 
and suggested plans of development. Generous assistance was 
pledged by the Women’s Missionary Society, and the building 
was raised five feet, veneered with light brown stone, and almost 
reconstructed at a cost of $35,000. The interior of the church 
was made to conform to Lutheran lines. After some delay the 
completed building was dedicated by Pastor Crissman, October 
19, 1924. The pastorates were: Rev. W. C. Waltemeyer, 1913- 
1916; Rev. J. R. Nicholas, 1916-1920; Rev. F. H. Crissman, 1921- 
1925; Rev. T. L. Crouse, 1925-. 


HOPE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
FRANKLIN ROAD, PA. 


This church is located along the Harmony Line about five 
miles southeast of Evans City. The congregation was organized 
by Doctor J. E. Bittle, October 15, 1916, with 43 members, the 
greater part of whom had been members of the Plains Presby- 
terian Church. A few days later it was admitted to the Pitts- 
burgh Synod of the General Synod. From 1916 to 1918 it was 


452 HISTORYOP TH ESPIRISBURGH SYNOD 


connected with Beechview Mission; from 1918 to 1924 it was 
connected with Trinity Church, Butler; since 1924 it has been 
served by the Evans City pastor. An acre of ground at Franklin 
Road station was donated by Thomas Croft, and a brick church 
was built at a cost of $6,500. The corner stone was laid, Septem- 
ber 2, 1917, and the building dedicated, July 28, 1918. The last 
of the debt was paid in 1922. The pastors of Hope Church 
were: Rev. W. K. Himes, 1916-1918; Rev. J. R. Nicholas, 1918- 
1920; Rev. F. H. Crissman, 1921-1924; Rev. C. W. Barnett, 1924-. 


CHAPTER XIII 
CHURCHES OF CLARION COUNTY 
1813-1924 


“The Lord is good, his mercy is everlasting, and his truth en- 
dureth to all generations”. 


@imaa HE first Lutheran settlements of Clarion County 


antedate the erection of the county itself; and all 
synodical references to them, prior to March 11, 
1839, are usually found under the name Venango. 
Sturdy Germans braved the hardships of wilderness 
life as early as the boldest of adventurers, in order 
to secure homes for themselves and their families. Their chief 
settlements were Licking, Beaver, Red Bank, St. Petersburg, 
Salem, Shippenville, and State Road. The first two contend for 
the honor of having established the first Evangelical Lutheran 
Church in the county; and it is difficult, even after the most 
careful research, to know where to bestow the palm. Among 
the pioneers of the Licking settlement were Lewis Dauben- 
speck, John Brinker, Jacob Schmahl, James Stitt, John Hepler, 
Lewis Delb, Peter Klingensmith, Jacob Nolph, Isaac Fetzer, and 
Christian Kuhns. The first named lived on his land as a trapper 
and hunter, 1800-1802, and then sold it to John Brinker, who 
improved it and sold three acres to the Reformed and Lutherans, 
on which they erected a small log church about the year 1814. 
The pioneers of the Beaver settlement were Henry and Harold 
Best from Westmoreland County, who built cabin homes near 
the site of St. Paul’s Church in the summer of 1801, and brought 
out their families in the following spring. A small log building 
was erected on the land of the former in 1813, which served the 
double purpose of church and school house for twelve years. 
The order of the coming of the first Beaver settlers, so far as 
dates are obtainable, was as follows: Heinrich Best, 1801; 
Harold Best, 1801; William Scherri, 1806; Heinrich Meier, 
1807; Jacob Alt, 1810; William Best Jr., 1811; Jacob Graaff, 
1811; John Thoman, 1812; George Delo, 1812; John Kuhns, 
1812; George Best, 1817; Christian Krebs, 1817; Friedrich 
Kobler, 1820; Henry Nehlig, 1822; Michael Mang, 1822; Fried- 
rich Berlin, 1822; John Balthasar Hahn, 1832. In Red Bank 
Township Henry Nolph was the first of the pioneers, settling in 
1800. The State Road settlement was effected by three courage- 
ous young Germans of Lancaster County, who established their 





454 HISTORY, OF DHE VEITTS BURGH bY N@D 


families on Chief Cornplanter’s favorite hunting grounds in 
1815. It is probable that Pastor John M. Steck preached in both 
the log churches named at an early day, since many of the 
people of both settlements were his former parishioners in 
Westmoreland. Rev. Peter Rupert visited the settlements as a 
travelling preacher of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania in the 
summer of 1814, and confirmed a class of catechumens in Lick- 
ing Church. The conditions of travel at that time are difficult to 
conceive. ‘There were no improved or open roads, only woods 
paths between the clearings. The only safe method of travel 
was on horseback. In the summer of 1822 the settlements were 
visited by another travelling preacher, Rev. G. A. Reichert, and 
this great pioneer became their pastor in the following year and 
served until the spring of 1831. Another German pioneer, to 
whom the churches of Clarion County owe much, was Rev. 
Henry David Keyl, who lived at Shippenville, but missionated 
in a dozen settlements where the people desired his services. The 
synodical controversy made little impression upon the church 
life of this county; only in two instances was there any serious 
trouble. For some reason the Lutheran Church has not made the 
progress in Clarion County that was expected of it. The 16 
churches of the Pittsburgh Synod reported 1,525 members 
bab REM PE) 


ST) PAULUS ‘EVANGELICAL LULHERAN CHURGE 
BEAVER LOWNSHIP® CREAR ONG OU Niiyeate 


This venerable congregation was founded by a small group 
of German settlers, who are classed among the earliest pioneers 
of Clarion County. For many years it was known to the fathers 
as “Best’s Church”, because of the large place filled by members 
of that family in its establishment. Two brothers, Henry and 
Harold Best, came to this vicinity in 1801, when the valley of the 
Clarion was yet a part of the great wilderness; and each selected 
a site and built a log cabin. At the time they did not know to 
whom the land belonged, but were attracted by the great oak 
timber that covered it, knowing the possibilities of that type of 
soil. In the following spring they brought out their families and 
began the work of clearing the land for cultivation. After some 
time they learned that the tract on which they had built their 
cabins had been patented by Daniel Broadhead, January 8, 1795, 
and William Best then purchased 370 acres “for a valuable con- 
sideration”, October 3, 1812, and conveyed 125 acres to Henry 
Best, September 11, 1813. The manner in which St. Paul’s 
Church came into possession of two acres of the Henry Best 
farm is recited in a memorandum of the original deed. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 455 


“Whereas, a number of 
German inhabitants of Rich- 
land (now Beaver) ‘Town- 
ship, thinking it requisite to 
form a religious society, on 
the ninth day of January, 
1813, met at Mr. Henry 
Best’s house. ‘The follow- 
ing men, Jacob Graaff, Jacob 
Mite john= “Loman. 4) ohn 
Kuhnse, George Dillow, 
William Best Jr., and Henry 
Best, agreed with Henry 
Best*tor two acres of land 
fore the ise) solesa {burying 
ground, and to build a house 
on for divine service where 
the Dutch Reformed and 
Lutheran ministers. altern- 
ately might preach and ex- 
pound God’s Holy Word. 


: i] (a 
For which Mr. Henry Best Ose BOE 
agreed to take two dollars : SIE || ee Nee 
pers acre and apply. the : é oF 

money towards the building . ; Ks 
of the above house, at which “ut 

time and place the aforesaid 

nominated and appointed Jacob Alt, Mr. Henry Best, and George 
Dillow, trustees, to have the management, superintendency ‘and OV ersight 
of building the aforesaid house. There being but few in the association 
at that time, of course the house was built but small, but population in- 
creased beyond expectation so that there is a call for a larger house, and 
the land being not yet conveyed it is thought necessary to have it done”. 
































& 


This land was formally conveyed by Henry Best and wife 
to Henry Neligh, John Kuhnse, and Jacob Alt, trustees, June 
28, 1825. It is evident from the statements of the deed that the 
old log church was built in 1813, but it was only 20x30 feet in 
size and would scarcely accommodate more than fifty persons. 
When the frame church was built in 1825 the old log building 
was left standing to serve as a fuel house. Both churches stood 
near the center of the plot in front of the first line of graves. 
When the congregation was organized is not easily determined, 
for the fathers seemed to think that the trusteeship was all that 
was needed. Henry Best recognized the six men with whom he 
made the agreement of January 9, 1813, as the representatives of 
the Lutheran and Reformed congregations, and this may there- 
fore be reasonably regarded as the date of organization. In 
later years ministers of both denominations doubtless added to 
the details of administration, but organization was certainly 
effected when the trusteeship was formed. So far as we can 
learn, the first Lutheran pastor to preach in the little log church 
was Rev. Peter Rupert, who was sent out as a travelling preach- 
er of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania in the summer of 1814. 


456 HISTORY OFTHE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


In 1815 a man named Hammer attempted to force himself upon 
the congregation as their pastor, but the people would not accept 
him because he could not prove that he was a member of an 
established Lutheran synod. The door of the church was 
locked against him, and the added precaution was taken of 
having a log chain securely fastened around the stove door. A 
law suit followed this ejectment, and the fathers of St. Paul’s 
were wont to tell their children of the great snow that fell during 
the winter of 1815 when they attended court at Franklin. From 
1818 to 1821 Rev. Peter Rupert served congregations in and 
near Meadville, and during that time preached occasionally in St. 
Paul’s Church. Whether Rev. John M. Steck preached for this 
congregation in the earlier days is not recorded, but it is quite 
likely that he did, since the Bests were former parishioners in 
Westmoreland. The first regular pastor was Rev. Gabriel Adam 
Reichert, who visited them as a. travelling preacher in the sum- 
mer of 1822, and served as their pastor from April 6, 1823, to 
May 15, 1831. This does not mean that “Best’s” was one of his 
regular appointments, but that he managed to find the time to 
visit them from three to eight times a year. About this time 
German settlers began to enter the county in larger numbers, and 
many of them were fortunate enough to secure lands within 
walking distance of St. Paul’s. Ten or twelve miles was not 
then considered too far to walk to church; and there is a tra- 
dition in the Kribbs ‘family to the effect that the women always 
did extra baking on the day before Pastor Reichert’s appoint- 
ment, in order that none of the travellers might go home hungry. 
According to the burial records of the congregation, its members 
came from several different parts of Pennsylvania and the 
Fatherland. From these limited records it appears that the 
Bests, Sherrys, Ashbaughs, Berlins, Delos, and Hauck’s came 
from Westmoreland County; the Alts, Thomans, and Amschlers 
from Switzerland; the Roths, Caspers, Willmanns, Berris, 
Vogelers, and Strauchs from Hesse; and the Hahns and Exleys 
from Wuertemberg. The greater part of the early settlers were 
Reformed rather than Lutheran in faith, but the experiences of 
a common house of worship, as well as many intermarriages, 
soon made it hard to distinguish between them. Pastor Reichert 
and Pastor Henry Koch, the Reformed pastor, were the closest 
of friends. When the former was married, it was Pastor Koch 
who performed the ceremony; when the son of the latter was 
baptized, it was Pastor Reichert who administered the sacrament. 
There was a Koch in one of Pastor Reichert’s confirmation 
classes, and it is not unlikely that she was a daughter of the 
Reformed pastor. ‘These cordial relations were carried to the 
communion table; and the Lutheran communion lists of 1834 and 
1836 (the only two preserved) contain the names of so many 


HISTORY OF *LHE) PITTSBURGH SYNOD 457 


Reformed families that it is difficult to recognize them as Lu- 
theran. ‘The successor of Pastor Reichert was Rev. Henry 
David Keyl, who lived at Shippenville, 1830-1839, and travelled 
far and wide in his ministry to the Germans of Clarion County. 
In 1831 he reported the following congregations under his care: 
“Shippenville, State Road, Beaver, Licking, Red Bank, and 
Yeaney’s”. He usually preached once a month in St. Paul’s, but 
always in German. For this reason many of his people became 
dissatisfied and appealed to the West Pennsylvania Synod in 
1838 to send them a minister who could use both languages. 
This appeal was renewed in 1840, and Rev. George Frederick . 
Ehrenfeld became their pastor in December of that year, making 
his home in Shippenville. Pastor Ehrenfeld gave satisfaction to 
the English element in the congregation, but soon aroused the 
antagonism of the Germans by his use of new measures and his 
strong stand on the temperance question. ‘This antagonism came 
to an issue in 1842, when the trustees locked the door of the 
church against him, and Pastor Ehrenfeld and his followers 
organized a new congregation, February 25, 1842, and built 
Emmanuel Church near Beaver City. After this division the 
congregation turned to the Ohio Synod for their pastors, and 
were in the fellowship of that body from 1842 to 1873. What 
pastors ministered to them from 1842 to 1844 is not clear, but 
Rev. C. G. Stuebgen was given an ad interim license by the 
President of the Ohio Synod, June 1, 1844, in order to preach 
to four churches of Clarion County. On August 2, 1845, Henry 
bectearTecdutoudonate avplot! di«seven, acres to ot. Paul's, ot. 
Peter’s, and St. Luke’s churches for a parsonage and to give fifty 
dollars toward the building of a suitable house provided it was 
built at once, and provided further that no persons should be 
allowed to occupy it “except they be Lutheran ministers, who be- 
long to a Lutheran Synod of the Old School, who believe in the 
Augsburg Confession and all the symbolic writings of the Lu- 
theran Church, and who are opposed to new measures in what- 
ever shape or form they may be, such as the mourners bench and 
considering prayer meetings to be the only means to attain 
salvation’. 


Pastor Stuebgen was the first to occupy this parsonage, con- 
tinuing as pastor until 1847. He was succeeded by Rev. J. E. W. 
Braasch, who provided a church record for the congregation and 
was faithful in keeping it. From this record it appears that the 
following persons communed in St. Paul’s Church during the 
vears 1848 and 1849: 


Alt, Jacob Amischler, Dorothea Beck, Wilhelm 
Amschler, Martin Bauer, Gottfried Beck, Jacob 
Amschler, Johann Rauer, Samuel Beck, Friedrich 
Amschler, Michael Bayer, Joseph Beck, John 


Amschler, Peter Beck, Christian Beck, Joseph 


458 HISTORY OF PHE PILESBURGH SYNOD 


Beck, Louise Hahn, John B. Lutz, Peter 

Beil, Christian Hahn, Jacob Menger, Joseph 
Berlin, Jacob Hahn, Michael Meyer, John 

Berlin, Levi Hahn, Balthasar Meyer, Judith 
Berlin, Katharine Hartman, Conrad Meyer, Etta 

Berger, Gottfried Hartman, John Meyer, Maria 

Best, Heinrich Hanst, Adam Nonnemacher, Emilie 
Best, Margaretha Heiner, Nicolaus Oechsle, Gottfried 
Best, Wilhelm Heyne, Emilie Oechsle, Gottlieb 
Best, Michael Heyne, Aquilla Oechsle, Fritz 

Best, Isaiah Hunsperger, Enos Oechsle, Christian 
Best, Lea Hunsperger, Abraham Oechsle, John 

Best, Katharine Hunsperger, Samuel Oehlschlager, Friedrich 
Best, Sarah Hunsperger, David Rauch, Peter 

Best, Mariah Hunsperger, Sarah Roth, Michael 

Best, Jeremiah Kamunerer, Friedrich Roth, Ernst 

Best, John H. Kammerer, David Roth, Peggy 

Best, Georg Kaufmann, Katharine Ruder, Georg 

Best, John Keifer, Lea Schaeffer, John 
Best, Marianna Kerber, Adam Schaerri, Michael 
Bleihuter, Philip Klein, Jacob Schaerri, Joseph 
Bieihuter, John B. Knecht, Peter Schaerri, john 
Bopp, John Philip Knecht, Lydia Schaerri, Katharine 
Borghardt, Wilhelm Knecht, Rebecca Schluecker, Ernst 
Borghardt, Ludwig Kob, Joel Schmidt, Heinrich 
Borghardt, Christian Kob, John Schneider, Peter 
Braasch bas i. Kob, Jeremiah Schwind, John 
Casper, Philip Kob, Nathanael Schwind, Georg 
Dierolf, Adam Kob, Henriette Schwind, Jacob 
Drone, Herman Krahr, Adam Schwind, Sophia 
Drone, Andreas Krahr, Margaretha Siemon, David 
Drone, John Krapp, John Strauch, Stephen 
Eschbach, Daniel Krapp, Jacob Texter, John 
Eschbach, Lydia Krapp, Christian Teter, Georg 
Eschbach, Maria Krapp, Katharine Voegeler, H. 
Fox, Elizabeth Kreiser, Adam Voegeler, Anna Maria 
Fuhrer, Joseph Kugler, Philip Weil, A. M. 

Fullner, Georg Kugler, Friedrich Weisman, F. 
Gaugler, Susanna Kugler, Margaretha Wendling, Reuben 
Gilbert, Abraham Long Daniel Wendling, Philip 
Gilhert, Emilie Long, Katharine Wendling, Daniel 
Grab, John Lutz, Johann Wettling, John 
Grayer, Adam Lutz, Adam Wettling, Friedrich 
Hauck, Elizabeth Lutz, Samuel Wettling, Henry 
Hahn, John Lutz, Joseph Willman, John and Georg 


It is interesting to note the changes that have occurred in 
the spelling of family names. Oecschle has been changed to 
Exley; Knecht. to Knight; Kob to Cope; Scherri to Sherry; 
Eschbach to Ashbaugh; Bayer to Boyer; Beil to Beals. The 
successor of Pastor Braasch was Rev. August Bernhard Bierde- 
mann, who was responsible for the adoption of the constitution 
of October 5, 1855. This constitution required the pastor to 
‘belong to some orthodox Lutheran synod in America, and makes 
the following declaration on the language question: “This con- 
gregation is German and shall always remain German; but this 
shall not be interpreted as forbidding the use of the English 
language in the services.” The larger part of the English ele- 
ment left the congregation in 1842, when Emmanuel Church 
was organized; but during the next generation another equally 
strong English element arose, which made the same persistent 
demand for English preaching. When these demands were not 
heeded, many of the younger people went over to the Reformed 
congregation. Pastor Bierdemann was deeply offended by the 
refusal of some of the members to support his policies; and he 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 459 


left a memorandum in the Church Book for the guidance of 
future pastors, written in Latin, but giving the names of the 
rebellious members in Greek. His successor was Rev. Anton 
Lachenmeier, who dedicated the first stone church in 1859. This 
building was large and roomy, with a gallery around three sides 
and a high pulpit built against the wall, after the manner of the 
old Westmoreland churches. The last of the Ohio Synod pastors 
in St. Paul’s was Rev. Peter Engers, who spent thirteen years in 
the parish, 1860-1873, and was finally compelled to retire by the 
growing English element. After long contention, during which 
a number of the young people left the congregation, Rev. J. B. 
Fox was elected pastor and Pastor Engers displaced by a vote of 
70 to 22. The followers of the latter then withdrew and formed 
the German Lutheran Church at Blair’s Corners. Since that 
time St. Paul’s has been served by pastors of the Pittsburgh 
Synod, under the following parish relations: St. Paul’s, St. 
Petersburg, and Emlenton, 1873-1879; St. Paul’s and Emlenton, 
1879-1887; St. Paul’s Emlenton, and Tidioute, 1887-1889; St. 
Paul’s and St. Petersburg, 1889-1894; St. Paul’s, St. Petersburg, 
and Emlenton, 1894-1901; St. Paul’s, 1901-1919; St. Paul’s and 
Knox, 1919-. The first parsonage was erected on the Best lot in 
1845, and this was replaced by a more substantial frame building 
in 1889. At a congregational meeting, January 1, 1904, it was 
decided to build a new church, leaving the question open as to 
whether it should be union or Lutheran. At a joint meeting of 
the Lutheran and Reformed congregations, September 17, 1904, 
it was decided that each should build a new church, that neither 
of these two churches should be built on the original plot, and 
that the old stone church should not be torn down for five years 
or until the new churches were completed. The Lutherans acted 
promptly and bought one acre of ground adjoining the cemetery 
from John H. Best, December 31, 1904. A building committee 
was appointed, consisting of S. W. Best, J. E. Hanst, W. A. 
Rowe, John Rowe, and W. J. Kline, who let the contract for the 
buildinévot anew! stone tchurchato ElS) Sloan’+*Pastor DB. 
Stahlman suffered a paralytic stroke in his pulpit, from which 
death resulted, December 1, 1905, and for this reason the corner 
stone of the church was laid by a supply pastor, Rev. M. L. 
Zweizig, president of Kittanning Conference, July 15, 1906. 
The beautiful and churchly building was dedicated by Pastor 
Emil G. Lund, June 30, 1907, in the presence of a great throng. 
Although St. Paui’s Church is regarded as one of the finest rural 
churches in the synod, there were such generous donations by the 
members that the total money cost was only $17,000. The fol- 
lowing is a list of the pastorates: Rev. Peter Rupert (travelling 
missionary), 1814; Rev. John M. Steck (occasional visitor), 1815- 
1818; Rev. Peter Rupert (occasional visitor), 1818-1821; Rev. 


460 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


G. A. Reichert, 1822-1831; Rev. H. D. Keyl, 1831-1840; Rev. 
G. F. Ehrenfeld, 1840-1842; Supplies, 1842-1844; Rev. C. G. 
Stuebgen, 1844-1847; Rev. J. E. W. Braasch, 1847-1851; Rev. 
A. B. Bierdemann, 1853-1856; Rev. Anton Lachenmeier, 1857- 
1860; Rev. Peter Engers, 1860-1873; Rev. J. B. Fox, 1873-1887 ; 
Rev. Jacob Ash, 1888-1897; Rev. Ludwig Beisecker, 1897-1902 ; 
Rev. D. B. Stahlman, 1903-1905; Rev. M. L. Zweizig (supply), 
1906; Rev. Emil G. Lund, D.D., 1906-1907; Rev. W. A. Zundel, 
1908-1909; Rev. F. E. Stough, 1910-1912; Rev. C. E. Read, 
1912-1916;) Rev: Ay M. Hahn) 91917-19223, Rey john ave 
Axe, 1922-. 


oT, JOHNS EVANGELICAL LU LA ERAN CHUNG 
CHUORKCEN Tih bas 


Between the years 1800 and 1811, a few German farmers 
from Westmoreland County and Switzerland took up lands in 
this vicinity. These settlers were the fathers of Licking Church. 
In 1802 John Brinker bought a tract of land from Lewis Dauben- 
speck, three acres of which he sold for a consideration of ten 
dollars to the “Trustees of the German Lutheran and German 
Reformed congregations” about the year 1811. The time of this 
sale cannot be definitely determined, since Mr. Brinker neglected 
to execute a deed, and the legal transfer was made by his heirs, 
April 26, 1834. Upon this land a church was erected some time 
during the years 1811-1814, for Rev. Peter Rupert found this 
little log church in the wilderness in 1814, and confirmed a class 
of catechumens within its walls, one of whom lived to tell the 
story to Pastor B. EF. Shaner when she was ninety-four years of 
age. This longevity of Mother Kuhns reflected the vigor of her 
race; for the Lutheran pioneers of Clarion County were a sturdy 
people, gifted with strong bodies as well as great hearts. In 
1819 Rev. Henry Koch of the Reformed Church located within 
the county, and ministered freely to both Lutherans and Re- 
formed from 1819 to 1822. Rev. John M. Steck of Greensburg 
visited them occasionally, but the man on whom they seemed to 
rely was Pastor Koch. Denominational lines were not closely 
drawn in those days, and the two congregations worshipped to- 
gether in the old log church as one body. In the summer time, 
when the congregations were large, it was their custom to hold 
the services in the open. In 1822 Rev. G. A. Reichert, travelling 
missionary of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, visited the 
settlement and accepted a call to become their pastor. From 
1822 to 1830 he visited Licking Church from two to eight times 
a year, ministering to the people altogether in German. At two 
communions in the old log church, June 3, 1828, and September 
12, 1829, he administered the sacrament to the following: 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 461 


Acker, Heinrich Heppler, Elizabetha Russel, Maria 
Acker, Anna Maria Huetter, Magdalena Sauberling, Mathias 
Armengast, Polly Huber, Christian Schautter, Susanna 
Bassert, Michael Huber, Maria Schlagenhaupt, Michael 
Bauschlein, Georg Keifer, Susanna Schlagenhaupt, Maria 
Bittenbinder, Philip Kaum, Katharina Schlagenhaupt, Maria (2) 
Bruecker, Elizabetha Kelle, William Schmaehl, Georg 
Delb, Georg Klingenschmidt, Peter Schmaehl, Christina 
Delb, Saloma Kroh, Katharina Schmaehl, Thomas 
Delb, Johannes Kuhns, Christian Schmaehl, Sabina 
Delb, Barbara Kuhns, Maria Schmaehl, Susanna 
Delb, Heinrich Kuhns, John Schmidt, Jacob 

Delb, Margaretha Kuhns, Margaretha Schneider, Magdalena 
Derhammer, Isaac Lang, Susanna Schulz, Johannes 
Dietermann, Isaac Mang, Mathias Schulz, Karl 
Dietermann, Hannah Mang, Sally Walter, Elizabetha 
Fraser, John Miller, Anna Maria Wieand, Katharina 
Garris, Anna Maria Reiss, Andreas Wieckehr, Johannes 
Gray, Anna Maria Reiss, Katharina Wieckehr, Katharina 
Gross, John Heinrich Roth, Peter Wieckehr, John, 
Gross, Elizabetha Roth, Elizabetha Wieckehr, Hannah 
Hamm, Christina Russel, Jacob Wolf, Elizabetha 


The striking similarity of names would indicate that there 
was a close touch between the Licking and Beaver settlements in 
early days. Christian Kuhns, George Delb, Peter Klingen- 
schmidt, and Karl Schulz seem to have been the leading men of 
the congregation in Pastor Reichert’s day. Karl Schulz led the 
singing for both congregations for a number of years, always 
standing with one foot on a bench as he performed the duty. 
Pastor Reichert preached his farewell sermon, May 20, 1830, 
and was succeeded by Rev. Henry David Keyl, who served them 
from 1830 to 1840. Like his predecessor, Pastor Keyl was a 
thorough German, deeply devoted to his church. He sought out 
the scattered Lutheran settlers of the county in their homes, and 
his ministerial service was always at their command. The older 
people were wont to tell their children how he would do his 
reading and studying on horse back as he journeyed slowly from 
one settlement to another. The first Sunday School of the com- 
munity was organized and conducted by a Mr. Davis, who was 
highly esteemed by the people. This school was conducted along 
union lines, and a Lutheran-Reformed school was later organized 
in the church, with John E. Kaster as the first superintendent. 
The old log church contained but one stove and was hard to heat 
in severe weather, but this fact was never allowed to interfere 
with church attendance. When they had an ordained minister 
in their church, they were glad to attend the services regardless 
of personal comfort. It was customary for the people in early 
times to take their dinner baskets with them to church, especially 
after the introduction of the English language in the services, 
since they could have a German sermon in the morning and an 
English sermon in the afternoon. The German preaching was 
discontinued about the year 1846, twenty-five years in advance 
of the neighboring Beaver Church. The old log church served 
as a place of worship until 1841, when it was replaced by a brick 
structure. At the laying of the corner stone of the brick church 


462 HISTORY OF VCE SPE iS BURGH SYNOD 


a new constitution was adopted, which prohibited anyone to be 
stated pastor, “who is unable to preach in German and English”. 
This provision was construed as a blow against Pastor Koch 
who could not preach well in English, and the old pastor left the 
gathering in tears. Pastor Koch was also opposed to new 
measures or protracted meetings, then coming into popular favor, 
and this too may have had something to do with the provision 
named, The union between the Lutherans and Reformed was 
maintained until April 12, 1873, when the Reformed sold their 
interest to the Lutherans for $200 and built a church of their 
own in Curllsville. The Lutherans then improved the old 
church at considerable expense; and it was rededicated by Doc- 
tor F. W. Conrad, October 17, 1875. In 1916 the church was 
badly damaged by lightning; and a great storm unroofed it and 
did even greater damage in 1920. In the last instance churches 
of the North East Conference gave generous assistance in mak- 
ing the repairs. The membership of this congregation has never 
been large, and the introduction of the new measures in the days 
of Rev. William Uhl was a great hindrance to the development 
of a sound church life in later years. Like all rural churches, St. 
John’s has suffered heavily by the removal of the young people 
to the cities. The following pastors have served here: Rev. Peter 
Rupert (travelling missionary), 1814; Supplies, 1815-1822; Rev. 
G. A. Reichert, 1822-1830; Rev. H.: D. Keyl, 1830-1840 ; Rev. ib 
G. Young (German supply), 1840-1843; Rev. G. F. Ehrenfeld, 
1843-1844; Rev. J. G. Young (German supply), 1844- 
1846; ev William Uhl, 1846-1848; Rev. Jeremiah Fishburn, 
1849-1859; Rev. A. S. Miller, 1860-1864; Rev. W. E. Crebs, 
1866-1869; Rev. Samuel Stouffer, 1869-1870; Rev. J. W. Reese, 
1871-1872; Rev; DW. Leitzell, 1873-18382" Rev. | eKee Bricker 
1883-1884; Rev. J. L. Metzgar, 1885-1891; Rev. B. E. Shaner, 
1891-1897; Rev. S. A. Zimbeck, 1898- 1901 ; Revi is) Ceivic 
Gaughey, 1902- 1906; Rev. A. M. Himes, 1907- 1909 |S Revaaeaae 
Shriver, 1910-1912; Rev. W. D. Nicoll, 1912-1914; Rev. John A. 
Howe; 1914-1919 Student’ Pauly]: SOysiera (supply), 1920; 
Rev. H. A. Seel, 1921- 1922; Rev. William Weicksel (supply), 
1922-1923. 


ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
SHANNONDALE, PA. 


The founding of this church was largely due to the faith and 
loyalty of a Lutheran mother, Mrs. Katharine Keck, who came 
from the Brush Creek settlement of Westmoreland County to 
this vicinity in 1818. She had five sons, David, George, Joseph, 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 463 


Philip, and Conrad. All their earthly possessions were brought 
to Clarion County on the back of one horse, although it is said 
that the boys managed to drive four pigs through the woods to 
their new home. A log cabin was erected, and here the boys 
grew up to manhood. Conrad was only eleven years of age at 
the time of the settlement; and walked all the way back to Brush 
Creek in his bare feet in order to attend catechetical instruction 
under Pastor John M. Steck. Naturally Pastor Steck was deeply 
interested in a lad of such parts, and visited the family several 
times in their new homes during the years 1820 to 1828. He 
effected the provisional organization of a congregation here in 
1820, and held his services in a log school house, located about 
two miles from Shannondale on the Michael Dinger farm. Here 
the congregation probably expected to make their permanent 
home, since a burial ground was connected with the school house 
and several interments made. About eight years later, however, 
the people decided to locate their church in Shannondale; and a 
plot of ground, containing between three and four acres, was 
secured from Timothy Pickering and Nicholas Fish at a cost of 
eight dollars. The deed was dated, December 18, 1828, and the 
ground conveyed to “John Yeany and Jacob Hymes, in trust for 
the Presbyterian and Lutheran congregations of Red Bank 
Township, in the County of Armstrong, Pennsylvania’. At that 
time Armstrong County extended northward as far as the 
Clarion River, and Red Bank Township included the present Red 
Bank, Porter, Monroe, Limestone, Clarion, and Mill Creek town- 
ships of Clarion County, and the Red Bank, Mahoning and 
(part) Madison townships of Armstrong County. That natur- 
ally makes it difficult for the historian to determine what church 
is meant when the synodical records refer to “Red Bank”. 
While the name Presbyterian in the original deed was meant to 
apply to the German Reformed: Church, the Reformed people 
were not satisfied with their title, and a reconveyance of the 
property was effected, April 23, 1853, in which Conrad Keck 
and Christian Yeany were named as trustees of the “Lutheran 
and Reformed congregation called Zion”. It is probable that the 
log school house, that stood here and was used for church and 
school purposes for a number of years, was erected in the fall 
of 1828. When Rev. Henry David Keyl came to Clarion County 
in 1829 he soon learned to know of this school house, and held 
regular services every month from 1830 to 1838. In the last 
named year Rev. John George Young became pastor and served 
them faithfully every four weeks for a period of 29 years. 
It is said that he preached here for two years before he was 
licensed by the West Pennsylvania Synod. An old document 
dated January 1, 1844, is preserved by the congregation, which 
contains the names of forty-one persons, Lutheran and Re- 


464 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


formed, who pledged twenty-two dollars, twenty-eight bushels of 
wheat and nineteen bushels of rye to Pastor Young for one year 
of service. The last communion service in the old log school 
house was conducted by Pastor Young, April 12, 1846, when 
the following communed: 


Bachman, Katharine Heim, Katharine Schafer, Simon 


Bachman, Elizabeth Heim, Barbara Schafer, Margaret 
Bachman, Anna Hetrich, Katharine Schwab, Fronika 
Battorf, Benjamin Keck, Katharine Schwarz, Isaac 

Boyer, George Keck, George Schwarz, Elizabeth 
Boyer, Elizabeth Keck, David Wolfgang, Hundieter, Sr. 
Bier, Johannes Keck, Salome Wolfgang, Magdalena 
Bisch, Jacob Moyer, Elizabeth Wolfgang, Hundieter, Jr. 
Bisch, Elizabeth Moyer, Nancy Wolfgang, Maria 
Burket, Margaret Rau, William Wolfgang, Michael 
Ferringer, Joseph, Jr. Reinerd, George Wolfgang, Barbara 
Ferringer, Caroline Reinerd, Elizabth Wolfgang, Elizabeth 
Heim, Jacob, Sr. Reitz, John and Salome Wunderling, Fr. 


_ In the records of the West Pennsylvania Synod for 1834 
this congregation is called Yeaney’s, after a prominent Reformed 
family of the community. It is spelled “Jene” in the early com- 
munion lists. On April 9, 1846, an article of agreement was 
signed with Daniel B. Hamm, who agreed to build a good frame 
church, 40x55, for $1,300. This was a large sum of money for 
those days, but George Reinerd headed a subscription paper 
with $100, Conrad Keck followed with $75, and John Jene with 
$65, and the amount was soon raised. The church was dedi- 
cated by Pastors Young and Hoffman, January 19, 1847, Rev. 
William Uhl preaching the sermon. This building was a great 
improvement over the log church, and was considered a very 
attractive place of worship. During the greater part of his long 
pastorate Rev. J. G. Young lived in a little house in the woods 
about four miles from Hawthorne. When he removed to Michi- 
gan in 1867, he left a strong parish of six churches with more 
than four hundred communicants. Local people still speak of 
his peculiarities, one of which was to enter the church with his 
long clay pipe in his mouth and lay it carefully on a window 
ledge until after the benediction. He was not a well educated 
man, since he had but two years of private study under Pastor 
Bernheim to his credit, but he filled a useful place in the Pitts- 
burgh Synod, and had more to show as the result of his min- 
istry than many of the better trained men. Like Pastor Henry 
David Keyl, he was a great missionary in the earlier years of 
his pastorate, and often had as many “preaching stations” as 
churches under his care. He travelled as far to the northeast as 
Emerickville, and as far to the west as the Kammerdiener settle- 
ment, holding all his services in the German language. His suc- 
cessor was Rev. C. A. Fetzer, whose term of service extended 
from 1868 to 1875. About the year 1870 he introduced English 
services, preaching in both languages once a month. While some 


HISTORY OF) THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 465 


ot the Germans were inclined to resent the innovation, it seems 
that practically all the members of Zion attended all services, 
whether the sermon was in English or German. By this spirit 
of cooperation the transition stage from German to English was 
made comparatively easy, and regular German services ceased 
during the pastorate of Rev. J. H. Ritter. On February 12, 1874, 
the parsonage property in Shannondale was bought for $1350 — 
by Zion, Bethlehem, Ringgold, and Hawthorne churches, but the 
interest of the last two were purchased by Zion and Bethlehem 
ten years later. During the pastorate of Rev. Jacob Ash, 1876- 
1889, the union between the Reformed and Lutherans was dis- 
solved. The Lutherans asked but $250 for their interest in the 
old church, but the Reformed compromised with them for $150. 
The land was divided by survey, June 21, 1887, and the Lu- 
therans then built a new church. ‘The corner stone was laid, 
October 31, 1887, and the building dedicated by Pastor Jacob 
Ash, June 3, 1889. It was built of frame at a cost of $4,500, 
but much of the labor was donated. The first Sunday School 
was a union school of all denominations in the school house; the 
second was a Reformed-Lutheran school, which met in the 
church with Isaac Schaffer as the first superintendent; the 
present Lutheran school was organized by Pastor Ash. From 
1884 to 1920 Red Bank Parish consisted of Zion and Bethlehem, 
except for a short period, 1884-1889, when Cool Spring was 
added; since 1920 Trinity Church of New Bethlehem has been 
connected with the parish. The present constitution was adopted, 
January 1, 1900, but Zion has not yet been incorporated. ‘The 
pastors were: Rev. J. M. Steck and Rev. G. A. Reichert (occa- 
sional supplies), 1820-1829; Rev. H. D. Keyl, 1830-1838; Rev. 
J. G. Young, 1838-1867; Rev. C. A. Fetzer, 1868-1875; Rev. 
Michael Schweigert (supply), 1875; Rev. Jacob Ash, 1876-1889 ; 
Rev. J. H. Ritter, 1889-1895; Rev. J. L. Fischer, 1896-1903; Rev. 
Henry Voegtly, 1904-1908; Rev. W. H. Kline, 1908-1909; Rev. 
William Weicksel, 1910-1916; Rev. J. A. Boord, 1918-1921; 
Supplies, 1921-1923; Rev. D. D. Miller, 1923-. 


MI. ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
SEL PEE NV Li PAT 


Mt. Zion Church is three years older than the town in which 
it is located, having been organized by Pastor G. A. Reichert in 
1823. Pastor Reichert visited this community in 1822 as a trav- 
elling missionary of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, and the 
work preliminary to organization was done at that time. Judge 
Henry Shippen deeded the old cemetery across the road from the 
present church to the trustees in 1823, and on the southeast 


466 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


corner of this ground a 
log school house was 
built that was sometimes 
used as a place of wor- 
ship. More frequently 
the services were held in ~ 
a school house on the 
west side of the lot; 
while communion serv- 
ices were held. in the 
Shippen barn. The serv- 
ices given by Pastor 
Reichert to this congre- 
gation, 1823-1830, were 
only occasional; although 
he preached at Beaver, 
Fryburg, and Licking 


i a regularly for a part of 
cs 


























this) tine sein 1S30Riheg 

Henry David Keyl made 

Shippenville the center 
of a wide range of missionary operations, and continued as pas- 
tor until 1839. He yielded the field to Pastor G. F. Ehrenfeld 
in 1840, because of his inability to provide the necessary English 
services for the younger people. The parish of Rev. Ehrenfeld 
consisted of Shippenville, Fryburg, Beaver, and St. Petersburg. 
Pastor Ehrenfeld took such strong ground on the temperance 
question and on prayer meetings that he offended many; but 
later pastors gave him credit for having exerted a powerful in- 
fluence upon the spiritual life of the county. It was he who se- 
cured for the congregation their first finished house of worship. 
It was several years in process of building, being finished as 
funds were available, some of which were gathered in the eastern 
part of the state. The lot was purchased from the Shippen 
estate, July 6, 1842. The corner stone was laid, May 13, 1842, 
and the building dedicated after much trouble with the first con- 
tractor, October 27, 1844. The building had a basement that 
was used for school purposes, and an audience room that was 
reached by a flight of front steps. Soon after the dedication 
Pastor Samuel David Witt of the Alleghany Synod accepted a 
call, and served until death, August 29, 1851. Through this 
pastor Mt. Zion Church participated in the organization of the 
Pittsburgh Synod, January 15, 1845. The second convention of 
the new synod was held in Mt. Zion Church, June 5-10, 1845, 
and is said to have been the most popular convention in the his- 
tory of that body. In 1847 Pastor J. E. W. Braasch of Beaver 
Church began to preach in Shippenville for the benefit of those 


‘Wd “ATIIANdddIHS ‘HOYNHD VOT GIO AO HOLANS Nad 








468 HISTORY OF THE PIPrSBURGH SYNOD 


Germans, who were not satisfied with the solution of the 
language problem in Mt. Zion. The result was that most of the 
Germans withdrew and formed Emmanuel Church in 1849. This 
division, together with the collapse of the iron industry in the 
county, was a severe financial blow to the congregation; and 
their church was sold by the sheriff to Jacob Black for $500, 
December 4, 1852. About two years later it was repurchased by 
the congregation for $1,300, the deed being dated, November 13, 
1854. During this period of distress Mr. Black permitted them 
to hold regular services in the church. Soon after this a church 
bell was secured, which was mounted for a time on heavy posts 
in the church yard. A cupola was built for this bell in 1856. 
The church was repaired several times, but in 1902 it was de- 
cided to erect a new building. ‘The corner stone was laid, June 
7, 1903, and the church dedicated by Pastor J. H. Keller, Decem- 
ber 13, 1903. It was a substantial frame church, built of the 
choicest lumber, with a corner tower, at a total cost of $8,000. 
In 1916 a pipe organ was installed, and in 1923 a convenient 
annex to the church was dedicated by Pastor L. H. Rehmeyer. 
The parsonage was built during the pastorate of Rev. J. M. 
Wonders. For many years Mt. Zion and St. Mark’s constituted 
a parish, but in 1913 Fryburg and Amity were added. The 
pastors of Mt. Zion were: Rev. G. A. Reichert, 1823-1830; Rev. 
H. D. Keyl, 1830-1839; Rev. G: F. Ehrenfeld, 1840-1844; Rev. 
5. D, Witt, 1844-18503 Rev. J.-G. Ellinger" 1852-18533 even. 
B. Lawson, 1854-1857; Rev. W. B. Bachtell, 1858-1861; Rev. J. 
©. Waters, (1861-1862 7 Rev. J. Bo box) 1802-1863 Revaeieene 
Dietterich, 1868-1872; Rev. Peter Gheen, 1872-1873; Rev. C. S. 
Coates, 1873-1876; Rev. A. C. Felker, 1877-1878; Rev. J. M. 
Wonders, 1878-1888; Rev. J. M. Rice, 1888-1890; Rev. H. F. 
Long, 1890-1896; Rev. J. C. Fasold, 1896-1898; Rev. A. J. B. 
Kast, 1899-1902; Rev. J.. H. Keller, 1902-1905; Rev. T. A. 
Himes, D.D., 1905-1908; Rev. Charles Lambert, 1909-1914; 
Rev, Ri Ro Richard, 1915-1918 -sReves bwin, Rehmey er us 
1923; Rev. C. L. Ritter, 1924-. 


ST JOHN SS BV ANGELICA UA El ERAN GC Eita 
PRY BURG *EAr 


yr 


The first pioneers of this community were three young 
Germans from Lancaster County, George Kapp, John David 
Siegwerth, and Christian Hahnlein, who looked over the country 
in 1811 and selected suitable locations. Enlisting in the army 
for the war of 1812 interfered with their plans, but they brought 
out their families in 1815. At that time this region was Chief 
Cornplanter’s favorite hunting ground, and members of his tribe 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 469 


built a hunting lodge not far from the German cabins. Fried- 
rich Ruckenbrod and Jacob Billich also came out from Lancaster 
County in 1820, and these five families furnished the nucleus 
for St. John’s Church. A log school house was built by all the 
people of the community in 1825, and this was used by the Lu- 
therans for a time as a place of worship. The first Lutheran 
service in this school house was conducted by Pastor G. A. 
Reichert, who began his work among them in 1822, and organ- 
ized “State Road Evangelical Lutheran Church’, January 30, 
1829, with the following members: 


Amsler, Johann Mahl, Heinrich Schneider, Barbara 
Amsler, Heinrich Mahl, Maria E. Schuler, Anna 
Billich, Jacob Mahl, Justus Schwab, Abraham 
Billich, Maria (2) Mahl, Elizabetha Schwab, Katharina (2) 
Billich, Johann K. Mahl, Wilhelmina Schwab, Barbara 
Billich, Elizabetha Mang, Heinrich and Michael Schwab, John 
Finck, Samuel Ruckenbrod, Heinrich Schwab, Polly 
Finck, Dorothea Ruckenbrod, Magdalena (2) Schwab, Anna 

Galt, Georg Ruckenbrod, Georg Schwartz, Wilhelm 
Galt, Maria Ruckenbrod, Sophia Schwartz, Magdalena 
Hahnlein, Christian Ruckenbrod, Johann Schwartz, Maria 
Hahnlein, Margaretha Ruckenbrod, Jacob Siegwerth, John (2) 
Hahnlein, Katharina Ruckenbrod, Katharina Siegwerth, Sophia 
Hahnlein, Joseph Ruckenbrod, Maria Siegwerth, Maria 
Kapp, Georg Schmidt, john Siegwerth, Katharina 
Kapp,. Henry Schmidt, Barbara Schott, Katharina 
Kapp, Samuel G. Schmidt, Katharina Zeller, Johann 
Mahl, Ludwig Schneider, Lorenz Zeller, Elizabetha. 


Pastor Reichert served them every eight weeks until March 
29, 1830, when he was succeeded by Rev. Henry David Keyl, 
who died in the home of Jacob Ruckenbrod later, and 
lies at rest in the old cemetery. - After serving nine years in St. 
John’s he gave way to Pastor G. F. Ehrenfeld, who introduced 
English services. In 1842 a church was built on land donated by 
J. G. Siegwerth north of Fryburg; and this was displaced by a 
new frame church dedicated in Fryburg, May 18, 1862. In time 
this church was torn down, and Pastor Carl Zinssmeister dedi- 
cated their fourth house of worship, January 15, 1888. The par- 
sonage was destroyed by fire, February 3, 1898, but another was 
built for $1,600. The pastors were: Rev. G. A. Reichert, 1829- 
1830; Rev. H. D. Keyl, 1830-1839; Rev. G. F. Ehrenfeld, 1840- 
1844; Rev. S. D. Witt, 1844-1847; Rev. P. S. Nellis, 1847; Rev. 
J. G. Donmeyer, 1847-1849; Rev. Eli Fair, 1849-1852; Rev. J. 
G. Ellinger, 1852-1853; Rev. S. B. Lawson, 1853-1858; Rev. 
Isaac Brenneman, 1859-1860; Rev. A. M. Strauss, 1863-1870; 
Rev. W. S. Porr, 1870-1874; Rev. D. E. Reed, 1875-1876; Rev. 
ie be Kendall) 18/721879 ; Rev. JeahawbBricker, 1679-1883; Rev. 
W. G. Gettle, 1883-1885; Rev. George Sill, 1885-1886; Rev. C. 
Zinssmeister, 1887-1890; Rev. J. M. Wonders, 1891-1901; Rev. 
D. W. Lecrone, 1902-1908; Rev. W. L. Price, 1909-1914; Rev. 
W. E. Watts, 1915-1917; Rev. J. E. MacDonald, 1919-1920; 
Rev. L. H. Rehmeyer, 1920-1923; Rev. C. L. Ritter, 1924-. 


470 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


oT. PETER’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN "CHURCH 
Sl} PETERSBURG, BA. 


This church was organized by Pastor Henry David Keyl, 
probably in the early part of 1834. Among the earliest Lu- 
theran pioneers of the community were Samuel Shirey and 
Henry Whitling, the latter locating here in 1828. ‘They were 
the first trustees of the Lutheran congregation. No earlier rec- 
ords than 1893 are found, but it is known that the following were 
among the original members: 


Allebach, Henry Edinger, Andrew Knauss, Philip 
Allebach, Sarah Edinger, Maria Knauss, Magdalena 
Allebach, David Edinger, Samuel Reitz, Christian 
Allebach, Catherine Edinger, Sarah Reitz, Mary 
Allebach, Jacob Fritz, Mr. and Mrs. Shirey, Samuel 
Allebach, Veronica Fillman, Mr. and Mrs. Shirey, Sarah 
Conver, John F. Goughler, Henry Whitling, Henry 
Conver, Susanna Goughler, Catherine Whitling, Dorothea 


The first services were held in the barn of John Snyder, 
about two miles north of St. Petersburg. The church ground in 
St. Petersburg was secured from Richard Peters of Philadelphia. 
While visiting his Clarion County estate, he made Jacob Alle- 
bach and John F. Conver his agents, with power to grant any 
five-acre lot of the estate desired for church and burial purposes 
to responsible trustees. On March 25, 1834, a deed was given 
for this land to John Snyder and Daniel Ashbaugh, trustees for 
the Presbyterians, and Samuel Shirey and Henry Whitling, trus- 
tees for the Lutherans. According to a custom of that day the 

name Presbyterian was 

ee Ste applied to the Reformed 

; in the.’ ‘deed/* *Howsent 
happened that this land 
was used for burial pur- 
poses fore’ many eeverss 
previous to its convey- 
ance to these trustees is 
not known; but there 
are graves in the ceme- 
tery as old as 1811... A 
frame church was erect- 
edivat “as cost Of polsguee 
which was dedicated by 
Pastor Henry Koch of 
the Reformed and Pastor 
H. D. Keyl of the Lu- 
therans in 1837. While 
y Pastor Keyl was a godly 
cas man and highly esteemed 
g in the community, he 
































HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 471 


was unable to preach well in English, and several petitions were 
sent to the West Pennsylvania Synod asking for a bilingual min- 
ister. These petitions were answered in December, 1840, when 
Rev. G. F. Ehrenfeld became pastor of Shippenville, Salem, Fry- 
burg, Beaver, and Ashbaugh’s. St. Peter’s was given the name 
Ashbaugh’s after a prominent Reformed family of the com- 
munity. After the resignation of Pastor Ehrenfeld, June 1, 
1844, pastors of the Ohio Synod served the parish until 1865. 
While all these men were faithful ministers, they did not provide 
sufficient English preaching for the young people, and the result 
was that many of them united with the Reformed. Beginning 
with Pastor J. B. Fox in 1865, all the more recent pastors of St. 
Peter’s have been members of the Pittsburgh Synod. At the out- 
break of the synodical controversy in 1868, Pastor Fox had 
charge of a parish consisting of Shippenville, St. Mark’s, Em- 
manuel, Salem, and St. Peter’s; but St. Peter’s alone stood with 
the pastor when he elected to cast his lot with the General Coun- 
cil. St. Peter’s and Emlenton united to form a parish in 1869, 
and to this Beaver was added in 1874. The union with the Re- 
formed was dissolved in 1854, to the extent that the Reformed 
sold their interest in the old church to the Lutherans, and built 
a new church of their own on the common ground. The Lu- 
therans laid the corner stone of a new church, July 3, 1873, 
which was dedicated by Pastor Fox, December 21, 1873. This 
church cost $6,500, and was torn down to make room for the 
present structure. The beautiful stone church was made pos- 
sible by the offer of the W. G. Freeman family to match the 
gifts of the congregation up to $12,000. This promise was more 
than fully redeemed. The corner stone was laid, June 19, 1921, 
and the building dedicated by Pastor W. R. Goff, June 4, 1922. 
It was built of native stone from the Freeman and Russell farms 
in random ruble style at a cost of $33,500. During the pastorate 
of Rev. W. C. Beck a frame parsonage was built on a lot donated 
by W. G. Freeman.. Since 1919 Salem, Emlenton, and St. 
Peter’s have constituted the parish. The pastors were: Rev. H. 
D. Keyl, 1834-1839; Rev. G. F. Ehrenfeid, 1840-1844; Rev. C. 
G. Stuebgen, 1844-1847; Rev. J. E. W. Braasch, 1847-1853; 
Rev. A. B. Bierdemann, 1853-1856; Rev. Anton Lachenmeier, 
1857-1860; Rev. Peter Engers, 1860-1865; Rev. J. B. Fox, 1865- 
1878; Rev. J. H. Kline, 1879-1880; Supplies, 1880-1883; Rev. 
G. E. Titzel, 1883-1888; Rev. Jacob Ash, 1889-1897; Rev. Lud- 
wig Beisecker, 1897-1900; Rev. Bernard Repass, 1901-1904; 
Rev. W. C. Beck, 1905-1911; Rev. H. D. Whitteker, 1912-1913; 
Rev. Bernard Fetterly, 1914-1916; Rev. W. Weicksel, 1916-1919; 
Rev. W. R. Goff, 1919-1923; Rev. J. R. Booth, 1923-. 


472 HISTORY) OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


SALEM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
SALEM TOWNSHIP, CLARION COUNTY, PA. 


Among the Salem pioneers of 1820 were a number of Ger- 
mans, who attended services in St. Paul’s. Pastor Henry David 
Keyl began to hold services for them in the home of John Adam 
Scheffer in 1830. These 
first services were held 
in German, but English 
was demanded by the 
younger people as early 
as 1834. About the year 
1835 the place of meet- 
ing was changed to the 
home of. William Her- 
rington, and the appoint- 
ment was called Herring- 
ton’s in the synodical rec- 
7 ord. Salem Church was 

5 Ge | probably organized in 
Aa 1835---bub sthes datemen 
ie not be given with cer- 
tainty. It would not be 


i es Le a unreasonable to assume 
hs 










































that a provisional organi- 

zation of some kind was 

| effected in 1830, when 

services were begun in the Scheffer. home. Among the first 
members were the following: 


DeTurk, John Meeker, Mary Scheffer, John 
Herrington, William Rugh, . Peter Scheffer, Barbara 
Herrington, Elizabeth Rugh, Susan Schott, Christian 
Kribbs, Philip Rugh, William Whitling, George 
Meeker, Dr. G. A. Rugh, Charlotte Whitling, Mrs. George 


The first trustees were John Scheffer and John DeTurk. 
The first church was built on land donated by Christian Schott. 
The Reformed claimed that it was donated by Judge Peters for 
a union Reformed and Lutheran Church, but the deed of July 
31, 1841, was made by James W. Guthrie and wife to John 
De Turk and George Jones, trustees, “for the use of Salem con- 
gregation of the Lutheran Church”. ‘The lot contained two 
acres, and the consideration named was one dollar. ‘The first 
church was built of frame at a cost of $1,000, and served as a 
place of worship for 37 years, without paint or repairs. The 
corner stone was laid by Pastor Keyl in June, 1838, two Re- 
formed pastors being present, but taking no part in the service. 
It was dedicated in the fall of 1838. The Reformed were given 
the privilege of holding services in the church until 1867, when 


HISTORY. OF THE (PITTSBURGH SYNOD 473 


they dedicated a church of their own. Other denominations 
were given a similar privilege. In 1845 a house and five acres 
of land were bought from John Herbst, and Pastor J. G. Don- 
meyer was the first to use it as the parsonage. It was located 
more than a mile east of the church, and was used as a parson- 
age until 1862. It was sold in 1865, when the second parsonage 
was built nearer the church. From 1847 to 1920 Salem was the 
center of a large parish, but in the last named year it united with 
St. Petersburg and Emlenton to form a parish with the pastor 
living in St. Petersburg, and the old parsonage was sold for 
$1,600. The second church was built in 1875 at a cost of $4,800. 
The corner stone was laid, July 4, 1875, and the building dedi- 
cated by Pastor C. S$. Coates, November 21, 1875. Repairs were 
made to this church in 1901, 1903, and 1920. During the syn- 
odical controversy of 1867, Salem Church took such a strong 
stand in favor of the General Synod that the pastor was com- 
pelled to resign. In point of numbers, Salem has been one of 
the strongest rural churches of the county, numbering 321 mem- 
bers in 1910. Seven of her sons have entered the office of the 
ministry: S$. P. Herrington, John Amos Scheffer, Nathanael 
Scheffer, Samuel W. Kuhns, C. E. Rugh, Meade A. Rugh, and 
Arthur Rugh. The wives of. Pastors Joseph Welker, J. K. 
Argo, James A. Hartman, and Peter Ewald were also members 
of Salem. One of the remarkable features of parish work in 
Salem is the large attendance of young people at the evening 
services. A strong Young People’s Society is maintained. The 
pastorates in their order. were: Rev. H. D, Keyl, 1830-1839; Rey, 
G. F. Ehrenfeld, 1840-1844; Rev. J. G. Donmeyer, 1845-1847; 
Rev. Joseph Welker, 1848-1853; Rev. J. G. Ellinger, 1853-1854; 
Rev. Nathan Paltzgroff, 1854-1857; Rev. W. B. Bachtell, 1858- 
1861; Rev. J. O. Waters, 1861-1862; Rev. J. B. Fox, 1862-1868; 
Rev. J. F. Dietterich, 1868-1872; Rev. Peter Gheen, 1872-1873; 
Rev: GC. (S; Coates) 1873-1876 Rev. A, Cy Felker? 1877-1879: 
Rev. E. H. Dornblaser, 1879-1881; Rev. J. A. Hartman, 1882- 
1884; Rev. J. F. Hershiser, 1884-1890; Rev. Shile Miller, 1892- 
1895; Rev. J. E. F. Hassinger, 1895-1899; Rev. S. E. Smith, 
1899-1905; Rev. F. J. Howard, 1906-1908; Rev. A. M. Himes, 
1909-1914; Rev. J. A. Boord, 1915-1918; Rev. W. R. Goff, 1919- 
LOZ eevau jork bootie 923-1 


EMMANUEL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
KNOX, PA: 


Emmanuel Church is a child of the venerable St. Paul’s. 
When Rev. George F. Ehrenfeld was pastor of St. Paul’s, his 
type of piety provoked the antagonism of the conservative Ger- 
mans, and the result was the. withdrawa] of a number of the 


474 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


friends of the pastor and 
the organization of Em- 
mantel Gh tit cima 
spirit of the new organi- 
zation, as expressed in 
resolutions of February 
25, 1842, was expressed 
in an article in the Lu- 
theran (Observe son 
March 18, 1842, as fol- 


lows: 








“Whereas, the major- 
ity of the Lutheran con- 
| vregation, Ol) tmeedules 
oe Church, Beaver ‘Town- 
ship, Clarion County, Pa 


IS ene feel themselves greatly 














== |e 

7 aggrieved by the un- 
Christian-like proceeding 
of said congregation, by 

refusing the key of said church, when legally, peaceably and for 

several times demanded by the trustees and council of the con- 

gregation, and thus continue to exclude the congregation from 

worshipping peaceably there; and 


Whereas, the congregation believe that peace cannot be had 
at that place so long as such conduct, which is likely to be con- 
tinued, is manifested; therefore 


Resolved 1. That it is necessary, in order to maintain peace 
and avoid collision, to erect a house of worship for said con- 
gregation. 

Resolved 2. That this house be built on lands of George 
Kribbs and John Marsh. 

Resolved 3. That G. A. Meeker, M.D., George Kribbs, 
FEsqr., and Reuben Fowls be a committee for collecting subscrip- 
tions for said house. 


Resolved 4. That, by taking this step, we by no means re- 
linquish our right and title to St. Paul’s Church, but shall always 
maintain the same in said church”. 


The corner stone of their church was laid by Pastor Ehren- 
feld, May 16, 1842, but the time of the dedication has not been 
recorded. The site was a commanding elevation of two acres, 
about one mile north of St. Paul’s, and provided a cemetery that 
was used for 50 years. In 1877 an oil well was drilled on the 
premises, which netted the congregation $2,840.69 in royalties. 


HIS lORYVOM THE SPILTSBURGH SYNOD 475 


With this money the congregation decided to build a new church, 
and this created another division. Beaver City was then a boom- 
ing oil town of 1,000 people, and here the congregation decided 
to build their church. The corner stone was laid, July 1, 1877, 
and the church dedicated by Pastor A. C. Felker, October 7, 
1377 At was built-or frame, 38x66)" and’ cost $6,000. Inthe 
meantime members of the church living in Pickwick, dissatisfied 
with the decision to rebuild in Beaver City, organized a congre- 
gation of 30 members and dedicated St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 
March 10, 1878. The leading man of this church was George 
Peter Delo, who made liberal provisions for its needs as long as 
he lived. While the oil boom lasted, St. Luke’s Church pros- 
pered, but the passing of the oil meant the abandonment of the 
church, September 19, 1917. The Beaver City congregation 
fared better. When Beaver City vanished with the oil boom, the 
church was relocated in Edenburg or Knox, The Beaver City 
lot was sold for $100, and a new lot in Knox bought for $158, on 
which the old church was rebuilt at a cost of $2,000. The corner 
stone was laid, September 1, 1889, and the building rededicated 
by Rev. H. B. Winton, February 9, 1890. An adjoining lot was 
bought for $400 in 1892. This church served as a place of wor- 
ship for more than 25 years, and was then replaced by a good 
brick church costing $11,000. The corner stone of what may be 
called their fourth church was laid, September 10, 1916, and 
Hedieatcdsbyelastom |. Aw boord, june 3. 1917. ssince that-time 
there has been a steady increase in the strength of the congrega- 
tion. For a long time Emmanuel Church was connected with 
Salem, but on August 1, 1918, it united with St. Paul’s to form 
a parish. This was more than a year in advance of the synodical 
merger. In this connection mention should be made of a dis- 
banded congregation, known as St. John’s or Loop Church. It 
was organized with 16 members, October 14, 1846, and a frame 
church was dedicated, January 7, 1849, but the congregation 
never prospered, and the building was sold for $20 in 1903. The 
pastors of Emmanuel Church were: Rev. G. F. Ehrenfeld, 1842- 
1845; Rev. J. G. Donmeyer, 1845-1847; Rev. Joseph Welker, 
1848-1853; Rev. J. G. Ellinger, 1853-1854; Rev. Nathan Paltz- 
groff, 1854-1857; Rev. W. B. Bachtell, 1858-1861; Rev. J. QO. 
Waters, 1861-1862; Rev. J. B. Fox, 1862-1868; Rev. J. F. Diet- 
terich, 1868-1872; Rev. Peter Gheen, 1872-1873; Rev. C. S. 
Coates, 1873-1876; Rev. A. C. Felker, 1877-1879; Rev. E. H. 
Dornblaser, 1879-1881; Rev. J. A. Hartman, 1882-1884; Rev. 
J. F. Hershiser, 1884-1890; Rev. Shile Miller, 1892-1895; Rev. 
J. E. F. Hassinger, 1895-1899; Rev. S. E. Smith, 1899-1905; 
Rev. F. J. Howard, 1906-1908; Rev. A. M. Himes, 1909-1914; 
Rev. J. A. Boord, 1915-1918; Rev. A. M. Hahn, 1918-1922; 
Rev. J. M. Axe, 1922-. 


476 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


SALEM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
FROGTOWN, PA. 


This is one of the older churches of the county, and was 
known at Hepler’s in pioneer days. Pastor J. G. Young began 
to hold services in the community as early as 1842, and organ- 
ized the congregation in 1844. Among the first members were 
Peter Miller, George Miller, George Smahl, John Weekerly, and 
Levi Moothart. Ground was donated by the Miller family, on 
which a union church was dedicated by Pastor G, F. Ehrenfeld 
of the Lutheran and Pastor Henry Knepper of the Reformed 
Church, November 2, 1845. Pastor Young served the church in 
German until 1855, but other pastors of the synod served in 
English. This dual arrangement continued until 1855, when the 
synod requested Pastor Young to cease. Their second church 
was built during a long vacancy. at a cost of $2,769. The corner 
stone was laid, June 12, 1889, and the church dedicated, Decem- 
ber 1, 1889. For many years Salem Church was connected with 
Licking Parish; from 1892 to 1906 it was in the Kellersburg 
Parish; from 1906 to 1914 it was connected with Clarion; from 
1914 to 1919 it was again a part of Licking Parish; since 1924 it 
has been served by the Red Bank pastor. The pastors were: Rev. 
J. G. Young (German), 1844-1855; Rev. William Uhl, 1846- 
1848; Rev. Jeremiah Fishburn, 1849-1852; Rev. Thomas Steck, 
1854-1856; Rev. J. B. Breckenridge, 1856-1859; Rev. A. S. 
Miller, 1860-1864; Rev. W. E. Crebs, 1866-1869; Rev. Samuel 
Stouffer, 1869-1870; Rev. W. E. Crebs (second term), 1871- 
1873; Rev. David Townsend, 1873-1874; Rev. Wilson Selner, 
1875-1881; Rev. FE. A. Best, 1883-1886; Rev. J. E. Zerger, 1887- 
1889; Rev. W. M. Hering, 1892-1893; Rev. W. J. Bucher, 1893- 
1897; Rev. F. J. Matter, 1897-1900; Rev. C. EF. Berkey, 1900- 
1903; Rev. W. B. Claney, 1903-1906; Rev. J. G. Langham, 1906- 
1909; Rev. B. R. M. Sheeder, 1910-1914; Rev. E. N. Frey, 1916; 
Rev. J. A. Howe, 1916-1919; Rev. D. D. Miller, 1924-. 


MOUNT. ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
LICKING TOWNSHIPS CLARION COUNTY; PA. 


Soon after the year 1800, when this part of the country was 
yet a vast wilderness, Christopher Over crossed the mountains 
with his dog and gun and built a log cabin home. After spending 
two years alone he returned to Franklin County, married Nancy 
Witmer, and brought his youthful bride of sixteen summers to 
his new farm. Jacob Witmer accompanied them. ‘The Lu- 
therans of this community attended St. John’s Church in early 
days, but in 1843 Pastor G. F. Ehrenfeld began to hold services 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 477 


in Mr. Over’s home, and organized Mount Zion Church, May 19, 
1846. A union Sunday School was organized by him in 1845. 
Prominent men in the early history of the church were Joseph 
Witmer, John Lobaugh, Jacob Hahn, David Reichert, Jacob 
Over, and Emmanuel Over. The last two were sons of Christo- 
pher Over. The leader of the singing for many years was 
Andrew Reese. Two acres of land were donated by Christopher 
Over to the Reformed and Lutherans for church and burial pur- 
poses in 1847, but the deed was not dated until January 25, 1847, 
when the congregation was incorporated. ‘The corner stone was 
laid, May 20, 1847, and the building dedicated by Pastor William 
Uhl, December 12, 1847. The two congregations worshipped 
together until 1883, when the Reformed sold their interest to the 
Lutherans and built a church on adjacent ground. In 1910 the 
Reformed Church disbanded, and the remaining 19 members 
united with the Lutherans. Pastor Uhl was an enthusiast for re- 
vivals, and a “big meeting” was held in Mount Zion every winter 
during his pastorate. A list of pastorates is as follows: Rev. G. 
F. Ehrenfeld, 1846; Rev. William Uhl, 1846-1848; Rev. Jere- 
miah Fishburn, 1849-1852; Rev. Joseph Welker, 1852-1853; Rev. 
Thomas Steck, 1854-1856; Rev. J. B. Breckenridge, 1856-1859; 
Rev. A. S. Miller, 1860-1864; Rev. W. E. Crebs, 1866-1869; Rev. 
Samuel Stouffer, 1869-1870; Rev. J. W. Reese, 1871-1872; Rev. 
D. W. Leitzell, 1873-1882; Rev. J. K. Bricker, 1883-1884; Rev. 
J. L. Metzgar, 1885-1891; Rev. B. E. Shaner, 1891-1897; Rev. 
S. A. Zimbeck, 1898-1901; Rev. J. C. McGaughey, 1902-1900; 
Rev. A. M. Himes, 1907-1909; Rev. P. J. Shriver, 1910-1912; 
Rev. W. D. Nicoll, 1912-1914; Rev. J. A. Howe, 1914-1919; 
Rev. H. A. Seel, 1921-1922; Rev. William Weicksel (supply), 
1922-1923; Rev. J. M. Axe, 1925-. 


ST. JOHN’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
PORTER TOWNSHIP, CLARION COUNTY, PA. 


This church, sometimes called Squirrel Hill or Smithland, 
was organized in the midst of a revival by Rev. William Uhl 
with 25 members, December 23, 1846. The first communion 
service was held, December 28, 1846, when 40 persons received 
the sacrament. The following family names are found on this 
communion record: Ashbaugh, Armagost, Barnett, Conker, Delp, 
Derhammer, Hepler, Hillen, Mohney, Painter, Polyard, Bish, 
Brandt, Foringer, Fox, Ghunten, Heller, Pence, and Yule. The 
title page of the church record is inscribed: “The Church Record 
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Smithland, called St. 
James Church”. The first constitution was prepared by Pastor 
Uhl, and contains lengthy rules of discipline, thoroughly char- 


478 HISTORY*OF TH ERED BURGHISYNOD 


acteristic of the author. Their first church was a plain frame 
structure, 30x40, which was dedicated by Pastor Uhl, March 21, 
1848. Repairs were made in 1887 and 1910 at a total cost of 
$2,000. The pastors were: Rev. William Uhl, 1846-1848; Rev. 
J. A. Nuner, 1849-1851; Rev. Thomas Steck, 1851-1856; Rev. 
Michael Schweigert, 1858-1863; Rev. A. S. Miller, 1863-18064; 
Rev. Henry Gathers, 1864-1868; Supplies, 1868-1871; Rev. W. 
E. Crebs, 1871-1873; Rev. David Townsend, 1874-1876; Rev. 
Wilson Selner, 1876-1881; Rev. E. A. Best, 1883-1886; Rev. J. 
FE. Zerger, 1887-1889; Rev. W. M. Hering, 1892-1893; Rev. W. 
J. Bucher, 1893-1897; Rev. F. J. Matter, 1897-1900; Rev. C: E- 
Berkey, 1900-1903; Rev. W. B. Claney, 1903-1907; Rev. H. C. 
Salem, 1907-1909; Rev. W. E .Sunday, 1911-1915; Rev. E. N. 
Fry;t1915-1917; Rev: Ce L,Quinn,1917-1919-; (Revs He Ameseer 
1921-1922; Rev. William Weicksel (supply), 1922-1923. 


AMITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHORCE 
WASHINGPON: TOWNSHIP, CLARIONSGOUN TieSEze 


This congregation was founded in the midst of a revival by 
Pastor S$. D. Witt, January 2, 1846. The majority of the original 
46 members came from other Protestant denominations. No 
constitution was adopted until May 12, 1879. The corner stone 
of their first church was laid, June 21, 1846, and the building 
dedicated, April 6, 1849. A second church was dedicated by 
Pastor J..K. Bricker, December 7, 1879. The church is. called 
Walter’s in the early synodical records. It was served by pastors 
of the Fryburg Parish until 1923, when it was made a preaching 
point of the Shippenville Parish. 


MT. CALVARY. -EVANGELIGAL (LU LHERANS CO URGi 
DUA CESELHMY Der ae 


Soon after Rev. William Uhl became pastor of Licking 
Parish, he began to hold protracted meetings in a school house 
in this community, which resulted in the organization of a church 
of 41 members in 1848. His successor was Rev. Joseph Welker, 
who dedicated a frame church in 1852. The two-acre church lot 
was secured from Robert Stewart, part by donation. The church 
officers at the time of dedication were Peter Fair, Peter Lash, 
Nathanael Coulter, and Jacob Gates. Their church was thor- 
oughly renovated and refurnished in 1879, and a service of re- 
dedication was held January 1, 1882. New chancel furniture 
was bought in 1893, and the church tower erected in 1894. The 
congregation was served by the pastors of Licking Parish until 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 479 


1916, when it was separated on complaint being made to the 
synod by the other churches. Since that time it has had no min- 
isters except occasional supplies. ‘The membership of the con- 
gregation is small, and its isolated position has made it difficult 
LO=SenVe. 


SVR Seb VeYNGE ICAL SOU tT HWRANSCHURCH 
KO>SUTEEPAY 


Among the earliest settlers of Ashland Township © was 
George Berlin, who was born in York County in 1782, and came 
to this community in 1810. Other German settlers who came 
soon after George Berlin, 
were Henry Mang, ‘ = € Oh 
Henry Nehlig, Henry 1 a YEE : l 
eythane and Joseph > Se Oe | 2 
Kutcher. These Luther- Zi AICI AICI 
ans attended church in Gs Cuz 
Shippenville, but their " ia 
pastors held occasional ae 
services for them at the a 
Schively school house. A 
congregation of 34 mem- 
bers was organized here 
Dymbastor so. hi Witt; 
September 24, 1848. 
While this is the record 
of the Pittsburgh Synod, 
it seems that their consti- 
tution was adopted and 
signed by 40 persons, 
March 11, 1848, and the 
earlier is probably the 









































placed by another in 1881, erected on the same site at a cost of 
$4,100. It was dedicated by Pastor J. M. Wonders, April 30, 
1882. After being renovated and refurnished at a cost of $2,600, 
it was rededicated by Pastor Charles Lambert, December 3, 1913. 
The register of pastors follows: Rev. S. D. Witt, 1848-1851; 
Rev. J. G. Ellinger, 1853-1854; Rev. Nathan Paltzgroff, 1854- 
1857; Rev. W. B. Bachtell, 1858-1861; Rev. J. Q. Waters, 1861- 
1862; Rev. J. B. Fox, 1862-1868; Rev. J. F. Dietterich, 1868- 
1872; Rev. Peter Gheen, 1872-1873; Rev. C. S. Coates, 1873- 
1876; Rev. A. C. Felker, 1877-1878; Rev. J. M. Wonders, 1878- 


480 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


1888; Rev. J. M. Rice, 1888-1890; Rev. H. F. Long, 1890-1896 ; 
Rev. J. C. Fasold, 1896-1898 ;Rev. A. J. B. Kast, 1899-1902; 
Rev. J.. H. Keller, 1902-1905; Rev. T. A. Himes, 1905-1908; 
Rev. Charles Lambert, 1909-1914; Rev. R. R. Richard, 1915- 
1918; Rev. L. H. Rehmeyer, 1919-1923; Rev. C. L. Ritter, 1924-. 


GRACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
CLARION, PA. 


The town of Clarion was laid out in 1840, but the German 
settlers. in the county seemed to prefer their farms to the town. 
Occasionally a Lutheran family would move to town, but never 
in such numbers as to warrant the organization of a church. In 
this manner many excellent people were lost to the Lutheran 
Church. A few families remained loyal for seventeen years, 
hoping for a time when they could have a church of their own 
faith; and their hopes were realized, March 9, 1890, when Grace 
Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized with 27 members. 
Pastors W. W. Kribbs, John G. Goettman,;H> B. Winton}. Jay 
Metzgar, and J. M. Rice were present at the organization. The 
first place of meeting was Frampton’s Opera House; then the 
old Methodist Church was rented and fitted up for services. This 
church was bought for $1,200 in 1892, and remodelled in the 
summer of 1894. It was rededicated by Pastor H. E. Wieand, 
October 21, 1894. The congregation was incorporated, February 
©2045-1893) qa Dien omnis 

pastorate, of Rey: Ji4G 
Langham, 1906-1909, a 
two manual pipe organ 
was installed. During 
pastorate of Rev. Joseph 
Arnold, 1915-1919, the 
basement was completed 
and equipped for Sunday 
School purposes, and 
electric light and steam 
heat were installed, at a 
total. cost of $2,600? vA 
service of rededication 
was conducted by the 
missionary  superintend- 
ent, June 6;/1917) ~ the 
parsonage was_ bought 
and equipped with mod- 
ern conveniences in 1923 






































HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 481 


at a cost of $4,700. The growth of Grace Church has never 
been rapid, and it has frequently been annoyed by the proselyt- 
ing methods of others. It has been a mission parish from the 
time of its organization, with the exception of the period, 1910- 
1914. The regular pastors were: Rev. W. E. Main, 1891-1892 ; 
Rev. H. E. Wieand, 1892-1896; Rev. W. J. Bucher, 1897-1898 ; 
Rev. H. E. Zimmerman, 1899-1900; Rev..B. W. Ziegler, 1901- 
1904; Rev. J. G. Langham, 1906-1909; Rev. B. R. M. Sheeder, 
1910-1915; Rev. Joseph Arnold, 1915-1919; Rev. W. R. Brenne- 
man, 1920-1922; Rev. H. G. Stuempfle, 1922-. 


TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
NEW BETHLEHEM, PA. 


This town is the natural business center of a large section of 
the Red Bank region. Lutherans have lived in the community 
for many years, but the first services were not begun until 1904. 
Rev. W. Blair Claney was the first pastor, whose services met 
with such encouragement that he organized a congregation of 15 
members, December 18, 1904. Pastor Claney and his successors 
attempted to serve this church in connection with three rural 
churches, all of which demanded morning services, and the result 
was that the young mission could not prosper. A lot was pur- 
chased for $1,000, and a building fund of $2,000 accumulated, 
but the people were slow to undertake the erection of a church. 
Sometimes pastors would report everything: in readiness, only to 
report unwillingness a month later. In 1920 the church was 
placed in another parish with Shannondale and Ohl, but this did 
not help much. Student G. L. Ulrich spent the summer of 1922 
in the town, and demonstrated the fact that an interesting con- 
gregation could be developed with regular morning services, but 
this has never been tried. Only 26 members were reported in 
1924. The pastors were: Rev. W. B. Claney, 1904-1907; Rev. 
H. C. Salem, 1907-1909; Rev. W. E. Sunday, 1911-1915; Rev. 
HaNAr ry, 1915- 1917; Rev. C. L. Quinn, 1917-1919; Rev. VMAS 
Boord, 1920-1921 ; Supplies, SVAN ROW ARS it Bea BY Miller, 1923-) 


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CHAPTER XIV 
CHURCHES OF ERIE COUNTY 
1808-1924 


“He brought them unto their desired haven’. 


EASRIE County was erected, March 12, 1800, but not 
| organized for judicial purposes until April 2, 1803. 
During the intervening three years, Meadville was 
the seat of justice for a large territory. The first 
settlers of the county came from New York and 
New England. Among the few Pennsylvanians 
was a small group of Germans, who settled on the ridge lands 
and became the founders of the Lutheran Church of Erie. 
From 1798 to 1805 the following German families settled in this 
region: Aichnee, Braun, Ebersole, Riblet, Lauffer, Spang, 
Creuter, Gasser, Stauch, Mosier, Zook, Loop, and Zimmerman. 
So far as we have any knowledge, the first pastor to minister 
to them was Rev. Philip Muckenhaupt of Venango, and he was 
probably the man who opened the baptismal register of St. John’s 
in 1808. While the Presbyterians were first to establish churches 
in the county, St. John’s Lutheran Church was the first estab- 
lished in Erie. The records of St. John’s are continuous from 
August 18, 1808. The next oldest Lutheran churches of the 
county were Walnut Creek and East Greene, the first named 
being organized by Pastor C. F. Stohlman in 1836. In the year 
of the Pittsburgh Synod merger, 1919, there were 18 Lutheran 
churches in Erie County, distributed as follows: 





WETer ARG OUINICH @ Uhee el stein, cee meen Aue nl acc Wty ht 14 churches, 4077 members 
PRES TST Ati a VTC or ee eciinte nes ee eee oe eer 2 churches, 405 members 
MASSOULEMAVIIOU Weer toot ahaa ee TARE Ae) 2 churches, 635 members 
Tati sh mo UOM) bo yTlOds.co aie eh cette bets bane 1 church, 36 members 

At) wee ee Naeger ge tet Reo 19 churches, 5153 members 


SONS EE VANGERICAL ALU TOR RAN ICHURCH 
PR LED Ag 


St. John’s Church, oldest and strongest among the Protestant 
organizations of Erie, dates her birth, August 18-19, 1808, when 
twenty children and one mother were baptized by an unknown 
visiting minister. They were the children of Adam Lauffer, 
Heinrich Aichnee, Martin Stauch, Michael Riblet, Adam Gasser, 


484 HISTORY(OR SDH EVEL ET SBURGHISYNOD 


Conrad Braun, Wilhelm Creuter, George Creuter, and Jacob 
Spang, Pennsylvania Germans from Berks, Lancaster and 
Dauphin counties, who settled along the lake shore between 1798 
and 1805. There were at least fifteen German families living 
here prior to the time of the opening of St. John’s Church Book. 
It is possible that Rev. John M. Steck of Greensburg may have 
visited them in the summer of 1805, when he made a missionary 
visit to the Mahoning and French Creek valleys, but of this there 
is no certain record. The first pastor, of whose presence we can 
be certain, was Rev. Philip Muckenhaupt of Venango, who 
settled in Crawford County in 1803, and preached occasionally 
for the Germans of Erie until 1811, when he was silenced by a 
communication from the Ministerium of Pennsylvania. It is 
quite probable that he was the pastor who administered the sacra- 
ment of baptism in 1808. As early as 1805 the Lutherans of 
Erie and Crawford counties urged the Ministerium of Pennsyl- 
vania to send them a pastor, but no one was sent until 1811, 
when Rev. Wilhelm Heinrich Scriba spent three months in north- 
western Pennsylvania, and reported that he had baptized 137 
children and administered the holy communion to 30 persons. 
The next of these “travelling preachers” was Rev. Peter Rupert, 
who spent the summer of 1814 in the region, made Meadville his 
headquarters, travelled 1142 miles, preached 38 sermons, bap- 
tized 197 children, and gave the sacrament to 117 communicants. 
Whatever else may have been lacking in the cabin homes of the 
German pioneers, there was always an abundance of children, as 
the early records of all their churches prove. While the greater 
part of the early settlers of Erie came from New York and New 
England, this little group of Pennsylvania Germans made a dis- 
tinct contribution to its history, of which none of their descend- 
ants needs be ashamed. There was not a German home however 
humble in which there was not a copy of Luther’s Bible, and 
their simple faith and unassuming piety furnished a healthy ex- 
ample to all their New England neighbors. When Pastor Rupert 
returned to the east in 1814, he was urged by the people to re- 
main with them as their pastor, but this he could not see his way 
clear to do. The Ministerium then commissioned Rev. Carl 
Wilhelm Colsen, a man of sterling virtues, who came to Mead- 
ville in the summer of 1815. His missionary spirit was intense, 
driving him far out along the lake shore into northwestern Ohio 
with his gospel message, but his weak body was not equal to the 
task, and he succumbed to pneumonia at Meadville, December 
29, 1816. He was the first pastor to subscribe his name on the 
St. John’s Church Book, and the first to record a communion 
service, September 24, 1815. Only eight persons received the 
sacrament at that time, but this number was soon increased. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 485 


During the years, 1815-1820, the names of the following com- 
municants are recorded: 


Braun, Conrad Lang Sara Stauch,’ Maria 

Braun, Mrs. Katharina Lang, Neufia Stauch, Sara 

Braun, Anna Maria Mehlig, Johann Stauch, Nicolaus 

Braun, Maria Mehlig, Mrs. Katharina Stauch, Peter 

Braun, Susanna Riblet, Johannes, Sr. Stauch, Maria (2) 
Braun, Mrs. Barbara Riblet, Michael Wagner, Abraham 
Ebersole, Katharina Riblet, Mrs. Elizabeth Wagener, Maria 
Heimbach, Conrad Schlater, Johann Wagner, Mrs. Susanna 
Heimbach, Mrs. Maria Stauch, Johann Zimmerman, Johann 
Lang, Jacob Stauch, Barbara Zimmerman, Mrs. Kath. 


In the record of November 28, 1819, three of the com- 
municants are listed as Reformed, but no pastor of that Church 
ever served in St. John’s. The successor of Pastor Colsen was 
Rev. John Friedrich Christian Heyer, who was sent out by the 
Ministerium of Pennsylvania in 1817, and remained in the field 
until the following year. He is said to have fixed up a study in 
a room over the springhouse of George Peiffer near Saegertown, 
and to have spent much of his spare time in playing his flute. 
Here in his springhouse apartment he conceived the idea of ask- 
ing each one of the German women of the parish to make a 
monthly donation of the price of a pound of butter in order to 
buy a parish farm. Since there were one hundred butter makers 
in this parish at the time, it is likely that his plan would have 
succeeded, but he left the field too soon to put it into effect. 
Father Heyer’s plans rarely failed. Rev. Peter Rupert returned 
to the parish in 1819, and probably remained until 1823, although 
it is difficult to determine the date of his resignation from the 
records. This pastor confirmed the first class of catechumens 
in St. John’s, November 26, 1820. The members of this class 
were: Nicolaus Stauch, Peter Stauch, Jacob Lang, Sara Lang, 
Neufia Lang, and Maria Stauch. From 1823 to 1825 there is a 
break in the record of pastors, but it is likely that Rev. Philip 
Meyerhoeffer of Venango gave them occasional services. On 
September 4, 1825, Rev. John Karl Rebenach notified the presi- 
dent of the West Pennsylvania Synod that he had accepted a call 
to Erie, but his pastorate evidently closed in the following spring. 
Pastor Rebenach holds the distinction, however, of being the first 
resident pastor of St. John’s. In the summer of 1826 Rev. 
Nicholas Gaugler Scharretts of the same synod paid them a 
short missionary visit. The congregation was then vacant until 
1829, when Rev. Wilhelm Schulze moved his family from Gettys- 
burg to Erie, and served until 1830. In 1831 Rev. Daniel Heilig 
notified the president of the West Pennsylvania Synod that he 
had accepted a call to Erie, and also that the congregation was 
building a parsonage for him. This pastorate continued until 
1834, but the pastor made no reports to his synod. A new era 
in the history of St. John’s dawned on New Year’s Day of 1835, 
when a new constitution was adopted and signed by one hundred 


. dma AO AWOH S.ATdOad ATO 





HistOokyY OF sbi by PLieCSBuRGH SYNOD 487 


members. This evident increase of strength was due to a new 
immigration from the Fatherland, and not to the natural develop- 
ment of the original Pennsylvania German congregation. It is 
generally believed that the name St. John’s was used for the 
first time in the constitution of 1835. A call was then extended 
to Rev. Carl Frederick Stohlmann, a young German pastor of 
the Ohio Synod, who served the congregation until October 28, 
1838. During this pastorate there was a notable development in 
St. John’s. A plot of five acres, comprising an entire city block 
on Peach street, between 22nd and 23rd, was given to the church 
by Conrad Braun Sr. Part of this ground was used for a while 
for burial purposes, and a cemetery plot is still kept intact by the 
congregation. Pastor Stohlmann was a genuine missionary, and 
extended his labors to Walnut Creek, and even as far as Drake’s 
Mills in Crawford County. When everything seemed propitious 
for a great forward movement in St. John’s, he was persuaded 
to resign to take up an important parish in New York. His suc- 
cessor was an Ohio Synod pastor of the old Pennsylvania Ger- 
man stock, Rev. Michael Kuchler, who served from 1839 to 
~ November 17, 1845. ‘The outstanding achievement of this pas- 
torate was the dedication of the first church, August 8, 1842, 
when Pastor Kuchler was assisted by Pastors Guenther and 
Rathbun. This means that there was an English as well as a 
German dedicatory address, since Pastor Rathbun could officiate 
only in English. The church was a plain frame structure, cost- 
ing but a few thousand dollars, but it was a great joy to the 
congregation, which had worshipped in a school house for thirty- 
four years. Pastor Kuchler also organized the Sunday School, 
which has preserved unbroken records to the present day. The 
largest communion of his pastorate was attended by 155 persons. 
His successor was Rev. Friedrich Philip Feysel of Ejinbeck, 
Hanover, who was ordained by the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, 
June 10, 1846, and served St. John’s until August 13, 1848. The 
use of an organ and choir are mentioned for the first time dur- 
ing his pastorate. The next pastor was Rev. C. G. Stuebgen of 
_ the Ohio Synod, during whose term of service large classes were 
confirmed, and the number of communicants increased to more 
than three hundred. The church was incorporated, May 6, 
1850. Pastor Stuebgen was followed by Pastor F. W. Weis- 
kotten, who remained but one year because of trouble in the con- 
gregation. His successor was a pastor of the Maryland Synod, 
Rev. C. A. Brockmann, who transferred his membership to the 
Pittsburgh Synod. At the time of his reception into the latter 
body a letter from the congregation was read, in which it was 
stated that they had suffered much as an independent church, 
but hoped for better things under the new order. The cemetery 


488 HISLOR YOR SDE Eye Leb UK Gite oy NOW 


of St. John’s, after being much enlarged, was dedicated by 
Pastor Brockmann, June 3, 1859. During the pastorate of his 
successor, Rev. Jacob Blass, the congregation passed through an- 
other trying experience. The people of the old Pennsylvania 
stock became dissatisfied, and withdrew to form Luther Mem- 
orial Church, August 15, 1861. Only a few of the original fam- 
ilies remained with the Mother Church; and from this time the 
membership consisted largely of European Germans and their 
descendants. Notwithstanding this great loss St. John’s con- 
tinued to grow in numbers so rapidly that it became necessary to 
build a larger church. The corner stone was laid on Ascension 
Day, 1861, and the completed building dedicated, September 14, 
1862, Pastor Blass being assisted by Pastors Bochert, Runck, and 
Stempel. It was built of brick, 50x80, at an approximate cost of 
$10,000. The pipe organ cost $3,800. This pastorate extended 
from September 4, 1859, to September 8, 1863. The next three 
pastors were Rev. Wilhelm Schaeffer, 1863-1866; Rev. G. Beck, 
1866; and Rev. C. F. Boehner, 1867-1872. During this period 
the church passed through more and greater trials, the last pas- 
torate being marked by schism. Then came the dawn of the 
“Benze Era”, which has brought blessings immeasurable to the 
congregation. Rev. Adolph Leopold Benze, a successful Pitts- 
burgh Synod pastor at Warren, Pa., was given a call, and began 
his pastorate, April 16, 1872. From Easter Sunday of 1872, 
when he preached his introductory sermon, down to the day of 
his death, January 18, 1891, the favor of the Lord was signally 
manifest. The schismatic congregation quickly dissolved and the 
people were once more united. Under the new pastor’s strong 
leadership grace and peace ruled in St. John’s, and the congrega- 
tion passed beyond the period of its early and later struggles into 
the full possession of a great heritage. As soon as the debt on 
the church of 1862 was paid, plans were made for its enlarge- 
ment. These plans called for a complete remodelling, with the 
construction of three large towers on the front, and were carried 
out at an expense of $23,000. The building committee consisted 
of Pastor A. L. Benze, Adam Meyer, Christopher Bloeser, Henry 
Herbst, and Edward Bauschardt. A new corner stone was laid, 
June 15, 1884, and the church dedicated, May 3, 1885. Pastor 
Philip Doerr preached the dedicatory sermon in German, and 
Pastor I. O. Baker in English. During his pastorate of almost 
nineteen years Pastor A. L. Benze confirmed 1090, solemnized 
625 weddings, and conducted 1127 funerals. A beautiful bronze 
tablet on the east wall of St. John’s bears silent testimony to his 
great work in this parish. At the time of his death the hearts of 
the people seemed to turn with one accord to his son, Rev. Gus- 
tave A. Benze, and he became his father’s successor, February 


Hip ton yao THE PULTSBURGH ey NGL 489 


18, 1891. The Benze policies were continued without a break, 
and St. John’s moved steadily forward on her great mission. 
Sunday Schools were established in other sections of the city, 
which developed into churches and blessed the mother congrega- 
tion for the help received. The Rev. C. Theodore Benze served 
as an associate pastor, 1898-1906, giving his chief attention to the 
work of St. Stephen’s. The Lutheran Home for the Aged, lo- 
cated on St. John’s ground, was started on its mission of mercy, 
March 1, 1906, and now shelters a family of more than thirty. 
All the Lutheran churches of the city cooperate in this work. 
About the year 1894, the growing Sunday School began to de- 
mand room for expansion; and the congregation finally decided 
to enlarge the church in such a manner as to provide a larger 
place for worship as well as larger quarters for the school. This 
great improvement was carried out successfully at a cost of 
$32,326, and the remodelled church was dedicated by Pastor G. 
A. Benze, May 9, 1897, when more than 2,000 people were seated 
in the building. During the same year the General Council held 
its convention in St. John’s, and the inspiration of the meeting 
was such that the congregation decided to surrender its inde- 
pendence and unite with the Pittsburgh Synod. ‘The influence 
of St. John’s in this city cannot be measured. The confirmed 
membership is about 1600, but the pastor is said to minister to 
at least 5000 souls. The Chief Service of St. John’s is conducted 
in German as well as in English every Sunday morning, but 
_ Vespers are always conducted in English. There is a German 
and an English Sunday School, both of which hold their sessions 
on Sunday morning. The Women’s Society was organized in 
1878, the Young People’s Society in 1879, and the Choir in 1850. 
All other societies have been established during the pastorate of 
Rey. G. A. Benze. The pastorates are listed as follows: Rev. 
Philip Muckenhaupt (supply), 1808-1811; Rev. W. H. Scriba 
(supply), 1811; Rev. Peter Rupert (supply), 1814; Rev. C. W. 
Colseipeloalo-1olo; Rev. |, Cele Heyer, 1817-1818 Rev, Peter 
Rupert, 1819-1823; Rev. Philip Meyerhoeffer (supply), 1823- 
1825; Rev. J. K. Rebenach, 1825-1826; Rev. N. G. Scharretts 
(supply), 1826; Rev. Wilhelm Schulze,. 1829-1830; Rev. Daniel 
Heilig, 1831-1834; Rev. C. F. E. Stohlmann, 1835-1838; Rev. 
Michael Kuchler, 1839-1845; Rev. F. P. Feysel, 1846-1848; 
Rev. C. G. Stuebgen, 1848-1853; Rev. F. W. Weiskotten, 1853- 
1854; Rev. C. A. Brockmann, 1855-1859; Rev. Jacob Blass, 
1859-1863; Rev. Wilhelm Schaeffer, 1863-1866; Rev. G. Beck, 
1866; Rev. C. F. Boehner, 1867-1872; Rev. A. L. Benze, 1872- 
1891; Rev. G. A. Benze, D.D., 1891- “Rev. Cel. Benze, 
D.D., (associate pastor), 1898-1906. 


490) HISTORY.OF TPHEePITTSBURGH SYNOD 


ST. PETER’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
MILI, CREEK, PA. 


Between the years 1828 and 1834 a number of Pennsylvania 
Germans took up lands in Walnut Creek Valley. For several 
years they journeyed to Erie to receive the sacraments of the 
Church, and then in 1836 were organized into a congregation by 
Rev. Carl F. E. Stohlmann. As such they were made a part of 
Erie Parish. The piace of meeting was not satisfactory to the 
Mill Creek people, however, and they were reorganized as St. 
Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church by Pastor Michael Kuchler, 
February 1, 1848. The first services of the new organization 
were held in a school house, near the forks of the road west of 
the present church, but the people were ready and anxious to 
secure a church home of their own. Genuine devotion was dis- 
played in building. The land was donated by Solomon Weigel, 
and, for this reason, the congregation was frequently called by 
his name. Among those who donated timber for the building 
were Solomon Weigel, Peter Ruff, Jacob Reichert, John Gergun 
Jr., Peter Roth, Gottfried Buhl, Joseph Reichert, Jacob Rebbert, 
John Mining, John Jackson, and John Schlebach. Peter Rhodes 
donated material, and helped John Schlebach with the carpenter 
work. This church, though built of frame, was set on such a 
solid foundation that it has served the congregation as a place of 
worship to the present day. It was given a thorough renovation 
during the pastorate of Rev. G. H. Schoemperlen, and rededi- 
cated by him, April 25, 1875. The first Church Council consisted 
of Peter Roth, Solomon Weigel, and Jacob Hassler; the second 
of John Schlebach, John Bernritter, and.Samuel Weigel; the 
third of John Bernritter, Samuel Weigel, and John Bergen. 
Pastor Kuchler served a parish of three churches and rarely 
missed appointments. From 1850 to 1851 he was absent from 
the parish because of ill health, and Rev. C. G. Stuebgen of Erie 
supplied St. Peter’s during his absence. In 1859 the Pittsburgh 
Synod decided to establish the Lake Shore Mission, the same to 
consist of Mill Creek, Fairview, and a mission to be organized in 
Erie; but the usual difficulty was experienced in securing a 
capable mssionary, and the Erie Mission was not organized until 
August 15, 1861. The first pastor of the Lake Shore Mission 
was Rev. J. H. W. Stuckenberg, who served from 1861 to 1865, 
with an intermission of thirteen months, during which he served 
as an army chaplain. His successor was Rev. C. F. Boehner, 
who served Mill Creek and Fairview from 1865 to 1867, organ- 
izing St. John’s Church of Girard, May 13, 1866, and adding it 
to the parish. During the same time he did pioneer missionary 
work at Corry, Drake’s Mills, and Ashtabula, under the direction 
of the missionary superintendent of the Pittsburgh Synod. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 491 


After his resignation, September 1, 1867, Rev. Herman Eggers 
was called. His pastorate continued from 1868 to 1870, during 
which English services were introduced and the parish became 
self-sustaining. This pastor also organized the first Sunday 
School of the congregation, but the language question led to its 
dissolution. ‘The present Sunday School organization was not 
effected until 1911. The next three pastors were Rev. W. F. 
peegerhey. G. HH. ischoeémperlen, and Rey. J.A. J. Zahn, the 
last rendering exceptional service, and building up a congregation 
of 163 members. When he resigned, March 6, 1882, great diffi- 
culty was experienced in securing a successor, so that the con- 
gregation remained vacant 14 years. Rev. EK. J. Meissner began to 
supply them in 1895, but found little more than a remnant of 
the congregation of former days. Careful catechization by this 
pastor created new hope, and he was permitted to minister to a 
growing congregation from October 25, 1896, to December 16, 
1906. Under his leadership the church recovered a measure of 
her former strength, although a number of good families were 
lost when Trinity Church of McKean was organized in 1897. 
The next pastor was Rev. R. E. McDaniel, Ph.D., who served 
from 1907 to 1910. Then followed another vacancy of four 
years... Rev. M. R. Kunkelman supplied the congregation from 
November 1, 1914, to April 1, 1915, and then served as the 
regular pastor until August 11, 1918. At that time there was 
another rearrangement of parish lines, and Mill Creek, McKean, 
and Franklin Center united to form the Erie County Parish. 
This parish had two pastors, Rev. John A. L. Mensch 
and Rev. Franklin W. Boyer, who made their homes in 
McKean. In 1925 Drakes Mills was again added to the parish. 
The following pastors have served here: Rev. C. F. E. Stohl- 
mann, 1836-1838; Rev. Michael Kuchler, 1839-1850; Rev. C. G. 
Stuebgen, 1850-1851; Rev. Michael Kuchler (second term), 
1851-1858; Rev. J. W. Semler (supply), 1859; Rev. J. H. W. 
Stuckenberg, 1861-1865; Rev. C. F. Boehner, 1865-1867; Rev. 
Herman Eggers, 1868-1870; Rev. W. F. Seeger, 1870-1873; 
Rev. G. H. Schoemperlen, 1873-1876; Rev. J. A. J. Zahn, 1876- 
1882; Vacant, 1882-1895; Rev. E. J. Meissner, 1895-1906; Rev. 
R. E. McDaniel, Ph.D., 1907-1910; Supplies, 1910-1914; Rev. 
M. R. Kunkelman, 1914-1918; Rev. J. A. L. Mensch, 1918-1919; 
Rev. J. A. Beighey (supply), 1919-1920; Rev. F. W. Boyer, 1920- 
1925; Rev. J. W. Dean, 1925-. 


LUTHER MEMORIAL EVAN. LUTHERAN CHURCH 
|S sod BY 


The organization of the “First English Evangelical Luther- 
an Church” of Erie was brought about by the withdrawal of 


492 HISTORY-OF eTHEPIETS BURGH sr NOD 


a number of families from St. John’s Church. '!“All that those 
who left the mother church would say in defense of their 
action in going out was the need of an English Lutheran Church, 
in order that their families might enjoy a united church relation, 
because their children were receiving an English education and 
were in danger of drifting into any other church but their own.” 
They were largely the descendants of the Pennsylvania German 
farmers, who settled in the vicinity of Erie at the beginning of 
the nineteenth century. In order to provide for their spiritual 
wants, the Pittsburgh Synod established the Lake Shore Mission, 
with the understanding that the missionary should give the 
greater part of his time in founding an English Church in Erie. 
At that time Erie was a city of 15,000 people, and regarded by 
Doctor W. A. Passavant as one of the most important mission 
fields of the synod. The young missionary whom he selected 
for this task was Rev. John Henry Wilbrandt Stuckenberg, who 
threw all the energy of his youth into the work, and, after a few 
weeks of service in an old frame school house on Federal Hill, 
organized a congregation, August 15, 1861, with the folowing 
members : 


Ruess, Frederick 
Ruess, Mrs. Caroline 


Brown, Samuel M. 


Fickinger, Mrs. Sarah 
Brown, Samuel C. i 


Geist, Daniel 


Brown, Christian 
Brown, John T. 
Brown, Mrs. Eva 


Geist, Mrs. Elizabeth 
Gingrich, Henry 
Gingrich, Mrs. Mary 


Siechrist, Frank 
Siechrist, Mrs. Helen 
Weigel, Charles 


Brown, Mrs. Sarah Ann 
Brown, Mrs. Lou F. 
Brown, Sarah C. 
Burger, Mrs. Eleanor 


Gingrich, Mrs. Margaret Wolf, Jacob 

Keefer, Samuel Wolf, Cyrus, Sr. 
Keefer, Mrs. M. C. Wolf, Cyrus, Jr. 
Koehler, John W. Wolf, Mrs. Lydia A. 
Koehler, Mrs. Catherine Wolf, Mrs. Catherine 
Kuchler, Mrs. Catherine Wolf, Mrs. Mary 
Kuchler, Mrs. L. H. Weaver, Mrs. Ross 
McCrea, Mrs. Helen M. Werther, Henry 
Mosher, Isaac 


Farver, John B 

Farver, Daniel 

Farver, Mrs. Catherine 

Fickinger, Tobias 

Fickinger, John B. 

Samuel Brown and Henry Gingrich were the first elders; 

Henry Werther and John T. Brown the first deacons. The 
greater part of the members lived in the country, and their hos- 
pitality was a constant delight to the pastors. At the time of the 
organization the country was in the throes of civil war, and 
the young pastor enlisted in the service as chaplain of the 
145th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, September 1, 1862, 
and did not return to his parish until October 13, 1863. During 
his absence one of the members of the congregation officiated 
as lay-leader, but the services were not well attended. As soon 
as the pastor returned, the members quickly rallied to his call 
and built a modest frame chapel. The lot on which this chapel 
was built was secured in the spring of 1862 at a cost of $1200. 
It was dedicated on Holy Thursday, 1864, when Pastor Stuck- 
enberg was assisted by Doctor W. A. Passavant. At that time 
there were seventy communing members in the congregation. 


1—History of Luther Memorial Church, Erie, 1861-1911. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 493 


When Pastor Stuckenberg resigned, May 28, 1865, a movement 
was started to divide the Lake Shore Mission, so that the Erie 
Church might have all the time of a pastor, and this was suc- 
cessful. The next pastor, Rev. Jacob Lawson Smith, preached 
his first sermon for the congregation, November 5, 1865, and 
was heartily received. The congregation was chartered as the 
“First English Lutheran Church of Erie”, August 11, 1866. Like 
his predecessor, Pastor Smith was a young man, who made this 
his first parish and gave it all the consecrated powers of his 
youth. He was a strong catechist and an indefatigable pastor, 
drawing many new members into the congregation and indoc- 
trinating them in the faith of the Church. Within one year the 
congregation assumed self-support, and the missionary received 
much official praise in the minutes of this synod. For several 
years he was chairman of the Benevolence Committee of Erie, 
rendering a service that endeared him greatly to the poorer 
classes. It was he who gathered a number of boys and girls 
from the street, and organized them into a union mission school 
that developed into the Chestnut Street Presbyterian Church. 
When he preached his closing sermon, April 23, 1871, he left a 
congregation of 142 members, each one of whom deeply re- 
gretted his departure. His successor was Rev. Johnson R. Groff, 
whose pastorate extended from January 1, 1872, to August 30, 
1874. This was a period of financial panic that brought ruin 
to many business men and made church work exceedingly diffi- 
cult. Pastor Groff had a fine voice and taught the congregation 
to use the full liturgical service of the Church, causing not a 
little opposition on the part of some of the members, but doing 
a work for which later generations are thankful. He is said 
to have built the first altar of this church with his own hands. 
In spite of the losses caused by the introduction of the liturgy, 
he was able to leave the congregation stronger in numbers than 
he found it. The fourth pastor was Rev. Herman Henry 
Bruning, who labored in an unassuming way from November 1, 
1874, to May 1, 1880, and greatly endeared himself to the 
people. His successor was Rev. Isaac Oliver Baker, who served 
the church for more than 24 years, June 1, 1881, to October 1, 
1905. The value of the long pastorate is seen in the fact that 
Pastor Baker was here at least five years (the length of the 
average pastorate) before the congregation settled down to 
that steady work, under which it developed into one of the 
strongest churches of the synod. For the first few years there 
were the usual evidences of fluctuating strength; then a steady 
forward movement began, increasing in force with the years, 
until a congregation of 700 members was established. At the 
beginning of this long pastorate the old frame chapel was torn 
down and a stately brick church erected on the same site. 


494 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


2“Tt was an heroic effort on the part of the pastor and 
people to erect such a costly structure in those days, under such 
peculiar, trying and difficult circumstances, as the faithful mem- 
bers who are still living will testify. Young men, with large 
families depending on them, gave willingly large sums of 
money. Others spent their evenings doing carpenter work on 
the building while in the process of erection. The total cost 
of this structure, when completed and furnished, was $30,000. 
The last service was held in the old church on March 16, 1884. 
On June 1, the corner stone of the new edifice was laid. Prof. 
H. W. Roth, D. D., delivered the sermon on this occasion. ‘The 
pulpit of the new church was given by Rev. Baker, in addition 
to his liberal subscription, and the altar was a gift from Jacob 
Berst. The reading desk was presented by Mrs. Louisa Brown. 
The first service was held in the new building on Christmas 
Day, on the occasion of the festivities of the Sunday School. 
The first regular service was held on the first Sunday of Janu- 
ary, 1885. On June 5,°1887)"the church, was ‘dedicateds At 
the same time it received its present name, the date of erection 
being the 400th anniversary of the birth of Martin Luther.” 


The success of Pastor Baker was largely due to his intense 
missionary zeal. In season and out of season he was ready to 
make any sacrifice that would lead him into helpful touch with 
souls. By his missionary efforts St. Peter’s Church of North 
Fast and Grace and Zion of Erie were established. After his 
resignation the congregation turned once more to the sons of 
Westmoreland, and selected Rev. G. Franklin Gehr as his suc- 
cessor. These two pastors were born on adjacent farms in the 
parish of First Church, Greensburg, Pa., and possessed many 
qualities in common. Pastor Gehr was an intense worker, and 
few Lutherans came to Erie as strangers without soon learn- 
ing to know him as a friend. His pastorate extended from 
August 1, 1907, to October 1, 1913, when he accepted a call to 
become president of the Pittsburgh Synod. On September 10, 
1911, the lot adjoining the church was bought for $5,750. The 
next pastor was Rev. Earl Cameron Herman, who piloted the 
congregation through the trying period of the world war, greatly 
increased the membership, and set a high standard of benevo- 
lent giving. His term of service extended from October 1, 1914, 
to April 17, 1921. The Rev. Ephraim Maclay Gearhart was 
elected as his successor, and began his work under highly 
auspicious conditions, March 19, 1922. During the month of 
September prior to his coming, the property of the Young Men’s 
Jewish Club on West Tenth street was bought at a cost of 
$44,000. The dimensions of this property were 186x120 feet, 


2—History of Luther Memorial Church, Erie, 1861-1911. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 495 


and furnished an ideal site for the new church, whose corner 
stone was laid, June 28, 1925. The large residence with which it 
had been improved was utilized as a parsonage and parish house. 


Organized women’s work began in this church with the 
“Ladies’ Aid Society,” organized by Rev. J. H. W. Stuckenberg in 
1862, with Mrs. Henry Jarecki as the first president. This was 
a highly popular organization, since it did much to minister 
to the social life of the younger members. It gave way to the 
“Ladies’ Working Association”, organized by Rev. I. O. Baker 
in 1882, with Mrs. W. W. Thomas as president. After a time 
the name of this association was changed to the “Ladies’ Aid 
Society.” In 1883, a little girls’ society was organized by Mrs. 
Christian W. Brown and Mrs. Adam Brabender, which devel- 
oped in a sewing circle, and finally into the Junior Luther 
League in 1908. The ‘Mission League” of 1890 and the ‘“Passa- 
vant Missionary Circle’ of 1904 were finally merged in the 
“Luther League’, organized in 1893. The “Women’s Mission- 
ary Society” was organized in 1910, the “Martin Luther Brother- 
hood” in 1903, the ‘Young People’s Society” in 1900. The 
following young men have entered the ministry from this church: 
William Hall, Charles E. Blethen, Roy G. Catlin, Charles A. 
Dennig and H. Edward Reinhardt. 


The list of pastorates is as follows: Rev. J. H. W. Stucken- 
Pero SO ato0) skevea| wiles onith, 1860-187" kev, J. oR! 
Groff, 1872-1874; Rev. H. H. Bruning, 1874-1880; Rev. I. O. 
Baker, D. D., 1881-1905; Rev. G. F. Gehr, D. D., 1907-1913; 
Reyvbe Gb erman?s1914-1921:-s Rev; E:°M: Gearhart. Di. D: 


1922-. 


ST. JOHN’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
GIRARD, PA. 


This church. was organized with fifty members by Rev. C. 
F. Boehner, May 13, 1866. Two weeks later, Heinrich Becker, 
Jacob Kuebler, Heinrich Kreletter, Simon Reichert, John Kues- 
sel, and Christian Yaeger were installed as officers. The 
church was at once admitted to the Pittsburgh Synod, made a 
part of Lake Shore Parish, and served in connection with Mill 
Creek and Fairview until 1876. Pastor Boehner resigned in 
1867 to accept a call to Erie, and Pastor Herman Eggers served 
as his successor from 1868 to 1870. During this pastorate the 
Lake Shore Mission became a self-sustaining parish. The next 
pastor was Rey. W. F. Seeger, 1870-1873, who dedicated a frame 
church building, September 25, 1870. When Pastor Seeger re- 
signed to accept a call from a parish of the Missouri Synod in 
1873, he was succeeded by Rev. G. H. Schoemperlen, who was 


496 HISTORY, OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


so slow in acknowledging his obligations to the Pittsburgh Synod 
that he was taken to task for it. The congregation was evi- 
dently as listless as their pastor, for, as soon as he resigned in 
1876, they withdrew from the synod and united with a German 
church in. Fairview in extending a call to a pastor of the Evan- 
gelical Synod of North America. From 1876 to 1901 they 
were served by German Evangelical pastors, and then wrote to 
the president of the Pittsburgh Synod asking for restoration. 
Not receiving a pastor as soon as they expected they called 
another Evangelical pastor, who served from 1901 to 1903, but 
left them in such a weakened condition that they once more 
sought the services of a Lutheran. The chief credit for bring- 
ing them back to the Pittsburgh Synod belongs to Rev. C. 
Theodore Benze, who ministered to them in their isolation and 
helped them secure a pastor. From 1866 to 1903 the following 
men served as officers of St. John’s: 


Ahl, Friedrich Kreletter, Heinrich Moehring, Friedrich 
Becker, Heinrich Kreletter, August Reichert, Simon 
Brehm, Fr. Kress, Wilhelm Schmidt, Karl 
Dieter, Friedrich Krutzke, Herman Schmidt, Otto 
Ellwanger, Carl Kuebler, Wilhelm Schuetz, August 
Ellwanger, Friedrich Kuebler, Jacob Sedler, Karl 
Haut, Gustav Kuessel, Johann Sedler, Heinrich 
Hahn, Ernst Laffin, Friedrich Spengler, John 
Helmbrecht, August Lang, Jacob Westphal, Ludwig 
Tsele, Rudolph Loeffel, Jonn Will, Johann 
Jordan, Christian Meyer, Friedrich Wingert, John 
Kaehler, Emil Meyer, H. D. Yaeger, Christian 
- Kimmel, Philip Meyer, Wilhelm Yaeger, Louis 


After the resignation of the last German Evangelical pastor 
in 1903, Rev. C. Theodore Benze of Erie supplied their pulpit 
for more‘than+a year; andr secured theielection of KRevinlmels 
Neudorffer, December 11, 1904, with the written understanding 
that the pastor should be a member of the Pittsburgh Synod. 
For eleven years the church was cared for by pastors of Erie 
Lutheran congregations; in 1909 it was connected with the 
Conneaut Parish. The congregation numbered 37 members in 
1907 and 60 in 1922. Earlier attention to the claims of the 
English language would have saved them many serious losses 
and unpleasant experiences. A consecutive list of pastors is 
as follows: Rev. C. F. Boehner, 1866-1867; Rev. Herman 
Eiggers, 1868-1870; Rev. W. F. Seeger, 1870-1873; Rev. G. 
H. Schoemperlen, 1873-1876; Rev. Ferdinand Buesser, 1876- 
1880; Rev. Carl Goehling, 1880-1890; Rev. Robert Koehler, 
1890-1893; Rev. Betz, 1893-1897; Rev. Kratzler, 1897-1898 ; 
Rev. R. Vieweg, 1898-1900; Rev. Paul Reikow, 1900-1901; 
Rev. Brandli, 1901-1903; Rev. C. T. Benze, 1903-1904; Rev. 
J. J. Neudorffer, 1905-1907; Rev. C. T. Benze (supply), 1907- 
1908; Rev. John A. Beighey, 1908-1912; Rev. H. F. Gruhn 
(supply), 1914-1915; Rev. John A. Beighey, Rev. G. A. Benze 
and others (supplies), 1915-1919; Rev. F. P. Welkner, 1919-. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 497 


STPAUL’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
CORRY, PA. 


The town of Corry was founded about the year 1860, and 
had a rapid growth in the first ten years, for the reason that 
it became a railroad center in a large and developing oil field. 
Lutheran services were 
Merwe creltds = carl yom ac 
1867 by Rev. C. F. Boeh- 
ner of the Lake Shore 
Mission, but no organiz- 
ation was effected. In 
1869 the Pittsburgh Syn- 
od made a missionary 
appropriation of $500, 
and Rev. Carl Jaeckel of 
New Castle was asked to 
give half his time to Cor- 
Ly eat ea deld sihis), first 
service in a school house, 
October 14, 1870, and 
organized a  congrega- 
tion of forty-four mem- 
bers in’ January, 1871. 
The constitution recom- 
mended by the Ministeri- 
um of Pennsylvania was 
adopted, and a charter secured, “binding the congregation to the 
Pittsburgh Synod.” A lot was bought for $650 and a generous 
subscription list secured for the building of a church. When 
Pastor Jaeckel resigned at the close of his first year, chiefly be- 
cause of the dissatisfaction of the New Castle Church, officials 
found it difficult to secure a successor, with the result that the 
lot was surrendered and building abandoned. Rev. Michael 
Schweigert was commissioned as the missionary in 1872, and 
then came the financial panic of 1873, when so many financial 
losses occurred in the parish that Pastor Schweigert gave up 
the work in despair. Soon after the meeting of the synod in 
1874, the field was visited by the missonary superintendent, in 
company with Rev. Michael Kuchler, with the result that the 
latter took charge of the mission, and gave sevices in German 
every alternate Sunday until 1879. In the early spring of 1875, 
he reorganized the congregation on the basis of the constitution 
and charter of 1871, twenty-four persons attending the first 
communion service. With new hope in their hearts the congre- 
gation bought a corner lot, 66 x 100, in November of 1875 for 
a consideration of $500. The final payment on this lot was 











SR, 1{ 


HLS 
a an 
Reale 
(3) 
































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498 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


not made until 1881, when the deed was secured. The corner 
stone of their church was laid in May, 1876, and the building 
was dedicated by Pastor Kuchler, June 3, 1877. It was not a 
large church, 26 x 40, and cost but $1,600, but it gave great 
encouragement to the little congregation of fifty members. His 
successor was Rev. Herman Gilbert, who gave the same amount 
of time and service to the mission as his predecessor, and served 
from 1879 to 1885. It was plain to all that no mission church 
could be properly developed under these conditions, the pastor 
living in Greenville, and the pastor himself recommended that 
Corry be added to some other point to form a regular parish. 
This was done in June, 1885, when Rev. J. H. Orr, took charge 
of the congregation in connection with Meadville. Inasmuch as 
the original constitution could not be found, a new one was 
adopted at the beginning of his pastorate. The pastor attempted 
to hold English services in the evening, but they were soon dis- 
continued for lack of interest. Pastor Orr resigned, January 1, 
1888, and Drake’s Mills then united with Corry in forming a 
self-sustaining parish. The new parish extended a call to Rev. 
Gustave A. Benze, who became the first resident pastor, and de- 
monstrated the fact that there was a field for the Lutheran 
Church in Corry. He organized a thriving English Sunday 
School and also a Danish Church of 100 members. His suc- 
cessor was Rev. E. J. Meissner, under whose direction a frame 
parsonage was erected on the rear of the church lot at a cost 
of $1,000. He resigned in 1894, and was succeeded by Rev. 
Jens Peter Hansen, 1894-1896. From 1897 to 1902 Corry and 
Johnsonburg were served together by Pastor Joseph Schmalen- 
bach; then the synod consented to make a missionary appropria- 
tion of $175 to Corry, on condition that English work alone be 
prosecuted. This condition was satisfactory to the congregation, 
for they realized that they had not made the fullest provision 
-for their young people and had suffered loss in consequence. 
The missionary pastors who served under this arrangement 
were Rev. R: E. McDaniel and Rev. N:) N: Harter, butethe 
progress of the mission was so slow that some regarded it a 
forlorn hope. ‘Then came Pastor William Hall, October 24, 
1909, and his patient and thorough work gradually raised the 
congregation to a position of self-support. The discouragements 
were many and great, but one by one they were overcome, and 
the future of the church was assured. At one time Pastor 
Hall resigned, but the congregation soon recalled him that he 
might be their leader in the building of a worthy church. The 
old church was then razed, and a new church built that was 
dedicated by Pastor Hall, February 11, 1923. It was built of 
concrete, art stone and Rosecraft brick, 42 x 72, with a castel- 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 499 


lated corner tower, at a cost of $34,000. ‘The interior was 
furnished according to Lutheran ideals, and equipped with a 
two-manual Hillgren-Lane pipe organ. The basement was well 
finished and equipped for Sunday School work. ‘Two devoted 
members of the congregation, Henry and Harrison Keppel, each 
gave $10,000 toward the building fund, making it possible for the 
congregation to dedicate their church with comparatively little 
debt. The dedicatory services took place on a Sunday afternoon, 
and addresses were made by Dr. G. A. Benze of Erie and 
Doctor Felix V. Hanson of Jamestown. The membership now 
numbers ninety, but it is confidently believed that the new 
church will witness a large increase. The following pastors 
have served here:, Rey. Carl Jaeckel, 1871; Rev. Michael 
Schweigert, 1872-1873; Rev. Isaac Brenneman (supply), 1873- 
1874; Rev. Michael Kuchler, 1874-1879; Rev. Herman Gilbert, 
1879-1885; Rev. J. H. Orr, 1885-1888; Rev. G. A. Benze, 1888- 
1891; Rev. E. J. Meissner, 1891-1894; Rev. J. P. Hanson, 1894- 
1896; Joseph Schmalenbach, 1897-1902; Rev. R. E. McDaniel, 
Ph. D., 1902-1907; Rev. N. N. Harter, 1907-1909; Rev. William 
Hall, 1909-. 


Se OENiS EL VANGHMICATALUTHERAN CHURCH 
FRANKLIN CORNERS, PA. 


The building of St. John’s Church is traced back to Febru- 
ary 24, 1869, when a subscription book was circulated “for 
the purpose of building a church at Franklin Corners, free for 
all denominations”. ‘The sum of $1,200 was subscribed, and a 
building committee, consisting of Lyman Smith, William M. 
Nason, and J. R. Steadman, was instructed to proceed with the 
erection of a church. Land was secured from John Tuckey, 
and a frame church built at a cost of $1,500. The Lutherans 
share this building with the Methodists, usually holding services 
every two weeks from April 1 to September 1 of each year. 
During the winter months the roads are often impassable be- 
cause of the deep mud or drifted snow. When the Lutherans 
first availed themselves of their rights in this building is not 
known, but a congregation of twenty-eight members was or- 
canizedabye Reva) A.) Zahn jalyyoie 18738) .whensthe consti- 
tution recommended by the General Council was adopted. The 
congregation was admitted to membership in the Pittsburgh 
synod in 1878, and made a part of Lake Shore Parish. The 
resignation of Pastor Zahn in 1882 was more deeply felt by St. 
John’s than by any of the other churches in his care, for after 
that the name of the congregation does not appear on the records 
of the synod until 1915, when Rev. M. R. Kunkelman accepted 


500 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


it as a regular appointment of the Erie County Parish. ‘The 
membership has never been large, and now numbers about 
fifteen. The following is a list of the pastors: Rev. J. A. J. 
Zahn, 1878-1882; Supplies, 1882-1915; Rev. M. R. Kunkelman, 
1915-1918; Rev. J. A. L. Mensch, 1918-1919; Rev. F. W. Boyer, 
1920-1925; Rev. J. W. Dean, 1925-. 


ZIONS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN * CHOURGH 
[BIRG Ded ars 


Zion’s Church was organized, December 13, 1895, develop- 
ing out of a Sunday School started by Luther Memorial Church 
in a vacant store room in West Fighteenth street, in April, 1890. 
This school quickly outgrew its quarters, and Hiram LL. Berst, 
a prominent member of Luther Memorial, donated a lot on 
Poplar street, near Nineteenth, on which a frame chapel was 
erected and furnished at a cost of $3,000. From the time 
this mission school took possession of the new chapel, April 5, 
1891, its growth was rapid and more than 300 scholars were 
enrolled. The sessions were held Sunday afternoons, and drew 
from all classes in the neighborhood. Well attended preaching 
services were also held on Friday evenings. This led to an 
increasing sentiment in favor of the organization of a church; 
and the Pittsburgh Synod lent assistance in 1895 with a mission- 
ary appropriation , of 
$300, leaving the selec- 
tion of a missionary to 
the Church Council of 
Luther Memorial. At 
that convention of synod, 
the lay delegate from 
Uniontown Parish was 
William E. Frey, a re- 
cent. graduates so .tyetahee 
Philadelphia Seminary. 
Pastor A. O. Baker in- 
terested this young man 
in the new mission; and 
the result was that he 
came to Erie, October 
19, 1895, and took charge 
of the mission. Preach- 
ing in the chapel and pas- 
toral visitation resulted 
in forty - seven persons 






































Bip LORY OP Pith Phe lSBOURGHesYNOD 501 


signing an agreement “to associate themselves together in the 
organization of a second English Lutheran Church.” On Friday 
evening, November 15, 1895, these persons adopted a reso- 
lution, asking the Church Council of Luther Memorial to ex- 
tend’a call-on their behalf to Pastor Frey. Such a call was 
extended and accepted, and steps were taken at once to effect 
a permanent organization. The constitution recommended by 
the General Council was adopted, December 13, 1895, and the 
following officers were elected: Hiram L. Bert, Levi H. Ro- 
land, Charles T. Schneider, and Henry Himberger, deacons; and 
Adam G. Laver, Thomas Boyer, and Hiram L,. Berst, trustees. 
The original members of Zion were the following: 


Anderson, Mrs. Emma Gardner, Charles Reinhardt, Mrs. Anna 
Berst, Hiram L. Gehrlein, Minnie Roland, Levi H. 
Berst, Mrss.H. W. Himberger, Henry Roland, airs, be) He 
Berst, Harriette E. Himberger, Mrs. Henry Rowland, Mrs. J. 
Berst, Jessie M. Holmquist, Gustav Schneider, C. T. 
Berst, Marion J. Holmquist, Mrs. Gustav Schneider, Mrs. C. T. 
Berst, William M. Johannesen, Anna Smith, Fred 

Berst, Fred Karch, David Smith, Mrs. Fred 
Berst, Irene Karch, Mrs. David Sto ohne Virsseke. 
Boyer, Mr. and Mrs Thos. Laver, Adam G. Vogel, Charles 
Boysen, Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Laver, Mrs. A. G. Vogel, Mrs. Charle 
Boysen, Anna Meyer, Mrs. Kate Wood, Mrs. W. F. 
Boysen, Celia Meyer, Mattie Zuerl, F. 

Boysen, Lenora Portenier, Lena M. Zuerl, -Mrs. FP. 
Gardner, Mrs. Laura Rapp, Mrs. Salome Zuerl, Helen 


Of these forty-seven members thirty-four were received 
from Luther Memorial. In the presence of the newly-formed 
congregation of which he was to be pastor, Candidate Frey 
was ordained by the authority of the Pittsburgh Synod, Decem- 
ber 17, 1895. His installation took place at the same service. 
There was a debt of $2040 at the time of the organization of 
the church; $1,200 of this was assumed by Luther Memorial, 
and $840 by Hiram L. Berst, enabling the mission to start free 
of debt. Io Hiram L. Berst, more than any other one man, 
Zion’s Church owes her success in the days of her infancy. In 
three years the church passed the mission stage, self-support 
being assumed, March 1, 1898. A charter was secured, August 
24, 1896, and the church admitted to the Pittsburgh Synod a 
few days later. The first building venture of the congregation 
was the erection of a parish house in 1899 at a cost of $1,200. 
After the death of Hiram L. Berst in 1908, Mrs. Berst made a 
memorial gift to the congregation of a plot of ground on 
Brown’s avenue and Liberty street as a site for a new church. 
The corner stone of this church was laid, October 6, 1912, and 
the completed church dedicated by Pastor W. E. Frey, March 
9, 1913, Dr. T. B. Roth delivering the chief address. This 
church was built of pressed brick and stone, and represents a 
property valuation of $30,000. The building committee was 
composed of Pastor W. E. Frey, Adam G. Laver, Charles P. 
Melhorn, W. T. Hallifield, Frederick Weinheimer, Thomas D. 





CHURCHES OF ERIE 


Christ Church Grace Church Holy Trinity Church 
Zion’s Church St. John’s Church Luther Memorial 
Messiah Church St. Matthew’s Church St. Stephen’s Church 


HISTORY, OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 503 


Osterberg, George Bahm, and Harry Will, Sr. In 1920 the 
silver anniversary of the ordination and installation of the first 
and only pastor of Zion was observed, attracting large gather- 
ings of clergy and laiety. ‘Two societies of Zion are older than 
the congregation, two Luther Leagues having been organized in 
1894. ‘The Pastor’s Aid Society was organized in 1896, and the 
Men’s Society in 1899, and both have filled a large place in 
Zion. ‘The church reported 594 members in 1925. 


play VE RISE VANGEEICAL LUTHER RANCCHURCH 
NOK PMS by PAG 


The founding of this congregation was due to the mis- 
sionary zeal of Doctor I. O. Baker of Erie. The organization 
was effected by him, June 4, 1896, enrolling the following 
members: 


Biehl, A. W. Luke, John IBEKbA. Wo Af 


Diehl, Mrs. Louis Meehl, Charles and wife Rabensdorf, John 
Hendrickson, C and wife Mosher, Henry and wife Rix, Mrs. George 
Hendrickson, Edith Munson, Swen and wife Smith, Mrs. Mary 
Kopcke, H. F. Nelson, Alfred and wife Sullivan, Mrs. Harry 
Kopcke, W. T. Nelson, Hjalmar and wife Tillotson, Mrs. Max 
Larson, Louis and wife Nelson, Andrew and wife Youngs, Charles 
Luke, Henry Nieman, William and wife Youngs, Mrs. Charles 


The first officers were Charles Meehl, Swen Munson, 
Alfred Nelson, John Luke, W. T. Kopcke, and Henry Mosher. 
“St. Peter’s English Lutheran Church” was the name first 
selected, but Evangelical was later substituted for English. 
Services were held in rented halls at first, but were always 
conducted according to Lutheran ideals, however unchurchly 
the surroundings. The lot on the corner of Pearl and Eagle 
streets, 90x100, was bought for $500, December 17, 1898. As 
soon as the last payment was made, plans were laid for build- 
ing a church. The corner stone was laid, September 6, 1900, 
and the Sunday School room dedicated, December 16, 1900, 
but the church was not dedicated by Pastor G. G. Ruff until 
June 16, 1902. A small debt of $700 remained, but for some 
reason was not paid until 1915. The congregation was granted 
a charter, May 27, 1905.. During the pastorate of Rev. M: A. 
Meier the basement was completed at a cost of $3,300. A 
stucco parsonage was built for $5,000 on the lot adjoining the 
church in 1921. The pastors have served in the following 
order: Rev. I. O. Baker, D.D. (supply), 1896; Rev. I. H. Stet- 
ler, 1896-1897; Rev. A. L. Benze, 1898-1899; Rev. G. G. Ruff, 
1899-1902; Rev. C. L. V. Dozer, 1903-1904; Rev. J. Q. Waters, 
1904-1907; Rev. A. C. Sumons, 1908-1910; Rev. M. A. Meier, 
1912-1915; Rev. C. E. Read, 1916-1922; Rev. C. C. Ricker, 1922- 
1924; Rev. C. F. Hildebrand, Jr., 1924-. 


504 HISTORY ORT ILE SP GLa ab URGE oy NO Io 


TRINEDTY, EVANGELICAL TUTHERAN (CHURCH 
| McKEAN, PA. 


For fifty years before the founding of Trinity Church 
Lutherans lived in McKean. At the beginning they attended 
services at Mill Creek. A number of them withdrew from 
Mill Creek, and were organized into a church by Pastor E. 
J. Meissner, May 8, 1897. August Delft, Herman Warren, 
Charles Mankel, William Schaeffer, Charles Schroeder, Fred 
Ruhling, and Ernest Ruhling were the first trustees. A lot 
near the forks of the Grub and Edinboro roads was bought 
for $95, August 10, 1897, and the members volunteered for all 
manner of service in the building of a church. The building 
was dedicated by Pastor Meissner, November 21, 1897, ser- 
mons being delivered in German and English. It was a small 
brick church, 35x50, and cost.about $2,000. The church bell 
was given by John Wagner, the two Bibles by Benjamin 
Rohrer and Mrs. Fannie Davidson, the pulpit by William 
Sadey, the lectern by Rev. R. E. McDaniel, and the altar by 
Drake’s Mills Church. The Sunday School was organized 
soon after the dedication, with I. M. Kinsinger as the first 
superintendent. During the pastorate of Rev. FE. J. Meissner, 
German was preached every third Sunday; since that time 
only English has been used. The pastors were: Rev. E. J. 
Meissner, 1897-1906; Rev. R. FE. McDaniel, Ph.D., 1907-1910; 
Supplies, 1910-1914; Rev. M. R. Kunkelman, 1914-1918; Rev. 
J: AS Mensch, 1918-1919 “Revil| aoe eionevan 1 she ae 
Rev. F. W. Boyer, 1920-1925; Rev. J. W. Dean, 1925-. 


oD STEPHEN'S. EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN: GHURie rH 
PRL ALP AAs 


The credit for the establishment of St. Stephen’s Church 
belongs to the teachers of St. John’s. The steady develop- 
ment of the city to the southeast, as well as the large num- 
ber of families of St. John’s moving into that section, led 
them to establish a school in Saltman’s Hall in 1883. About 
150 scholars enrolled in this school within six weeks, and it’s 
promoters began to plan for a chapel. Two lots on East ave- 
nue, near 22nd street, were bought for $1,200, and a modest 
chapel was built for $1,500. The corner stone was laid, March 
25, and the chapel dedicated by Doctor G. A. Benze, June 17, 
1894. The rapid development of this mission led to the call 
of RevAC: 1) Benze/asithelassistanttpaston tot’ oles obtuse 
also served as the pastor of St. Stephen’s until August 17, 1909. 
The congregation was organized by him in 1898, and became 
a self-sustaining parish in 1906, St. Stephen’s received her 


HISTORY: OFTHE, PITTSBURGH SYNOD 505 


charter, February 27, 1905, and was admitted to the Pitts- 
burgh Synod, June 24 of the same year. The petition for the 
charter was signed by Pastor C. T. Benze, Henry Zink, Henry 
Maeder, Moses Birk, William May, Fred Garlach, Max 
Leistner, John Hartleb, Gustave Bengel, F. J. Sapper, Herman 
Liebau, Gottfried Struchen, William Hoener, Matthew C. 
Schwarz, Valentine Hausmann, Herman Lambrecht, and 
Adam Dippel. A parsonage was built for $3,000 in 1903. 
When Pastor L. O. Benze was installed as the successor of 
his brother, November 12, 1909, he found the chapel ready to 
collapse, necessitating the erection of a new church. The 
pastor drafted the plans and superintended the building of this 
church in person. Gravel was found in excavating, from 
which were made the cement blocks used in the construction. 
It was completed at a cost of $8,000, and dedicated, May 21, 
1911. Its churchly appointments are much admired by visit- 
ing clergy. St. Stephen’s was organized as a German congre- 
gation, but the services now alternate between German and 
English. The pastorates were: Rev. C. T. Benze, 1898-1909; 
Rev. L. O. Benze, 1909-1926. 


GRACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
ORAL Die 


This church is the outgrowth of a mission school, established 
by members of Luther Memorial Church in the northeast section 
of Erie, November 19, 

1893. The first superin- ; AL Sea | 
tendent of this school BS as il 
was Peter Leemhuis, and As 


the first meeting place ap OSES 






the Schermerhorn home 


at 809 E.. Seventh street. Hi 


AS lots on, the corner “of 
Wayne and Tenth streets } i 
was secured in 1894, 
where a chapel secured 
from the Episcopalians “> 
was set up. The school 
moved into its new quar- | 
ters, June 17, 1894, Doc- 

tors I. O. Baker and H. 
W. Roth conducting the JLUs 
formal opening service. - (ers 
It was maintained as a AF 
parish mission of Luth- ( 
er Memorial for several 














506 HISTORY? OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


years, holding its sessions in the afternoon. Vespers were con- 
ducted by Students C. E. Blethen and Roy G. Catlin during the 
summers of 1895 and 1896. In 1904 a number of families be- 
came interested in the establishment of a congregation, and 
Rev. Samuel S. Adams preached regularly every Sunday morn- 
ing during the winter of 1904-1905. Called by Luther Memorial 
Church, Rev. Franklin E.. Strobel became the first regular pastor 
of the mission after his ordination by the Pittsburgh Synod, 
June 25, 1905. Pastor Strobel conducted the first communion 
service for Grace Church, October 1, 1905, when he received 
the 50 charter members by letter, confirmation and baptism. 
The first officers were Frederick Bauschard, Merle Gehagen, 
F. W. Hirt, and George Wagner. The constitution was adopted, 
October 4, 1905, and the charter obtained, November 20, 1905, 
after which Luther Memorial conveyed the property free of 
encumbrance to Grace Church, The chapel was dedicated by 
Pastor Strobel, June 17, 1906. Under the leadership of Pastor 
E. L. T. Engers, April 17, 1912, the mission became a self-sup- 
porting parish of the Pittsburgh Synod. Doctor G. H. Schnur 
began his pastorate, June 15, 1918, rallied a much discouraged 
congregation, and established confidence in the future. A par- 
sonage at 709 FE. 11th street was bought and remodelled at a 
cost of $5,500, and the entire debt discharged. Plans are now 
being made for the enlargement of the church building, a sketch 
of which is shown in the insert. The pastors were: Rev. F. E. 
Strobel, 1905-1910; Rev. J. H. Wannemacher, 1910-1911; Rev. 
E, 1, FT. Engers, 1911-1916; Rev J A SE Mensche 191630) = 
Rev. J. A. Beighey (supply), 1917-1918; ‘Rev. G: H. Schnur; 
D. D., 1918-. 


UST MATTHEWS EVAN. LUTHERANACH Lin 
ERIE, PA. 


The movement toward the organization of this church 
in the northwestern section of Erie had its origin in the 
Church Council of St. John’s. A mission school was then 
opened in a rented shop, near the corner of Poplar and Eighth 
streets, in September of 1901. This school soon enrolled more 
than 100 children, necessitating larger quarters, and the Bap- 
tist chapel, corner of Cascade and Seventh streets, was bought 
for $3,000 by St. John’s, and turned over to St. Matthew’s at 
the same price several years later. This purchase included a 
building lot, 82x123, a frame chapel and a pastor’s residence. 
The chapel was dedicated by the pastors of St. John’s as St. 
Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, November 10, 1901. 
For more than three years the school was conducted as a 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 507 


parish mission of St. John’s, and was transferred to St. Mat- 
thew’s in 1905. ‘The new church received its charter, March 
6, 1905, on the petition of the following: 


Albert, Philip Gaekle, Fred Schurg, Charles 
Baumgartner, Jacob Pflueger, William Schade, Henry 
Beckman, Kdward Raeder, William Snowman, Henry 
Burghart, Henry Rosanski, Christian Spanner, Henry 
Clemens, F. R. Rosanski, Martin and Paul Waha, Henry 


These petitioners did not represent the full strength of 
the mission, for it enrolled 100 members in 1906. The present 
constitution was adopted, December 26, 1909. All services 
were conducted in German at first, but English was intro- 
duced within a year, and was used exclusively after 1915. In 
1910 the chapel was repaired, and more churchly furnishings 
installed, at a cost of $900. Choir vestments were adopted in 
1916, St. Matthew’s being the first of the Erie churches to be 
thus equipped. After receiving missionary aid from the Pitts- 
burgh Synod, 1905-1915, the church became a selt-supporting 
Patishy When Pastor otremel took chatge, june slaye1921 he 
found a strong sentiment for the building of a better church. 
The corner stone of this church was laid, December 10, 1922, 
and the building dedicated by Pastor Stremel, September 
20, 1923. One of the members of St. Matthew’s served as the 
architect, and succeeded in producing one of the most church- 
ly edifices of the city. The chapel was first moved, and connected 
with the new church set on the front of the lot. It was veneered 
with stone that had been rejected by the city, the entire cost of 
the new plant being $66,000. All.the churches of“ the 
city showed a deep interest in the dedication of this building. 
The pastors have served in. the following..order: Rev. J. 
Neudorffer, 1905-1908; Rev. H. F. Gruhn, 1909-1916; Rev. H. 
B. Ernest, 1917-1921; Rev. A. W. Stremel, 1921-. 


CHRIST EVANGERICATY LUTHERAN CHURCH 
PAW RENCE SPARK BRIE OPA, 


The General Electric Company established a large plant 
here in 1911, and erected a large number of homes for the 
employees. As early as 1912 some of these homes were occu- 
pied by Lutherans. Pastor EK. L..T. Engers of Grace Church 
helped them to organize a Sunday School at 1013 Silliman ave- 
nue, October 12, 1912. This school began to grow, so that the 
place of meeting was changed to the Keim flat and then to the 
school building. Christ Church was organized with eight mem- 
bers at the home of George DeBell, October 27, 1913, but this 
meeting was adjourned to the home of Robert Stauffer, No- 
vember 6, 1913, when the following signed the constitution: 


508 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


DeBell, George Hamme, Paul Krause, Mrs. H. F. 
DeBell, Elizabeth Hamme, Bertha Remley, Herman 
Geigle, Jacob Hamme, Violet Remley, Mrs. Herman 
Geigle, Mrs. Jacob Hamme, Margaret Stauffer, Robert 
Geigle, William Iverson, Emma Stauffer, Anna : 
Goodman, Alma Knight, Mrs. Louis Thies, John and wife 
Gray, John Koch, Martin Thomas, Agnes 

Gray, Mrs. John Koch, Michael Krause, H.. F. 


The first officers were Robert Stauffer, John Gray, George 
DeBell, and H. F. Krause. The Erie Church Extension Society 
then took them under its care, and built a brick church on Silli- 
man avenue for $7,000. The corner stone was laid, November 
16, 1913, and the build- 
ing dedicated by Rev. E. 
TS oT SE ners eacuare 
pastor, May -10, 1914. 
COAl SA darmiyotas igs tee 
phen’s, Peter Leemhuis 
of Luther Memorial, and 
Miss Kate Hirt of Grace 
were valuable helpers of 
the mission in the early 
days. The first regular 
pastor of the church was 
Rev. James W. Ramsey. 
In 1919 a loan of $2,000 
was received from the 
Board of Home Missions 
and Church Extension, 
in order to finance the 
purchase of two addi- 
tional lots. ‘Their obli- 
3 gation to the Erie Church 
Extension Society was adjusted during the next year, and the 
debt has been gradually paid. The work of this congregation 
is dependent to a large degree upon the business of the General 
Electric Company. In slack times many of the houses are 
empty; in good times the town is full of people and the work 
of the church assumes larger proportions. The membership 
passed the 100 mark in 1921. The pastors in order were: 
Rev. FE. L. T. Engers,1913-1914 ;Rev.J.W.Ramsey,1914-1915; 
Rev. G. E. Swoyer, 1917-1918; Rev. C. A. Dennig, 1918-1920; 
Rev. J. F. Kelly, 1920-1923; Rev. Samuel Boerstler, 1924-. 












































HOLY TRINITY ITALIAN EVAN. LUTHERAN CHORCH 
ERIE, PA. 


The large Italian colony of Erie, many of whose people 
were known to be unchurched, led the Lutheran Mission and 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 509 


Church Extension Society of Erie to give consideration to its 
spiritual needs. An agreement was made with the Immi- 
grant’s Mission Board of the United Lutheran Church, in 
which the Lutherans of Erie agreed to build a church for the 
mission, provided the Board would furnish and sustain the 
missionaries. A local committee of seventeen men financed 
the building project. A frame house at 639 W. 17th street 
was bought for $6,000, and remodelled at an additional cost 
of $6,000. The first floor was converted into an inviting 
chapel; the basement was arranged for social work; the sec- 
ond floor was fitted up for welfare and educational work. The 
educational and welfare department was opened for service, 
October 19, 1921, when more than 1,000 Italians were present 
to hear an address by Rev. Giuseppe Buggeli. The chapel was 
dedicated by the president of the Pittsburgh Synod, October 
16, 1921, when the interest was so great that many failed to 
gain entrance to the building. Holy Trinity Church was or- 
ganized in this building by Pastor Fortunatto Scarpitti with 
20 members, June 4, 1922. The first officers were L. M. De- 
Cecco, Michel Donofrio, Antonio IJannolo, Aurelio Petacchi, 
and Giuseppe Comi. Twelve of these charter members were 
confirmed by the missionary. The dedication of this building 
was notable, in that it was the first Italian Lutheran Church 
dedicated in America. The Sunday School was organized as 
soon as the room was available, and enrolled 130 scholars 
within a few months. The educational, music and sewing 
classes also proved popular during the winter months. Pastor 
Sabatino Pasqualoni assisted Pastor Scarpitti in the work of 
the mission, 1922-1924, and several of the young people of 
other Lutheran congregations proved helpful workers in suc- 
cessful vacation Bible schools. The Erie colony of Italians 
numbers 8,000 souls. 


MESSIAH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
W ESE EY VIEL EP AL 


This church owes its beginning to the Lutheran Mission and 
Church Extension Society of Erie. After Pastor Martin A. 
Meier of North Fast had canvassed the town and found twelve 
Lutheran families, the Sunday Schools of Erie provided a fund 
of $150 to finance the opening of a mission school. This school 
was opened, September 29, 1912, under the care of Pastor 
Meier, who preached for them every alternate Sunday after- 
noon. Before a church could be organized, many of the most 
interested families moved away, and attendance at service 
dwindled to almost nothing. When Pastor C. E. Read accepted 


510 HISTORY OFSLHHSEITTS BURGH SYNOD 


a. call’ ‘to North® East, 
May 7, 1916, nothing was 
said in the call about the 


De op ae te Wesleyville Mission, but 








he gave it immediate at- 

i tention, and reorganized 
the school with eleven 
members, July 16, 1916. 

i Messiah Church was or- 
ganized with 20 mem- 
bers by Pastors C. E. 
Read and C. A. Dennig, 
‘ September 10, 1916. A 
lot on the corner of East- 

/ er avenue and Grey 
street; 130) x 120 Swias 
bought for $1,800 in 


a a 1917, the Lutherans of 























Erie rendering generous 

help. Compelled to va- 

cate their rented hall, the 
Baptist Church was kindly placed at their disposal. The corner 
stone of their church was laid by Doctor G. A. Benze, November 
28, 1920, and the building dedicated by Pastor C. E. Read, May 
8, 1921. It was built of brick and stone, a model of churchly 
taste, at a cost of $21,000. The success of this venture created 
such a spirit of enthusiasm in the congregation, that it in- 
creased to 105 members within a year. The church is now 
served in connection with Belle Valley. 


Sl. PAUL'S EVANGELICAL LUT H ERavNSG EEG 
BELLE y Adie Haye ah RUC @) aN eer ies 


The Rev. J. S. Kleckner, travelling missionary of the Erie 
Conterence, “elfecteds the stemporary ,0rcamizationmo mmr = 
church*in the Grange Hall... July) 2, 1922 30 = WeGerlachaae 
Guckes, Edward Schrimper, Mrs. I,. Werner, and Gertrude 
Schurz serving as the first officers. The Sunday School was 
organized at the same time, with Walter Moritz serving as 
assistant superintendent and secretary. A congregation of 
14 members was permanently organized, August 27, 1922, 
when a constitution was adopted. A charter was secured and 
the church admitted to the Pittsburgh Synod in 1923. After 
the resignation of Missionary Kleckner, August 27, 1922, the 
church was taken under the care of Pastor C. E. Read an 
connection with Wesleyville Parish. 


CHAPTER XV 
CHURCHES OF FAYETTE COUNTY 
1773-1924 


“For thou hast a little strength and hast kept my word”. 


aT HE oldest white settlement in Fayette County of 
which there is authentic record was that of 
Wendell Brown and his three sons along the 
Monongahela River in 1751. Three years later 
came Christopher Gist and his Virginians to 
Mount Braddock. Christopher Gist was the 
guide of George Washington, when he made his dangerous 
visit to the French forts of the upper Allegheny in the winter 
of 1753. He was a loyal member of the Episcopal Church, and 
sometimes conducted a service for the Red Men when he 
journeyed into the Indian country. Eleven families of Vir- 
ginians settled with him at Mt. Braddock, but all their homes 
were destroyed by the French and Indians in 1754. The first 
battles of the French and Indian War, and the first in which 
George Washington was ever engaged, were fought at 
Jumonville and Fort Necessity in Fayette County. Many of 
the early settlers of this county took up their lands under the 
laws of Virginia, not only because it was cheaper, but also 
because they believed it rightly belonged to that state. Many 
serious land disputes took place before the border line was 
finally determined. Rev. Jospeh Doddridge gives 1772 as the 
year of the first settlements of the Scotch-Irish, but it is well 
known that there were a number of Germans in German 
Township as early as 1769, who built a log church in 1773. 
Some of the leading families of Fayette County have sprung 
from this early German stock. The oldest church in the 
county is Great Bethel Baptist Church of Uniontown, founded 
by Henry Crosby, November 7, 1770, but Jacobs Lutheran 
Church is second. In recent years the development of the 
coal fields of the county have brought tens of thousands of 
foreigners here, eighty per cent of whom are Roman Catho- 
lics. The number of Lutherans in Fayette County has never 
been large, but their number is steadily increasing. They 
now have eight churches, with 2,117 confirmed members, con- 
nected with the Pittsburgh Synod, and two _ independent 
Slovak churches with 500 members. 





212 HISTORYAOF SLE PeBLULSBURGHESY NOD 


JACOBS EVANGELICAL LUFHERAN CHURCH 
GERMAN TOWNSHIP, FAYETTE COUNTY, PA. 


This is one of the most venerable churches of the Pittsburgh 
Synod. Doctor Passavant believed it to be the oldest Lutheran 
Church west of the mountains; and published a sketch of it 
under that title in THE MISSIONARY, July 3, 1856. Zion 
Church of the Harold’s settlement, however, has records that 
antedate the oldest records of Jacobs Church by more than a 
year, so that if Jacobs Church is older it has yet to be proven. 
It is known that some of the founders of this congregation 
settled in the county as early as 1769, and that a substantial log 
church was erected, which was held as the joint property of 
the Lutherans and Reformed in 1773. An old German docu- 
ment, now in the archives of the Pittsburgh Synod, attests this 
important fact. The following is a free translation: 


3lst. of ‘Julyp 1778: 


“The condition of this agreement concerning the Reformed con- 
gregation is that the Lutheran congregation shall have as much right 
to the church as the Reformed congregation. If the congregation 
should become too strong, and should a dispute arise, then both con- 
gregations must build another church in the same form as this, and our 
Reformed congregation binds itself for 50 pounds Pennsylvania current 
money, and no minister shall come into the churches to preach unless 
he has good testimony that he has been ordained by other ministers. 
Which we acknowledge with our hands.” 


John Ertman, Jacob Reich, Casper Bohner. 


All other church docu- 
ments and records earlier 
than 1792 have been lost, 
and local tradition is gen- 
erally vague and untrust- 
worthy. It is safe to as- 
sume that there must have 
been a Lutheran organiz- 
ation here, July 31, 1773, 
or the above agreement 
would have been mean- 
inglesss) / lt ‘must.bemre- 
membered that an or- 
ganization of 1773 would 
have been very different 
from an organization of 
1919) tthe yinen yous 
settlement assembled and 
appointed three Luther- 
ans and three Reformed 
as overseers, with one of 



























































HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 513 


them acting as treasurer, that would be sufficient. It is likely 
that this was the simple form of the original organization in 
Jacobs, and that the three names subscribed to the above docu- 
ment are those of the three Reformed trustees. Their first 
church was never dedicated for the reason that there was no 
minister near to conduct such a service. They built this church 
for both educational and religious purposes, and were accustom- 
ed to gather here for devotional. services on the Lord’s Day. 
When Father Trautman was near to the close of his life, he 
was asked why they would build a church when they had no 
pastor, and his answer was: “Well, we cotld go to the House of 
God every Sunday, hear the teacher read a sermon and listen to 
Barbara Brandenberg sing.” ‘Their eagerness to secure a pastor 
is seen in the fact that the first petition from western Pennsyl- 
-vania to the Ministerium of Pennsylvania for a minister came 
from these people in 1781. The record says: “These congrega- 
tions are situated toward Pittsburgh; Redstone is the = chief 
place. They own 300 acres of good land, but they need a man 
who is strong and can ride much, for they are scattered.” Title 
to their land was secured in a remarkable way, as described in 
the autobiography of their first pastor. 


1They borrowed the money from Martin Mason, who was 
taken captive in the time of General Braddock’s defeat at Fort 
Pitt (now Pittsburgh) by the Indians, while on his way to carry 
provisions to his father in the army, and who was sold to a 
French general for a bottle of gin in A. D. 1755, and was taken 
to Canada, and when grown up returned to his native land and 
brought this piece of gold with him, and lent it to the congre- 
gation to pay for the land, and became and lived a devoted 
Christian and member of that Lutheran Church.” The warrant 
for this land was dated, February 2, 1786, and the patent issued 
July 22, 1794, The trustees named in the patent were Michael 
Franks, Nicholas Pock, John Mason, John Hartman, Nicholas 
Everly, and Joseph Yeager. The tract contained 117% acres, 
on which a church had been built several years in advance of 
the warrant of survey. It is said that the first person buried in 
the grave yard was a child, who died in the block house on the 
Emery farm during the course of an Indian uprising. Barbara 
Brandenberg made a coffin out of rough slabs, and dug a grave 
with her own hands, the men of the settlement being away from 
home. ‘This grave is probably as old as the first church. Rev. 
W. F. Ulery says of this old log church: 


"This house stood some distance east of the present church, 
and served as a place of worship for a number of years. Later 





1—Autobiography of Rev. Johannes Stauch, Gettysburg Historical Library. 
2—History of the Southern Conference, i bane Ulery, page 85. 


514 HISTORY*ORSPRE SE Usb URG reo yaa 


a second church was built, which stood in the old grave yard a 
few rods west of the present church. It was built of hewn logs, 
and had a somewhat better plan and finish than the first church. 
It had a gallery like the old church at Harold’s, an altar and 
wine-glass pulpit, but was otherwise plain in all its appointments. 
In this house the fathers of our church in German Township 
worshipped for many years. It was repaired in later years, and 
much improved on its original plan and finish by putting in new 
seats and windows. It stood for a number of years after the 


first brick church had been built, and was not removed until 
16533 


In this humble building the fathers worshipped for many 
years. While this part of the country was less exposed to Indian 
forays than that beyond the Monongahela, they often carried 
their guns with them to church. A block house fort was built on 
the Emery farm near the church, where many anxious hours 
were spent. Their most trusted scout was “Big Jake Deffen- 
bach”, who kept them well informed in times of danger. The 
coming of Philip Schmidt to York Run in 1769, for the ex- 
pressed purpose of being near to a German church, seems to sug- 
gest that there may have been a considerable number of Germans 
in the settlement at that early day. For seventeen years after 
the building of their log church, however, their only church sery- 
ices were those conducted by their schoolmasters. Their first 
pastor was a layman of the Virginia glades, whose coming was 
like a visitation from heaven. After serving them for two years, 
1791-1793, he was given a catechist’s license by the Ministerium 
of Pennsylvania. In 1794 the same body gave him a candidate’s 
license to preach at “Salem, Morgantown, Redstone and still 
farther west”. The still farther west of this license was regard- 
ed by Pastor Stauch as his call to minister to the scattered Ger- 
mans of the frontier; and he made a number of missionary trips 
to Kentucky and Ohio for this purpose. He had ten regular 
appointments in Pennsylvania. Losing his wife soon after be- 
ginning his pastorate in Jacobs Church, he lived alone with his 
faithful horse for a period of three years. The Trautman fam- 
ily baked and washed for him, and evidently did it well, for 
Katherine Trautman became his wife in 1796. On May 11, 1795, 
he opened the first record of Jacobs Church, prefacing the same 
with the following German couplet : | 


“Den Anfang, Mittel und Ende, 
Ach Herr, zum besten wende. 
Damit zu deiner Ehre, 

Dein Reich sich hier vermehre.”’ 


At this time the congregation had about one hundred mem- 
bers, who pledged $125 for services every two weeks. His first 


HISTORY/OFVEHETPITTSBURGHI SYNOD 515 


Church Council was composed of John Hahn, Philip Bauman, 
George Trautman, and Peter Walford, acting for the Lutherans, 
and Marcus Oster, Jacob Oster, and Nicholas Fass, acting for 
the Reformed. John Oeverdorf and John Brogman acted as 
almstakers. The work of the parish prospered until October 29, 
1803, when two ministers named Eddinger and Pfremer were 
permitted to hold protracted meetings in the church, which re- 
sulted in such excesses of emotionalism that many people were 
deeply offended.. During these meetings some of the members of 
the congregation fell into a trance, and the simple hearted pastor 
was sorely puzzled. He didn’t know whether this power was of 
the Lord or not. While he hesitated, two factions were created, 
and the pastor was compelled to take sides. His opponents then 
secured the services of a man named Kiedelbach, who held com- 
petitive services in private homes. Failing to accomplish much 
by this method of work, they preferred charges against the 
pastor to the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, but that body did not 
consider them worthy of attention. The opposition continued in 
the congregation, however, and Pastor Stauch held his last com- 
munion service in Jacobs Church, August 31, 1806, and removed 
to Ohio. During his pastorate 489 were baptized and 73 con- 
firmed. His successor was Rev. Johann Karl Rebenach, who 
was not acknowledged as a Lutheran minister by the Ministerium 
of Pennsylvania until 1816. After a pastorate of two years he 
removed to Martinsburg, West Virginia. At the request of some 
of the members of the church, he copied into the church record 
the statement that had been adopted by the fathers of Jacobs 
Church in 1790. This statement reads as follows: 


POSGODIALONE THE GLORY 


3* “We, the undersigned members of the Evangelical Lutheran 
and Reformed congregations of German Township, Fayette County, 
Pennsylvania, hereby unanimously confess that, because God is a God 
of order, without which no church can be conducted and sustained, we 
with one accord accept the following rules and articles as a bond of 
that love and unity, which is the adornment of a Christian congrega- 
tion, namely : 

That both congregations, Lutheran and Reformed, have the same 
right and liberty to hold services and contribute equally toward the 
building and support of the church, and the same right to vote for the 
election of preachers, etc. 

Furthermore, it is considered necessary that from each side at least 
two deacons or almstakers should be elected every two years, whose 
duty it shall be to gather the alms and offerings, to assist the preacher 
in proper things, and to help him in doing good. 

Furthermore, it is considered necessary that from both sides at 
least four elders shall be elected, who shall constitute the Church Coun- 
cil, to whom the deacons of the church shall render an account every 
year, and whose duty shall be to adjust and settle all quarrels. 





3—See Jacobs Church Record in the archives of the Pittsburgh Synod. 


516 HISTORY OF *THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD: 


Furthermore, it is considered necessary that from each side or con- 
gregation a trustee shall be elected to whom all alms or offerings which 
come in from time to time shall be handed. 

Furthermore, it is considered necessary that the elders and trustees 
be authorized to oversee the necessary repairing of the church. It is 
ordered that an account of all receipts and expenses shall be rendered 
every year to the satisfaction of the congregation. 

Furthermore, it is unanimously resolved, since all public wrong is 
a blot upon a Christian congregation, and it is the command of Christ 
and his apostles that they who do such things shall not be allowed to 
remain in the congregation, and since it is the apostles command that 
he who sins openly shall be openly rebuked, he who’ lives in open sin 
and shame shall not be allowed to remain a member of our congrega- 
tion, unless he abstains from all wrongdoing and promises amendment; 
otherwise he shall be excluded from all pastoral service. . 

Furthermore, it 1s unanimously resolved, that the preacher shall 
be elected by the whole congregation, and no one shall preach in this 
church without a good testimonial that he is a regularly called teacher. 
It shall be the duty of the preachers of this congregation to lead an or- 
derly and blameless life, giving no offense, and administering the sac- 
rament according to the institution and command of Christ; to earn- 
estly preach, admonish and rebuke without respect of persons; to teach 
the young; and make no needless demands upon the congregation. So 
long as the preachers discharge their duties faithfully, they shall re- 
ceive salary and support from the congregation, according to the apos- 
tles teaching. “They that preach the gospel shall live of the gospel.’ 


Witness our hands and seal this Tenth Sunday after Trinity, 1790.” 


John Hahn Johannes Oceverdorf Henry Core 

Philip Bauman Valedia Oeverdorf Henry Baritzman 
Johannes Maurer Jacob Oster Jacob Frank 
Gottfried Noll Andreas Herzog Reinhard Puntstein 
M. Oster Heinrich Schmidt Mattias Bistel 

H. Everle Johannes Viengemeinte Michael Frank 
Joseph Jaeger Johann Georg Derr Francis Fast 
Johannes Ermann Nicholas Schmidt Nicklas Fast 


It will be noted that this statement was adopted in 1790, one 
year before Pastor Stauch entered the field, so that it is a mis- 
take to say that the congregation was organized by him. ‘The 
evidences indicate that the congregation was self-organized as 
early as 1773, and perhaps even earlier. After the resignation 
of Pastor Rebenach, the congregation turned to Rev. G. Hein- 
rich Weygandt, who served them from 1809 to 1829. His suc- 
cessor was Rev. John Brown, who ministered to them from 1829 
to 1838, living for a time at Monongahela, then at McCullough’s 
Store, and finally at Masontown, Pa. He was not a man of such 
robust strength as Pastor Weygandt, and was not able to serve 
all the churches that constituted the parish of his predecessor. ° 
Often he found it difficult to meet his limited engagements, and 
Jacobs Church was sometimes reported vacant during this period. 
The next pastor was Rev. Charles Rees, whose entries in the 
church record date from April 25, 1840, to September 29, 1841. 
This was a trying period for the congregation, and they sorely 
missed the leadership of Pastors Weygandt and Brown. Separa- 
tion from the Reformed caused much trouble. 





TITLE PAGE, JACOBS CHURCH RECORD, 1795 


518 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


4°A meeting was called on October 2, 1842, when it was 
found that the Reformed part of the council had been reduced 
to one member, Jacob Dieffenbach, who, on behalf of the -Re- 
formed congregation, relinquished all claim on the farm, .ctonpte 
the Lutheran congregation, to be used for the support of the 
minister, but it was provided that the Reformed still have the 
right to build up a congregation, if able to do so, and should be 
entitled to their interest to the church. On November 18, 1843, 
at a congregational meeting, a resolution was passed to petition 
the court to grant a charter to Jacobs Church. At the February 
term of court, 1844, a charter was granted, and afterwards 
adopted by the congregation. ‘The first election was held under 
the new charter, July 1, 1844. In 1836 Rev. Abraham Weills 
come to Washington County, and served several churches of 
the large parish of Pastor Weygandt at different times until 1868. 
When he first came to Pennsylvania, Jacobs was still under 
the care of Pastor John Brown. Not until after the pastorate 
of Rev. Charles Rees, 1840-1841, did the congregation turn to 
him for their supply. Serving as a supply for several years, 
he was elected as regular pastor in 1847, and continued as such 
until 1851. His successor was Rev. J. K. Melhorn, whose pas- 
torate extended from June 27, 1852, to June 30, 1865. During 
these thirteen years he was compelled to travel 5,000 miles an- 
nually in order to meet his appointments, and the greater part 
was done on horseback. He paid more attention to church 
records than some of his predecessors, and it is therefore pos- 
sible to note that he baptized 60 children, conducted 74 funerals, 
and added 175 persons to the communing membership. The 
following persons constituted the membership at the beginning 
of his pastorate: 


Blackford, Rebecca Everly, Jacob Poundstone, Jesse 
Blackford, Elizabeth Everly, Mary Poundstone, Eliza 
Bowers, Jacob Fast, Jacob Poundstone, Elizabeth 
Bowers, Lydia Fast, Mary Ann Ramsey, Catherine 
Brown, Rebecca Fast, Francis Rider, Sarah 

Burriff, Sarah Rasta Gants Rider, Nancy Ann 
Coffman, Andrew (2) Fast, Anemila Rider, Hannah 
Coffman, Elizabeth Fast, Nancy Rider, Michael 
Coffman, M. M. First, Ann Riffel, Jacob 
Coffman, Mary Franks, Emily Jane Riffel, M. ‘M. 
Coffman, Sarah J. Grove, Mary Riffel, Martha 

Crow, Michael, (2) Henderson, Eliza Ann Riffei, Joseph 

Crow, Mary M. Hunsacker, Henry Smith, Hannah 
Defenbaugh, Anthony Lawrence, Philip Smith, Mary and Sarah 
Defenbaugh, Henry Lawrence, Martha Tarr, Henry 
Defenbaugh, Susan Low, Jonathan Tarr, Mary 
Defenbaugh, Sarah Low, Mary Tarr, Charlotte 
Emery, William Newcomer, Mary Ann Wooderd, Joseph 
Emery, Margaret Poundstone, George Wooderd, Eliza 
Emery, John Poundstone, Destimona Wooderd, Susanna 
Emery, Susan Poundstone, Philip Yonson, Barbara Ann 


The church in which Pastor Melhorn preached was built 
of brick, 42 x 50, and dedicated by Pastor Abraham Weills in 


4—History of the Southern Conference, W. F. Ulery, page 90. 





HIiSLORYOF PLA RePIDrSBURGHISYNOD 519 


June, 1847. The entire cost was $1,277, but much labor and 
material were donated. ‘Thirty-three years later this church 
was enlarged and remodelled at a cost of $2,500, and rededi- 
cated by Pastor W. O. Wilson, January 20, 1882. The parsonage 
was erected during the pastorate of Rev. Melhorn. A new 
constitution was adopted in June, 1854, which established the 
congregation for the first time on a firm Lutheran basis. The 
greater part of the Reformed element had either been absorbed 
by the Lutherans, or had entered the Presbyterian Church on 
the hill above McClellandtown. The preamble of this constitu- 
tion reads as follows: 

“Whereas, The German Reformed. congregation in this vicinity is 
extinct, and therefore cannot be an integral part of the congregation 
worshipping in Jacobs Church, and 

“Whereas, We, the Evangelical Lutheran congregation, desire to 
increase our church officers and make a few other changes in minor 
matters, therefore ! 

“Resolved, That we, the said Evangelical Lutheran congregation of 
Jacobs Church adopt the following formula for our government.” 

In 1878 ten more acres of the church land adjoining the 
old cemetery was laid out in lots and sold to the members of the 
congregation for a nominal price. Many are the graves, marked 
and unmarked, tound in the two old cemeteries, some of which 
are now more than 150 years old. The coal under the church 
farm was sold during the pastorate of Rev. Samuel Stouffer, 
and $7,300 of the purchase money was placed on interest. This 
interest was used in meeting current expenses. Soon after this 
sale two gas wells were drilled, yielding an annual income of 
$500 for some time. The gas wells ceased to produce in 1919, 
and much of the coal money was lost through the failure of 
J. V. Thompson, so that the church was weakened rather than 
strengthened by the use of this unearned increment. The fol- 
lowing pastors have served this venerable congregation: Rev. 
Johannes Stauch, 1791-1806; Rev. Johann Karl Rebenach, 1806- 
1808; Rev. G. Heinrich Weygandt, 1809-1829; Rev. John Brown, 
1829-1838; Rev. Charles Rees, 1840-1841; Rev. Abraham Weills, 
1841-1851; Rev. J. K. Melhorn, 1852-1865; Rev. Henry Acker, 
1866-1873; Rev. W. O. Wilson, D. D., 1873-1885; Rev. John 
Nichols, 1885-1886; Rev. J. H. Ritter, 1886-1887; Rev. G. D. 
Gross, 1888-1891; Rev. J. A. Boord, 1891-1894; Rev. Samuel 
Stomiters 1894-1902; ‘Rev Di DaMilleri 190221917 -sRevi Cx ly. 
Hunt, 1918-1923; Rev. M..L. Peter, 1923-. 


GOOD HOPE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
INDIAN HEAD, PA. 


This church has always been closely related to the 
churches of Westmoreland, but is located in the extreme 


520 HISTORY OF ‘THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


northeastern section of Fayette County. It is one of the 
venerable congregations of the Pittsburgh Synod, having bap- ° 
tismal records dating back to 1788. When the church was 
organized is not definitely known, but on October 5, 1788, 
nine children were baptized by some visiting Reformed or 
Lutheran pastor, and this may reasonably be accepted as the 
date of organization, since baptisms are recorded at regular 
periods after that time. If the organization was effected by 
a Reformed pastor, it was by Rev. J. W. Weber; if it was 
effected by a Lutheran pastor, it must have been Rev. Anton 
Ulrich Lutge, since he was the only Evangelical Lutheran 
pastor in western Pennsylvania at the time. After the year 
1791 Rev. Johannes Stauch and Rev. John Michael Steck gave 
the congregation such attention as their large parishes would 
permit. The first church was built of logs, and usually called 
Back Creek Church because vf its location. It is: beheved 
that this old log church was dedicated by Pastors Stauch, 
Steck, and Weber, August 23, 1795, when the two Lutheran 
pastors administered the sacrament to forty communicants, 
and the Reformed pastor to twenty. The Lutheran communi- 
cants on this occasion were: 


Assmann, Christian Heintz, Jacob Roescheberger, Conrath 
Bansse, Ludwig Hermann, Friedrich Roescheberger, Anna M. 
Bansse, Anna Maria Hermann, Catharina Schaeffer, Dorothea 
Bosert, Christian Hermann, Barbara Schneider, Simon 
Bruekmann, Philip Kern, Matheus Senft, Christian 
Bruekmann, Elizabetha Kraft, Abraham Senft, Catharina 
Bucher, Peter Looser, Christoph Senft, Susanna 
Dombalt, Christina Looser, Eva Elizabetha Stauch, Jacob 
Ehrnfried, Sally Looser, Anna Barbara Stauch, Catharina 
Ehrnfried Anna M. Meeder, Frederick Straeher, Peter 

Hee, (Hay) Ludwig Narriks, Jacob Straeher, Catharina 
Hee, (Hay) Abraham Rau, George VanCasiell, G. B. Ulrich 
Hee, (Hay) Elizabetha Rau, Catharina Wolf George and Anna 


The family names of the Reformed communicants were: 
Schaffer, Christ, Hoffheins, Schlater, Berkey, Ebling, Har- 
bach, Schneider, Meeder, Narriks, and Hoh. In the course of 
time, the Reformed were gradually absorbed by the Lutherans, 
so that the last recorded Reformed communion was conducted 
by Pastor Voigt, May 31, 1857. The first church property 
consisted of a farm of thirty-eight acres, donated by Peter 
Bucher and Andrew Traff. In 1881 the Lutherans sold their 
interest in this farm to Samuel Eicher, and applied the pro- 
ceeds to the building of a new church, half a mile distant, on 
land donated by S$. H. Sparks. The corner stone of this sec- 
ond church was laid by Pastor David EKarhart, June 24, 1882; 
and the building was dedicated by the same pastor, May 20, 
1883. It was built of frame, 32x48, and cost about $1,400. 
Lying directly across the Laurel Ridge from the strong Luth- 
eran settlements of Somerset County, the church was regu- 
larly served by the Bakersville pastors for a number years. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 921 


Rev. Johann Friedrich Wilhelm Lange, a licensed candidate 
of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, living in Berlin, Pa., 
served the congregation from 1797 to 1811, when the Minis- 
terium refused to renew his license because of serious charges 
against his moral character. From 1814 to 1825 the congre- 
gation was supplied by Pastors Johann Karl Rebenach of 
Johnstown and John M. Steck of Greensburg. When Rev. 
Jonas Mechling became pastor of Donegal, he accepted the 
care of this congregation, and his first recorded communion 
service was held, July 6, 1828, when thirteen persons com- 
muned. This weakness of the congregation was due to its 
isolated position, making it impossible for the pastors to give 
it more than an occasional service, and also to the intense 
revival spirit that has always been characteristic of the re- 
ligious life of the Indian Creek Valley. Some of the strong- 
est Lutheran and Reformed families of the valley were swept 
away by this tidal wave of emotionalism. When Pastor 
Mechling resigned in 1848, the number of his regular com- 
municants had been increased to twenty-eight. During the 
latter part of his pastorate he introduced a certain amount of 
English preaching, but not enough to satisfy the demands; 
and his successor, Pastor J. J. Sutter, remained in the field 
but a year because the people regarded him as too German. 
In the early part of 1850 Rev. J. R. Focht took charge of the 
congregation, and did a good work by the introduction of an 
English constitution and the holding of meetings that coun- 
teracted the revivalism of the valley. Under his ministry the 
membership of the church was increased to fifty. In more re- 
cent years the congregation has lost heavily by the removal 
of some of its best families, but a remnant remains, true and 
loyal to the faith of their fathers. The following may be ac- 
cepted as a fairly accurate list of the pastorates: Rev. Anton 
Ulrich Lutge, 1788-1791; Rev. John M. Steck and Rev. Jo- 
hannes Stauch, (supplies) 1791-1796; Rev. J. F. W. Lange, 
1797-1811; Rev. J. K. Rebenach and Rev. John M. Steck, (sup- 
plies) 1814-1825; Rev. Jonas Mechling, 1825-1848; Rev. J. J. 
Sutter, 1848-1849; Rev. William Uhl, 1849; Rev. J. R. Focht, 
1850-1853; Rev. W. H. Wynn, 1854-1856; Rev. George 
Gaumer, 1856-1868; Rev. J. S. Fink (supply), 1868; Rev. John 
Welfley, 1869-1875; Rev. David Earhart, 1876-1882; Supplhes. 
1882-1885; Rev. R. G. Rosenbaum, 1885-1888; Rev. Samuel 
Stouffer, 1888-1894; Rev. J. H. Kline, 1894-1895; Rev. J. A. 
_Boord, 1895-1898; Rev. D. W. Michael, 1898-1901; Rev. J. O. 
Glenn, 1901-1905; Rev. Jesse Dunn, 1905-1908; Rev. D. L. 
Miller, 1909-1913; Rev. Jesse Dunn (second term), 1913-. 


522 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


ST. JOHN’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
MORRIS CROSS ROADS, PA. 


In early years all Lutheran families of this vicinity at- 
tended services at Jacobs Church. With the coming of Rev. 
J. K. Melhorn in 1852, a movement was started looking to the 
organization of a local congregation. The erection of a house 
of worship was undertaken first, and the church was dedi- 
cated as St. John’s, August 27, 1854. It was a plain brick 
building, 36x50, costing but $1,200, but it has met the needs 
of the community for more than sixty years. Since Pastor 
Melhorn was a member of the Ohio Synod at the time, the 
dedicatory sermon was preached by Doctor Emanuel Greena- 
wald. A congregation of twenty members was. organized, 
June 14, 1856, and a charter obtained in the same year. The 
first constitution was not adopted until June 11, 1859, when a 
Church Council was elected, consisting of M. B. Baker, Con- 
rad A. Emery, Joseph Bowers, George Baker, and Joseph 
Lyons. Pastor Melhorn did faithful work, preaching every 
two weeks in all kinds of weather, and was able to report a 
communing membership of 61 at the time of his resignation, 
June 1, 1865. Another long pastorate was that of Doctor W. 
O. Wilson, who served them at two different periods, 1873- 
1885, and 1886-1892. In 1881, during his first pastorate, five 
acres were purchased from J. A. Lyons for $600, which were 
laid out as a cemetery. The church charter was then amended 
so as to enable the church officers to manage this cemetery. 
In 1886 St. John’s was made a part of the Cheat River Mission 
of the Pittsburgh Synod. As the Cheat River missionary, 
Doctor Wilson began the work which issued in the organiza- 
tion of St. Paul’s Church of Morgantown and Trinity Church 
of Cheat Haven. After his resignation in 1892 he still supplied 
St. John’s Church as desired. 


*In June, 1897, Mr. C. E. Dozer of Mount Airy Seminary, 
Philadelphia, supplied St. John’s in connection with the Cheat 
Haven Mision, which Rev. Doctor Wilson had organized in 
1894. Mr. Dozer served for three months. During the time 
he had charge, a resolution was adopted looking to the union 
of St. John’s and Cheat Haven as one congregation, but this 
action was afterwards rescinded. This latter action was the 
cause of the withdrawal of the members of St. John’s living 
in and near Cheat Haven, and led to their uniting with Trin- 
ity Evangelical Lutheran Church of that place.” 


Pastor Ira M. Wallace served St. John’s in connection . 
with Morgantown, 1897-1900, during which the church was 


5—Ulery’s History of the Southern Conference, page 247. 


HISTORY OF THE, PITTSBURGH SYNOD aes 


reorganized. After his resignation the congregation was sup- 
plied for a time by Pastor Melhorn. Since 1903 the congre- 
gation has been under the care of the pastors of Jacobs 
Church, but the limited number of members remaining has 
made it difficult to sustain interest. The pastors in their 
order were: Rev. J. K. Melhorn, 1856-1865; Rev. Henry 
Acker, 1866-1873; Rev. W. O. Wilson, D.D., 1873-1892; Sup- 
plies, 1892-1897; Rev: I: M. Wallace, Ph.D., 1897-1900; Rev. J. 
K. Melhorn (supply), 1901-1902; Rev. D. D. Miller, 1903- 
PO aR eves eee DOOL(ML UsLaLorwy evil), ome Miler. (Second 
tevin) 1914-1917 -7ReveGee ls Hunt, 918-1923; Rev. ) MM. L: 
Peter, 1923-. 


CHRIST EVANGELICAT, LUTHERAN CHURCH 
CHAY IK ELLE lot aX’ 


Soon after Rev. A. H. Waters became superintendent of 
the Jumonville Orphanage, he was urged by John Menhart of 
Chalk Hill to hold services in that community. He accepted 
the invitation and preached in the school house for several 
years, accepting no support save the offerings of the people. 
The congregation was regularly organized in 1875. With the 
exception of occasional supplies the only pastors of this con- 
gregation for the first 36 years were Pastor A. H. Waters 
and Pastor John A. Waters. Three acres of ground were pur- 
chased for a cemetery in 1894, and here Pastor John A Waters 
was buried, October 20, 1922. After the purchase of the burial 
ground, a small frame church was built at a cost of $1,500. 
The corner stone was laid, July 14, 1895, and the church dedi- 
cated, October 11, 1895. This church must not be confused 
with Zion Church of Jumonville, which was organized by 
Pastor Asa H. Waters, April 16, 1881, and served by him and 
Pastor J. A. Waters until the closing of the orphanage in 1911. 
Under the devoted care of the first pastors, Christ Church of 
Chalk Hill became a congregation of 84 members. After the 
resignation of Pastor John A. Waters the church was served 
for three years by Pastor J. A. Boord as a part of the large 
and unwieldy Westmoreland-Fayette Parish. Since 1914 serv- 
ices have been held every two weeks in the afternoon by the 
pastors of St. Paul’s Church, Uniontown. The congregation 
was incorporated in 1895, and admitted to the Pittsburgh 
Synod in 1896. The pastorates were the following: Rev. A. 
FIP diene eia/o2laoo Rey ajaasyVatcres Sole LOliesRey a] aA. 
Boordat9l Iolo l4-sRev JAS Yount,- 191471917 Rev. Re H. 
Williams, 1917-1920; Rev. H. H. Will, 1920-. 


524 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


S Pa JOHN SH VANGELIGATAUU THERAN: CEURE TH 
CONNELLSVILLE, PA. 


Zachariah Connell, founder of this city, came to this com- 
munity in 1770, but no Lutheran Church was established here 
until more than a century later. The reason for this is that 
the original population was either English or Scotch-Irish, 
and few Germans made it their home. Now and then a Luth- 
eran family from Somerset County would move into the town, 
but never in such numbers as to warrant the organization of 
a church. About the year 18/0 a number of Germans came 
from West Newton to Connellsville, seeking employment in 
the B. & O. shops. Their pastor in West Newton was Rev. 
H. J. H. Lemcke, who organized them into a congregation in 
November, 1871. Among the original members were Jacob 
Siller, John Hetzel, Sr., Conrad Otto, Henry ‘Meister, Chris- 
tian Schneider, Jacob Scheibel, and John Wilhelm. The first 
services were held in Odd Fellows Hall, but this soon proved 
unsatisfactory, and the old stone church of the Disciples on 
South alley was bought for $3,000 and fitted up as a place of 
worship. The date of rededication is not given in the synodi- 
cal record, but the congregation was admitted to the Pitts- 
burgh Synod in 1872. Pastor Lemcke served the congregation 
in connection with West Newton, 1871-1877, and Pastor Philip 
Doerr rendered similar service, 1878-1881, after which St. 
John’s called a pastor of her own. The first pastor under the 
new arrangement was Rev. W. A. C. Mueller, who served 
from 1881 to 1884, building up a congregation of 229 members 
and sustaining a vigorous English Sunday School. During 
the pastorate of Rev. C. F. Tiemann large numbers of German 
coal miners came into the coke region, and the congregation 
increased to 400 members. It was during this time that the 
English element of the congregation withdrew and formed 
Trinity Church. The next pastors were Rev. G. A. Firgau, 
1889-1892, and Rev. Philip Lamerdin, 1893-1894. The last 
named is remembered in the community as the pastor of the 
exodus. He began his work at a time of serious labor trouble, 
and, in the hope of bettering the condition of his people, led a 
colony into the woods of Wisconsin. The colonists found 
little but labor and privation in their new homes, and nearly 
all returned to the coke region in less than two years. The 
next pastors were Rev. Ludwig O. Hammer, 1894-1897, and 
Rev. G. L. Lohman, 1897-1904. Pastor Lohman was a vigor- 
ous leader, and soon persuaded the people to rebuild their 
church. This was done in such a manner that the stone walls 
of the old church may yet be seen on the east and west sides. 
A new front was built, with a high tower, and the interior 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 525 


was changed to conform to Lutheran usage. The corner stone 
of this new church was laid, September 4, 1901, and the com- 
pleted building dedicated by Pastor Lohman, August, 1902. 
The cost of this improvement was about $15,000, a large part 
of which was raised during the pastorate of Rev. George 
Dietz. Surmounting the tower is a large electric cross, which 
can be seen from quite a distance at night. In the early his- 
tory of the congregation a parsonage was secured in East 
‘Crawford Avenue, but this was sold to Jacob Brickmann and 
the parsonage adjoining the church secured. Services are 
conducted every Sunday morning in German, and are attended 
by people from many towns in the northern end of the county. 
The confirmed membership in 1923 was 498, and the property 
valued at $14,000. The pastors in consecutive order were: 
Rev. H. J. H. Lemcke, 1871-1877; Rev. Philip Doerr, 1878-1881 ; 
Rev. W. A. C. Mueller, 1881-1884; Rev. C. F. Tiemann, 1884- 
1889; Rev. G. A. Firgau, 1889-1892; Rev. Philip Lamerdin, 
1893-1894; Rev. L. O. Hammer, 1894-1897; Rev. G. L. Lohman, 
1897-1904; Rev. George Dietz, 1905-. 


LRINERY SE VANGELIGAL. LULHERAN.) CHURCH 
CONNEDLS VILLE; PA: 


The beginnings of Trinity Church are traceable to the 
vigorous English Sunday School, connected with St. John’s 
Church during the first 
ten years of her history. 
Many Connellsville chil- 
dren, regardless of the a 
church affiliations of 
their’ parents, attended 
thissischool sand: Ynoty a 
few of them in later years 
became members of the 
Lutheran Church. Dur- 
ing the same _ period 
English services were 
held in St. John’s ‘every 
alternate Sunday eve- 
ning; these were attend- 
ed by English Lutherans, 
who moved to Connells- 
ville from the neighbor- LUG 
ing counties of Somer- ued see eC 
set and Westmoreland. 
This arrangement con- 


@ 


—— a 








J | RT] ee] 


Se eee 


<)}- 


Lea 











aR 


(eo a 








———o. 
Sy 


526 HISTORY (OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


tinued until 1884, when the more conservative Germans began to 
object to the prominence given to English work, and this naturally 
resulted in the withdrawal of the entire English element and 
the organization of Trinity Church. The leader of these English 
Lutherans was B. F. Boyts, who invited the people to meet in 
his Peach street home, where a letter to the president of the 
Somerset Conference of the Alleghany Synod was written, ask- 
ing for help in the organization of a church. Pastor J. F. 
Shearer of Somerset was sent in response to their request, and 
a congregation was organized by him in a vacant store room 
on North Pittsburgh street, September 16, 1884, which was 
named ‘Trinity in honor of the church served by the founder. 
The first church officers were B. F. Boyts, W. E. Boyts, Henry 
Brumgard, and Solomon W. Frye. B. F. Boyts was elected 
treasurer ,and continued to fill that office until the day of his 
death in 1911, serving with a fidelity that earned for him the 
confidence and affection of the entire congregation. No bill 
was ever presented without being promptly paid, even though 
the treasurer had to advance hundreds of dollars from his own 
purse. Older members of Trinity have told how Mr. Boyts 
would take his broom under his arm and go to the store room, 
where he would sweep and clean the place tor worship and then 
invite the children of the street to attend his Sunday School. 
This remarkable man had a conviction that all action by the 
congregation should be unanimous, and this principle was never 
violated during his 27 years in Trinity. While only nine persons 
signed the petition for a charter, at least a score of others were 
interested in the establishment of the congregation from the be- 
ginning. The congregation was admitted to the Alleghany Syn- 
od, and was not transferred to the Pittsburgh Synod 
until 1891. Mission aid was generously given by the General 
Synod Board until self-support was reached, May 27, 1900. The 
site of the first church building was on East Apple street, 
where the Pennsylvania freight station now stands. It was 
bought from J. R. Balsley for $3,700. Here a brick church was 
erected at a cost of $9,153, but only the chapel was finished. 
This chapel was dedicated by Pastor L. L. Sieber, March 6, 1887, 
but a debt of $7,711 remained to vex the congregation for many 
years. All sorts of devices were employed by the mission to 
raise money, and the last of the debt was not paid until 1905. 
The second pastor of the mission was Doctor Upton A. Hankey, 
who endeared himself greatly to the congregation, but was fin- 
ally compelled to resign because of ill health. The third pastor 
was Doctor Ellis B. Burgess, who came to Connellsville on 
Decoration Day of 1895. His first concern was not the debt but 
the unfinished church, A fund of $4,085 was quickly raised, and 
the completed church was dedicated, December 8, 1895. Andrew 


HIStOKyY Orr rib PreTsBURGH SY NOD Oak 


Carnegie gave the pastor the privilege of selecting any pipe organ 
that he considered suitable for the church; and the privilege 
was used but not abused. With the new equipment the intensive 
work of building up a congregation was then carefully organ- 
ized. ‘The chief stress was laid upon the spiritual interests of 
the children of Trinity; and the cradle roll.of the Sunday 
School sometimes numbered as many as 186, every:one of whom 
was a baptized Lutheran. This work among the children meant 
a growing Sunday School, which for several years was the 
largest and best organized in Fayette County. The catechetical 
classes were uniformly large; and the congregation increased 
to more than one thousand members in 1919. The increasing 
membership soon demanded a larger church; and the decision 
was made to buy a new site and build a large church of native 
stone. This decision was reached unanimously, for the congre- 
gation had an unbroken rule that there must be no negative votes 
upon any question. A lot on the corner of East Fairview and 
Carnegie avenues was bought for $12,500; and here a large stone 
church was built at a cost of $75,000. The corner stone was 
laid, July 3, 1910, and the church dedicated, September 10, 1911. 
One of the features of the church is its resurrection chancel, 
admired by many; another is the massive corner tower, equipped 
with the H. C. Frick chimes, containing 19,000 pounds of bronze. 
These chimes are said to be the finest Lutheran chimes in Ameri- 
ca. The old Apple street property was sold for $10,000, and the 
debt reduced to $15,000 in 1918. After the resignation of the 
pastor, January 1, 1920, a parsonage on East Patterson avenue 
was bought for $6,500, and the two properties in the rear of the 
church for $5,600, but all this added debt as well as the old debt 
was paid during the pastorate of Dr. W. H. Hetrick. The fin- 
ancial successes of Trinity during the last five years have re- 
vealed her great strength and given promise of greater achieve- 
ments to come. ‘The pastorates in their order have been as fol- 
lows: Rev. L. L. Sieber, D. D., 1884-1890; Rev. U. A. Hankey, 
D. D., 1890-1894; Rev. E. B. Burgess, D. D., 1895-1920; Rev. 
Weeetteeltetricke.). 719202. 


Slee Ou ete re CAT Ui hRAIN CHURCH 
UNIONTOWN, PA. 


When Rev. Asa H. Waters moved to Uniontown in 1866, 
in order to open the Jumonville Orphanage, he knew of only one 
other Lutheran family in the town—that of Michael D. Baker. 
These two men agreed that a Lutheran Church should be or- 
ganized as soon as a proper nucleus could be secured. With 
this end in view Rev. Waters bought a lot on North Gallatin 
avenue for $1;500, and held it in trust for a church. A commit- 


528 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


--tee of the Southern 
: EG 2 : Conference, Rev. J. A. 
et : ee, Newer oe i Boord and G. W. Braw- 


le 
Mra et ner, canvassed the town 
; =2NI8 in 1884 and_ learned 


that there were at least 
17 Lutherans ready to 
enter an organization. 
Occasional services were 
held for them by Rey. 
Asa H. Waters, and the 
Pittsburgh Synod agreed 
to extend missionary aid. 
In the meantime, Pastor 
L,. L. Sieber of Connells- 
ville, hearing that there 
were General Synod Lu- 
therans in Uniontown 
who wanted a_ church, 
visited the field and held 
services. The question of 
synodical relations was finally settled by the people, who voted 
by a small majority to form an organization in connection with 
the General Council. This organization was effected with 41 
members, December 18, 1885. The first officers were G. W. 
Brawner, Henry Lape, J. Harry Johnston, Michael D. Baker, 
Amos Pickard, Ira Partridge, Quincy Partridge, and John 
Reichstein. In order that Rev. John A. Waters might give all 
his time to the development of this field, the missionary appro- 
priation of the synod was raised to $500. Rev. Asa H. Waters 
then transferred the North Gallatin avenue property to St. 
Paul’s at cost, $1,500, and plans were made to build. The 
corner stone was laid, July 24, 1887, and the building dedicated 
by Pastor John A. Waters, April 29, 1888. The cost of this 
brick church was $7,268, in addition to the cost of the lot. The 
Sunday School was organized with 20 members, January 3, 
1886, Pastor Waters serving as superintendent. One of the 
things that contributed much to the early success of the mission 
was its strong choir. The family of Michael D. Baker was 
large and musical, furnishing a tenor, soprano and .alto, and 
when J. Harry Johnston added his bass the choir was complete. 
The services of the church were always well rendered. With a 
steady growth St. Paul’s Church reached self-support in thirteen 
years. The church mortgage was publicly burned, February 28, 
1900, and the ashes kept for many years beneath the silver 
bowl of the font. During the pastorate of Rev. J. A. Yount, a 
movement in the direction of a larger church was begun. Pastor 









Here 
W/\ e 


| 
; 
fs 


HL 





HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 529 


Yount bought the brick house adjoining the church for $9,000, 
and transferred it to the trustees for the same price in 1917. 
The old church was removed to the rear of the lot, and the base- 
ment arranged for Sunday School work, at a total cost of 
$7,000. The high cost of building materials after the war 
checked the building ardor of the congregation for a time, but 
the coming of Pastor H. H. Will.in 1920 brought the energy 
needed to carry out their plans. The corner stone of the church 
was laid, November 26, 1922, and the building dedicated by 
Pastor Will, May 18, 1924. It was built of brick and stone, 
English Gothic in style, at a cost of $85,000, and is regarded 
as one of the model churches of the Pittsburgh Synod. ‘The 
pactoromweres Nevins Ay, VWatcrs, (1685-169076" Rev.) Alired 
Ramsey, 1890-1896; Rev. G. J. Gongaware, 1896-1901; Rev. 
EK. A. Trabert, 1901-1906; Rev. I. K. Wismer, 1906-1913; 
Rev. J. A. Yount, 1913-1917; Rev. Rr H. Williams, 1917-1920: 
Reve te Wills L920=: 


PRINT TY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
GEE ATS ELAN IGN se Ate 


A Sunday School was organized in this community by 
John W. Bowers, May 27, 1894, which ministered so helpfully 
to the spiritual life of the community that the people decided 
to build a permanent chapel. This chapel was dedicated by 
Pastors W. O. Wilson and J. K. Melhorn, September 20, 1896. 
‘Student C. FE. Dozer served the mission in connection with St. 
John’s Church during the summer of 1897, and Pastor Ira M. 
Wallace succeeded him, September °19, 1897.’ At first, St. 
John’s recognized the mission as a part of itself, but the re- 
scinding of this action led the Cheat Haven Lutherans to or- 
ganize a congregation of eleven members, January 2, 1898. 
John W. Bowers, George W. Baker, John Gibson, and William 
Emery were the first officers. Joseph Lyons and Judson Mor- 
gan were later added to the council. A charter was obtained in 
1900. A church bell was donated by J. J. Gibson and P. H. 
Conley, which was rung for the first time on Christmas of 1900. 
Doctor W. O. Wilson served the mission without compensa- 
tion until he retired from active ministry in 1904. At that time 
the congregation enrolled 32 communing members, and 68 chil- 
dren attended the Sunday School. It is now served by the pas- 
tors of Jacobs Parish. The pastors served in the following 
order: Rev. W. O. Wilson, D.D., 1898-1904; Rev. D. D. Miller, 
1904-1910; Rev. J. A. Boord, 1910-1913; Rev. D. D. Miller (sec- 
ond term), 1914-1917; Rev. C. L. Hunt, 1918-1923; Rev. M..L. 
Peter, 1923-. 


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CHAPTER XVI 
CHURCHES OF INDIANA COUNTY 
1798-1924 


“Be glad then ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the 
Lord your God.” 





(rN of the first white men to set foot on Indiana 
G) County soil was Conrad Weiser, a Lutheran from 
cs the Tulpehocken Valley, who came to the Forks 
of the Ohio in 1748 as the representative of Gov- 
ernor Penn. Those who followed him in later 
years were Scotch-Irish from the Cumberland Val- 
ley, whose descendants today constitute the greater part of the 
population of this county. The treaty of Fort Stanwix in 1768 
transferred to the proprietaries of Pennsylvania that part of 
the county lands lying south of the Cherry Tree-Kittanning 
line, leaving the northern part in the possession of the Iroquois 
until 1784. It was but natural that the early settlers should pre- 
fer to take up their land as far from the Indian line as possible ; 
and the southern counties therefore obtained the larger part 
of the first Lutheran immigrants. The first part of the county 
to be settled was that in the vicinity of Indiana, since the land 
was free from heavy timber, and covered with a rich growth 
of prairie grass which made splendid hay for the cattle. The 
leading Lutheran pioneer of the county was Conrad Reis, who 
came to the vicinity of Indiana in 1794 or 1795. Other German 
families joined him in their quest for western land, some of 
whom settled near him, and others in Germany and Brush Val- 
ley townships.. The greater part of these Germans came from 
Berks, Northampton, Lancaster, and Cumberland counties in 
eastern Pennsylvania. The German settlers of the northern end 
of the county did not come until later. Up until the year 1827, 
all Lutheran services in the county were conducted in German ; 
in that year Pastor N. G. Scharretts introduced English into 
the Indiana, Brush Valley, and Germany Township services, 
and organized in Blairsville the first purely English Lutheran 
Church west of the Allegheny Mountains. In the year of the 
synodical merger the German language was unknown in any 
Otithe; Lutheran churches of the county. In 1919 all these 
churches, except the one in Saltsburg and a Swedish congrega- 
tion, were in the fellowship of the General Synod. The reason 
for this is found in the fact that all the Indiana County 


chy HISTORYAOF THESPIUTSBURCH-SYNOD 


churches of 1867 were cared for by pastors of the Alleghany 
Synod, which remained in the General Synod. In 1887 these 
churches were transferred to the Pittsburgh Synod of the Gen- 
eral Synod, in order to give that body sufficient strength to 
place a salaried missionary superintendent in the field. The 
Presbyterians and Methodists are the leading Protestant bodies 
of Indiana County; but the Lutherans have been no small fac- 
tor in shaping and directing its religious life. In 1919 there 
were 18 churches with 2,386 members in the county, all but 
one of which was connected with the Pittsburgh Synod. One 
of the hardest Lutheran problems of this county has been the 
care of the rural parishes. There has been such a “steady 
stream flowing from these country churches into the cities and 
towns that some of the oldest congregations are threatened 
with extinction. Their loss is the gain chiefly of the great and 
growing congregation in Indiana. 


ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
INDIANA, PA. 


The decisive victory of General Anthony Wayne over the 
Indians at the battle of Fallen Timbers, August 20, 1794, made 
western Pennsylvania a comparatively safe place for settlement, 
and a number ot Pennsylvania Germans of Lutheran faith 
availed themselves of the privilege. Among those who settled in 

the neighborhood of In- 
diana in 1794 or 1795, 
were Conrad Reis, Adam 
Row, Andrew Bates, 
Christian Rugh, Michael: 
Hess, (John "Hahnaeane 
Gottfried Klingenberger. 
Preeminent among these 
pioneers was _ Conrad 
Reis, whose _ hospitable 
home was the _ rallying 
center for all the Luth- 
erans of the community. 
The travelling -preachers, 
sent out by the- eastern 
synods to explore the 
field, never failed to 
renew their _ spiritual 


foyer SSIe}] AVS (e=ar —— 
a 7 IA JOE a: a’ strength before his fami- 


¢ 
4 


H ae ly altar’ From 1798 to 
“@) 1806 Rev. John Michael 






































HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 2308 


Steck of Greensburg preached in his home four times a year; 
during pleasant weather these services would be held in the 
barn. Pastor Steck was a busy man in those days, having no 
less than a score of preaching stations in addition to the four 
churches of his central parish, and those who could secure his 
services once every four months considered themselves fortun- 
ate. From 1806 to 1813 he was able to preach at Indiana but 
once a year. By this time a number of other German families 
had settled in the county, and more frequent services were de- 
manded. In 1813 they were visited by Rev. Johann Gottfried | 
Lamprecht, a graduate of the Gymnasium of Goettingen, Ger- 
many, and his services were so acceptable that they asked him 
to become their pastor. The first official record of Zion Church 
was opened by him in 1813, and the regularity of the baptismal 
records would indicate that he preached for the congregation 
every four weeks. He preached in the Rupp settlement of 
Armstrong County, the Addison settlement of Somerset County 
and the Brush Valley settlement of Indiana County at the same 
time. He effected the regular organization of Zion Church in 
1813, with a membership of not more than:twenty-four. Conrad 
Reis and Christian Rugh were the first elders; Michael Hess 
and John Fahr were the first. deacons. In 1813. Conrad Reis 
donated three acres of ground to the German Lutheran and 
Reformed congregations for church and burial purposes for a 
consideration of $1.50, “so long as the sun and moon shall 
shine’. For some reason this ground was never used for build- 
ing purposes, but it is still legally the property of the congrega- 
tion. Pastor Lamprecht came to Indiana as an “independent”’ 
preacher, but this did not altogether satisty the Lutheran people, 
and he therefore applied to the Ministerium of Pennsylvania for 
membership. The Ministerium, after an examination, de- 
cided “to have nothing. to do with him,” and after that his 
name disappears. from the records of the Lutheran churches of 
western Pennsylvania. His, last entry in Zion Church. Record 
bears the date, May 15, 1815. From 1815 to 1822 the congre- 
gation was without the services of a regular pastor; in 1817 an 
impostor named Hoover preached for them; in 1818 Pastor 
John M. Steck visited them; in 1819 and 1820 Pastor Schulze of 
Johnstown gave them an occasional sermon. ‘The name of 
Rev. John Adam Mohler of Armstrong County also appears on 
the record during this period. It was a time of patient waiting 
on the part of the congregation, but the dawn of a better day 
was at hand. In 1822 the Ministerium of Pennsylvania commis- 
sioned Rev. Gabriel Adam Reichert as “travelling preacher” for 
western Pennsylvania. In his private diary he says: ““With God 
I left Lancaster, July 14,1822, visiting the counties. of Lan- 
caster, Perry, Huntingdon, Indiana, Venango, and. Erie, the 


534 HISTORY OF THE PIDISBURGH SYNOD 


western part of New York, the northern part of Pennsylvania, 
Tioga, Center, Columbia and Luzerne counties, having preached 
51 times, baptized 61, administered the sacrament to 59, travel- 
ling 1,320 miles and occupying three months.” 


The Indiana Church received great benefit from this visi- 
tation, and thirty-five persons were present at the communion 
service which he conducted for them. When he was reappointed 
for this work by the Ministerium in the following year, he made 
Indiana his place of residence. He was married to Miss Lydia 
Tyson of Brush Valley, September 16, 1823, riding on horse- 
back with his bride all the way to Clarion County, in order to be 
married by Pastor Koch of the German Reformed Church. Pas- 
tor Reichert served the congregation from 1822 to 1826, resign- 
ing only because the young people asked for more English ser- 
vices than he was able to supply. In 1822 he organized the 
first Sunday School of Indiana County, auxiliary to the American 
Sunday School Union. The first sessions were held in the court 
house, the Presbyterians, United Presbyterians, Methodists, and 
Lutherans co-operating. In 1830 it was removed to the newly- 
finished basement of Zion Church. In course of time the other 
cooperating churches withdrew and formed schools of their own; 
but the original organization remains as the Sunday School of 
Zion Church. In 1826 Rev. Nicholas G. Scharretts was licensed 
and commissioned as “travelling preacher” by the West Penn- 
sylvania Synod. He visited the counties of Indiana, Clearfield, 
Jefferson, Venango, Crawford, Erie, and Huntingdon; but the 
Indiana Church was so much pleased with his services that he 
was urged to become their pastor. He accepted this call in the 
summer of 1827, and served Indiana, Blairsville, and Brush Val- 
ley for more than 9 years, refusing a number of calls from other 
and more prominent parishes, and closing his pastorate only in 
death, December 31, 1836. He was a man of rich endowments 
and fervent piety, and the impressions of his first sermon never 
abated. He made friends not only among the loyal Germans of 
the congregation, but also among the English speaking people of 
the community, drawing many of the latter into the fellowship 
of his churches. When the West Pennsylvania Synod met in 
Zion Church in October of 1831, the ordination services were 
conducted in English for the first time in the history of that 
body, in order that all the English Lutherans of Indiana could 
understand them. The public services of Zion were held in the 
home of Conrad Reis until 1829, when the court house was 
rented. Banished from this place of worship after a few months 
of highly successful work, the congregation determined to build 
a church of their own. A lot was purchased from Adam Alte- 
mus, March 22, 1830, for a consideration of $100, and the work 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 535 


of building begun soon thereafter. The trustees of the congre- 
gation at this time were Conrad Reis, Samuel Guest, and James 
Stewart. On Sunday morning, October 9, 1831, the building 
was solemnly dedicated by Doctor Samuel S. Schmucker, under 
the name of “Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church’. The West 
Pennsylvania Synod was in session in the church at the time, 
and the presence of eighteen visiting pastors added much to the 
impressiveness of the service. “This church was a brick building, 
42 x 40, with basement, vestibule, gallery, cupola and bell, and 
cost about $3,000.” When Pastor Nicholas G. Scharretts died, 
his bodly was interred at the doorway of this church, where 
it remained until 1878, when it was exhumed and laid beside 
that of his wife in Oakland Cemetery. Pastor Scharrett’s suc- 
cessor was Rev. Jacob Medtart, who served from March 1, 
1838, to March 1, 1843. In 1841 Rev. John H. Bernheim of 
Elderton asked permission to hold occasional services for the 
Germans of the congregation. This request was granted, but 
the visiting pastor organized these Germans into a second con- 
gregation on the occasion of his second visit. When Zion 
Church protested this action to the West Pennsylvania Synod, 
Rev. Bernheim was deeply offended and united with the Joint 
Synod of Ohio. This German church maintained a feeble and 
checkered existence for a number of years, being served by pas- 
tors of both the Pittsburgh and Ohio Synods, losing one church 
by a sheriff’s sale and later erecting another, but was finally ab- 
sorbed by Zion. During the pastorate of Kev. Bishop a parson- 
age was built on the corner of Church and Clymer streets at 
a cost of $1,500. The pastorate of Rev. Emery was marked by 
large accessions to the membership, with the result that the 
church was enabled to support a pastor of its own for the first 
time. On New Year’s Day of 1865 Rev. Augustus Clemens 
Ehrenfeld became pastor. Under his ministry the congregation 
was greatly developed, especially in the grace of liberality. Ex- 
tensive repairs were made to both church and parsonage at a cost 
of $6,000. The memory of his godly life and example is cher- 
ished in many of the homes in Indiana to this day. He resigned, 
October 1, 1875, but continued to reside in the town until his 
death, March 10, 1897. Rev. Charles T. Steck served the church 
from January 8, 1876, to January 3, 1878; and Rev. Peter G. 
Bell from October 1, 1878, to October 1, 1882. Scarcely had the 
pastorate of Rev. Bell fairly begun, when the women of Zion 
inaugurated a movement for the building of a new church. They 
held a meeting, August 2, 1879, and appointed a committee of 
four to wait upon the officers of the church. When the com- 
mittee appeared before that body, they received little encourage- 
ment from any of its members except the pastor. Nothing 
daunted they organized a Ladies’ Aid Society and proceeded to 

















PASTOR NICHOLAS GAUGLER SCHARRETTS 


HISTORY OFeli Berl PSB RCH SYNOD 937 


raise a building fund. Mother Reis headed their solicitation 
list with a subscription of $100, and others followed her ex- 
ample, so that the Church Council repented of its apathy and 
led the work of rebuilding. The old church was razed and the 
parsonage removed to its site; then a brick church was erected 
on the corner at a cost of $10,000. This church was dedicated, 
January 9, 1881, Doctor F. W. Conrad preaching the sermon and 
soliciting every dollar needed to meet the remaining indebtedness. 
While the work of building progressed, services were held in 
the Episcopal Church. After the resignation of Pastor Bell the 
church was supplied. for two years by Rev. A. C. Ehrenfeld. 
The next regular pastor was Rev. Lewis Hay, D. D., who com- 
pleted the most noteworthy pastorate in the history of the con- 
gregation. Called from Leechburg, May 1, 1884, he served 
the people of Zion until death, August 20, 1915. To Doctor 
Hay was given a commanding position in the religious life of 
this community such as few men enjoyed. ‘This position of 
vantage enabled him to develop Zion Church into one of the 
strongest congregations of the synod. This work was made 
easier by the fact that he served here at a time when many mem- 
bers of rural churches were moving into Indiana and making it 
their permanent home. ‘The parsonage on Sixth street was 
erected during his pastorate; and improvements to the value 
of several thousand dollars were made to the church. Pastor 
Hay’s successor was Pastor EF. M. Gearhart, who served from 
ApiileelolomtosViarch lr 1OZ25 During) his pastorate there 
was a large increase in the membership of the congregation. 
A movement was also begun for the erection of a more com- 
modious church, and a large subscription list secured; but there 
were sharp differences of opinion as to whether a new church 
should be erected on the Conrad Reis property of the congre- 
gation, or the old church enlarged. and the matter was indef- 
nitely postponed. 


The successor of Doctor Gearhart was Doctor Joseph Baer 
Baker, who began his work in the parish, August 16, 1922.. As 
soon as he was settled in the field he took up the building propo- 
sition in earnest, and it was decided to raze the old church and 
erect a large stone church on the same site. An intensive finan- 
cial campaign yielded more than $100,000, and the contract was 
let for the construction of a steel-framed, stone-veneered Gothic 
church at $159,000. When the church was completed, it was 
found that the total cost was $225,000. ‘The beautiful building 
was dedicated by Pastor J. B. Baker, June 8, 1924. A consecu- 
tive list of the pastorates of Zion follows: Rev. J. G. Lamprecht, 
1813-1815; Supplies, 1815-1822; Rev. G. A. Reichert, 1822- 
1826; Rev. N. G. Scharretts, 1826-1836; Rev. Jacob Med- 


538 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


tart, 1838-1843; Rev. Henry Bishop, 1843-1849; Rev. C. J. 
Deininger, 1850-1852; Rev. Peter Sahm, D. D., 1853-1858; 
Rev. W. S. Emery, 1858-1862; Rev. J. P. Hentz, 1862-1864; 
Rev. A. C. Ehrenfeld, 1865-1875; Rev. C. T. Steck, 1876-1878; 
Rev. P. G. Bell, 1878-1882; Rev. A. C. Ehrenfeld (supply), 
1882-1884; Rev. Lewis Hay, D. D., 1884-1915; Rev. E. M. 
Gearhart, D:-D., 1916-19223) Rey {| By Baker D. Dio2Z2 


EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
BRUSH VALLEY TOWNSHIP INDIANA COUN LY tras 


This is one of the two oldest Lutheran congregations of 
this county. The Brush Valley settlement was made about the 
same time as that of Indiana. The two settlements were 
closely related, and Brush Valley pioneers thought it no hard- 
ship to journey to the home of Conrad Reis at Indiana four 
times a year to attend the services of Pastor John M. Steck. 
When Rev. J. G. Lamprecht came to Indiana as an independent 
preacher in 1813, he began to hold services in Brush Valley, 
chiefly at the home of Peter Frey, adjoining the present church 
property. From 1819 to 1821 they were visited regularly by 
Wilhelm Schulze of Johnstown, and it is to him that the or- 
ganization is usually credited, since the first log church was 
built in 1820 or 1821. This was the first church built by the 
Lutherans of this county and was generally known as “Frey’s 
Meeting House”. The deed for the church ground was dated, 
January 26, 1822, which would indicate that there was a pro- 
visional organization here before the coming of Pastor G. A. 
Reichert. This pastor visited the settlement for the first time 
in the summer of 1822, serving as a travelling missionary of 
the Ministerium of Pennsylvania. When he became pastor at 
Indiana, Brush Valley was one of his regular appointments. 
His first class of catechumens of the Brush Valley Church was 
confirmed, January 11, 1823, and included Miss Lydia Tyson, 
who. became his bride, September 16, 1823. The congregation — 
was fully organized by Pastor Reichert, November 1, 1822, 
and the first communion service held, January 12, 1823. The 
following family names appear in the first lists of communi- 
cants: Fetterman, Soryer, Strong, Roser, Brown Tyson, 
Hartz, Bauer, DeArmy, Stephen, Keller, Laumann, Howard, 
Dunkel, Coy, Nast, Kramer, Weik, Empfield, Mardus, and 
Loemann. The confirmation of forty-four young people at 
one time is an evidence of the deep spiritual life of the pio- 
neers, and also teaches how the pioneer pastors rendered their 
best service. Not so much by preaching as by teaching, they 
won the hearts of the people and laid the strong foundations 


HISTORY OF THE: PITTSBURGH SYNOD 539 


of their churches. At this time Brush Valley Church was the 
strongest in the great parish of Pastor Reichert, but it must 
be remembered that the German pioneers travelled many 
miles in order to receive the sacrament in the language dear 
fomtietrehcartss | astor, heichert) conducted alliservices. in 
German, but his immediate successor introduced English, and 
in less than fifty years all the German had been eliminated. 
During the pastorate of Rev. Henry Bishop, a frame church, 
40x50, was erected in the old grave yard, a short distance east of 
the present church. The building committee consisted of Sam- 
uel Golden, Jacob DeArmy, Nicolas Altemus, Adam George, 
and Jacob Shultz. It was dedicated by Pastor Bishop in 1845. 
iihesthirdechurch was dedicated* by Pastor M:; ©. (i. Sahm, 
October 15, 1882. The cost of this church was $1,160, and its 
construction was superintended by Rev. P. G. Bell of Indiana. 
During the last fifty years there has been a steady decline in 
the membership of this congregation, largely because of the 
removal of many people from the farms to the city. The low 
salary paid by the parish had also not a little to do with this 
decline. For a number of years Brush Valley and Strongs- 
town constituted a parish, and there was not enough financial 
strength in the congregations to keep a minister. Efforts 
were made by the synodical authorities to establish a church 
at Wehrum, and later at Josephine, but both efforts failed, 
and these failures meant the serious isolation of Brush Val- 
ley. Finally a congregational meeting was held, January 29, 
1922, at which it was decided to seek readmission into Homer 
City Parish. Their desire was granted, and now there is hope 
for a stronger congregation in this community. The follow- 
ing pastors have served here: Rev. Wilhelm Schulze, 1819- 
1821; Rev. G. A. Reichert, 1822-1826; Rev. N. G. Scharretts, 
1827-1836; Rev. John Brown (supply), 1837; Rev. Jacob Med- 
tart, 1838-1842; Rev. David Adam, 1842- 1844; Rev. Henry Bis- 
hop, 1844-1849; Rev. C. J. Deininger, 1850-1852: Rev. Peter 
palin als). 1853- Soo ee Venv\y) Oe ueny., 1858- 1861; Rev. 
Henry Gathers (supply), 1861-1862; Rev. G. M. Settlemyer, 
1862-1866; Rev. G. F. Ehrenfeld (supply), 1866-1868; Rev. S. 
P. Snyder, 1869-1874; Rev. I. B. Crist, 1874-1875; Rev. A. W. 
McCullough, 1876-1878; Rev. B. W. Tomlinson (supply), 1878; 
Rev. M. O. T. Sahm (supply), 1880-1882; Rev. W. E. Crebs, 
1883-1884; Rev. J. W. Reese, 1885-1889; Rev. J. W. Shaeffer, 
1889-1891; Rev. W. G. Slonaker (supply), 1892; Rev. 5. V. 
Dye, 1893-1896; Rev. J. M. Hankey (supply), 1896-1897; Rev. 
Sea onauls (supply )§lo98; Rev Ja Ms Snyder, 1899-1905; 
ReviGet Day, 1908-1909. Rev. Pia) Tau, 1910-19171; Rev. J. 
A. Howe, 1912-1914; Supplies, 1914-1922; Rev. E. L. Ritchie, 
1922-. 


540 HISTORY, OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
GERMANY TOWNSHIP, INDIANA COUNTY, PA. 


This section of Indiana County was settled by Scotch- 
Irish and Germans at an early period, with the first named in 
the majority. For a number of years the Lutheran Germans 
journeyed to the home of Conrad Reis in Indiana. to attend 
church sérvices.. It.i¢ to, besreeretted-, that:thes old: Charen 
Record has been lost, and that so little can be learned from 
tradition. It is known that the church was organized by Rev.. 
Gabriel Adam Reichert in the summer of 1822 with a mem- 
bership of ten families. The first services were held in an old: 
school house. Pastor Reichert served them faithfully from. 
1822 to 1826, when he resigned because of inability to provide 
the English services demanded by the Indiana Church. The. . 
next pastor was Rev. Nicholas.G. Scharretts, who, gave them: 
regular services, but failed to increase the strength of. the. 
congregation. ‘lhe people wére greatly discouraged by the 
death of Pastor Scharretts, December 31, .1836, and were sat- 
isfied to live on supply preaching for the next twelve years, 
during which many of the people left the church and joined. 
the Presbyterians... They were rescued. by Doctor, Peter 
Sahm, who helped them to secure a lot from Peter Mikesell. 
and build a church. This church was built of brick.at a cost. 
of $1,800, because the greater part of the labor was donated. 
It was dedicated by Doctor Sahm, March 10, 1850. A new 
parish was formed in 1855, consisting of New Florence, New 
Derry, and Germany, and an appropriation of $50 was made 
by the Alleghany Synod toward the support of a pastor. In 
1861 New Florence, Germany, Brush Valley and Strongstown 
were organized as a parish, but this arrangement was given 
up after a short trial. From 1892 to 1897 New Florence, Ger- 
many, and Morrellville constituted the Morrellville Parish of 
the Alleghany Synod. After the withdrawal of Morrellville 
in 1897, the New Florence Parish of the Pittsburgh Synod 
was increased until it included New Florence, Germany, Gar- 
field, and Lockport. The membership of this congregation 
has never been large, the pastor reporting 55 members in 1919. 
The following pastors have served here: Rev G. A. Reichert, 
1822-1826; Rev. N. G. Scharretts, 1827-1836; Rev. John Brown 
(supply), 1837; Rev. Jacob Medtart, 1838-1839; Rev. Augus- 
tus Babb, D.D. (supply), 1839-1845; Rev. A. B. Bosserman 
(supply), . 1848-1850; Rev. Peter Sahm, D.D. (suply), 1850- 
1852; Rev: G. M. Pile (supply), 1852; Rev. W. A. Kopp. (sup- 
ply ),-'1852-18535"Rev, <J.. Ji sumanighso3-1855n; Reve anes 
Bachtell, 1857; Rev. John Beaver, 1858-1860; Rev. L. J. Bell 
(supply), 1861; Rev. G. M. Settlemeyer, 1862-1866; Rev. G..F. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 541 


Ehrenfeld (supply), 1866-1868; Rev. S. P..Snyder, 1869-1874; 
Rev. I. B: Crist, 1874-1875; Rev. B. W. Tomlinson, 1877-1879; 
Rev. A. C. Ehrenfeld (supply), 1881-1882; Rev. Solomon Mc- 
Henry, 1882-1884; Rev. F. H. Crissman, 1886-1889; Rev. J. K. 
Hilty, 1890-1891; Rev. F. S. Shultz, 1893-1897; Rev. P. G. Bell 
(supply), 1897; Rev. S$. A. Shaulis, 1898- 1907 : -Rev. Henry 
Voegtly, 1908- 1910; Rev. W. M. Spangler, 1910- 1913: Rev. D. 
S. Weimer, 1913- 1914; Rev. G. W.: McSherry, 1915- 1918; Stu- 
dent C.E. Held (supply), 1919-1921; Rev. Adam Boerstler, 
1923-1925. 


HEBRON EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
BLAIRSVILLE, PA. 


Blairsville is one of the oldest towns of Indiana County. 
It was laid out in 1819, and named in honor of John Blair, 
Esqr., President of the Hollidaysburg and Pittsburgh Turnpike 
Company. During the days of canal and turnpike supremacy, 
1825-1834, it was one of the busiest little commercial centers 
of western Pennsylvania. A number of Lutherans were early 
attracted to the town, and they were not left long without a 
church of their faith. Rev. Nicholas G. Scharretts organized 
them into the first distinctly English Lutheran Church west of 
the mountains, July 1, 1827. Occasional German services have 
been held in this church throughout: the course of the years for 
the benefit of a few German families, but the congregation 
was organized and maintained as an English @intrche sh he 
following persons constituted the original membership: 


Altman, Louisa Kunkle, Anna Maria Mikesell, Elizabeth 
Crissman, Dorothy Libengood, Henry, Sr. Mikesell, Charlotte 
Earhart, David and wife Libengood, Mrs. Henry Repine, Mary 

Fair, John and wife Loose, Jacob and wife Repine, Catharine 
Harrold, Blizabeth Mikesell, Mrs. Peter Rugh, Michael 
Hill, Catherine Mikesell, Peter Rugh, Mrs. Michael 


The first Church Gain consisted of Henry Libengood Sr., 
and John Fair, elders, and Michael Rugh and David Earhart, 
deacons. The first’ church was builtwarvlogs athas cost. of 
$1,000, but the date of dedication is unknown. Jacob Altman, 
a Baptist friend of Pastor Scharretts, took a great interest in 
the building of this church, and became a member of the congre- 
gation soon after the day of dedication. Through Mr. Altman’s 
efforts the first church bell was secured. Such was the in- 
fluence of Pastor Scharretts in this community that the church 
was not large enough to accommodate the people, and the use 
of the Presbyterian Church was secured in 1833 for communion 
services. In 1835, Henry Graff, a faithful elder of the congre- 
gation, presented them with two building lots on the corner of 


542 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


ee | Campbell and _ Liberty 
: 


vif streets. Preparations 
Zp & © 146s ti 
Worse 





were made for the erec- 
tion of a larger church, 
but just when they were 
in the midst of their 
building operations, De- 
cember 31, 1836, their be- 
loved pastor died. Such 
gloom was cast over the 
congregation that a suc- 
cessor was not elected for 
more than a year, and a 
number of the members 
grew faint hearted and 
withdrew from the 
church:.,, Duting Siinese 


(Qs Ses ares ah eit . tC 
: a Tyee—ve trying months it was 
@ ° 










Tae 
ee 

















rie] 








iS || 
Ayo SHS | 


Henry Graff who proved 
himself the strong man, 
bearing the burdens of 
the congregation and keeping them employed at the task of com- 
pleting the church. When it is remembered that this church was 
built of brick, 44 x 62, it can readily be understood why the 
weaker members became discouraged. Peter Graff, a younger 
brother of Henry, was another of the strong men of Hebron 
in those days. It was the custom of the merchants of that day 
to treat their customers to strong drink, so that the stores of the 
town became loafing places for an undesirable class of people. 
Peter Graff declared that there would be no such treating in 
his store, and many predicted that he would lose his trade; but 
the women of the community thought otherwise, and rewarded 
him with a trade that grew by leaps and bounds. With the help 
of such bold hearts as his, the good ship of the church safely 
weathered the storm until the next regular pastor was installed. 
Rev. Jacob Medtart served the congregation from March 1, 
1838, to May 12, 1839, when the Blairsville Church was sepa- 
rated from Indiana Parish. His successor, Doctor Augustus Babb, 
was one of the most successful pastors of the congregation. 
Under his ministry the membership was rapidly increased to 
250; and then an era of western emigration set in that took no 
less than fifteen good families from the community, but resulted 
in organizing Evangelical Lutheran churches in other parts of 
the country. Some of these emigrants furnished the nucleus 
of the Lutheran Church of Polo, Illinois. It was in Hebron 
Church that the special conference was held, May 26, 1842, that 
resulted in the organization of the Alleghany Synod. From 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 543 


1827 to 1842 this church was in the fellowship of the West 
Pennsylvania Synod; from 1842 to 1887 it was in the Alle- 
ghany Synod; since 1887 it has been a member of the Pittsburgh 
Synod. At least four of the young men of Hebron have entered 
the ministry: Daniel S. Altman, H. L. Chapman, William H. 
Wynn, and John W. Myers. The son of Pastor Claney is now 
studying for the ministry at Thiel. During the pastorate 
of Rev. J. J. Suman, the parsonage was built on the church 
ground and a new constitution adopted. During the pastorate 
of Rev. Colver, the church was remodelled at a cost of $5,500, 
and dedicated January 2, 1887. During the pastorates of Rev. 
W. J. Bucher and Doctor C. F. Sanders, extensive improvements 
were made. During the pastorate of Rev. W. B. Claney a two- 
manual pipe organ was installed at a cost of $2,500, and a Sunday 
School annex erected at a cost of $24,500. This annex was dedi- 
cated by Pastor Claney, June 21, 1925. The congregation reported 
360 confirmed members in 1925. ‘The list of pastorates is as fol- 
lows: Rev. N. G. Scharretts, 1827-1836; Rev. Jacob Medtart, 
1838-1839; Rev. Augustus Babb, D.D., 1839-1845; Rev. Peter 
Sahm, D. D., 1845-1848; Rev. A. B. Bosserman, 1848-1852; 
Reva G. My Pile? 1852" Rew) Williant Kopp; 1853; Rev: J.J. 
Suman, 1853-1858; Rev. Cornelius Nitterauer, 1858-1861; Rev. 
Henry Reck, 1861, Rev. Samuel Aughey, 1861-1863; Rev. J. R. 
Williams, 1863-1867; Rev. S. P. Snyder, 1867-1869; Rev. Au- 
Pustust bapow) wl) a. (second term ) ole/02137 5. RevirG, #1. 
Streamer, 1876-1878; Rev. C. M. Stock, 1878-1880; Rev. Michael 
Colver, 1881-1889; Rev. F. H. Crissman, 1889-1895; Rev. S. E. 
Slater, 1896-1898; Rev. C. F. Sanders, Ph. D., 1898-1905; Rev. 
W. W. Criley, D. D., 1905-1909; Rev. W. J. Bucher, 1909-1913; 
Rev ww. RY Gott, 1913-1919 Rey, f My otz," 191921920; Rev. 
W. B. Claney, 1921-. 


Sep Se ih VeNIN GH PIO Mia Oil be RANG CHUR CE 
5» LDRONGS TOW N; PA: 


So few of the records of this congregation have been pre- 
served that it is difficult to tell the story of its life. During 
the time that Pastor Reichert was pastor of Indiana, he held 
occasional services in the homes of members of the Brush 
Valley congregation living in this community. Pastor Schar- 
retts rendered similar service, holding services in the homes of 
Jamesmotronc.s}/acopeooryer, andsGeorgve, Bowers, andvlater 
in an old clapboard school house. A church of pine logs, 
20x30, was built by the citizens for all denominations in 1832. 
John Fink did the principal carpenter work, and Jacob Ben- 
nett was the mason who constructed the foundation wall and 


544 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


the large chimney in the east end. This building stood on two 
lots, 36 and 37 of the town plan each lot being 200 feet deep 
and facing 60 feet on the turnpike. The ground was pur- 
chased from James Hill, Sr., and James Strong for $10.00, 
July 13, 1833, Jacob Strong and George Mardus acting as 
trustees for the purchasers. ‘The first confirmation service 
was held in the old clapboard school house, December 31, 1833, 
when the confirmation class and twelve others received the 
sacrament and were organized into a congregation. The first 
union Sunday School of the community was organized in the 
pine log church, May 2, 1851, with Jacob Grow as the superin- 
tendent. In 1856 the Lutherans and Presbyterians of the 
community agreed to unite in the building of a new church. 
A lot was purchased from Michael Strong, Sr., February 25, 
1861, for $10.00, George B. Wike acting as trustee for the 
Lutherans and Jacob Grow for the.Presbyterians. On this lot 
the two congregations built a small church at a cost of $400. 
Doctor Peter Sahm was the Lutheran pastor and Rev. John 
Kirkpatrick the Presbyterian minister when this church was 
dedicated, December 25, 1857. This church is still in use, hav- 
ing been extensively repaired by the Lutherans in 1901. The 
pastors of the congregation have been the same as those of 
Brush Valley, except for the period between 1882 and 1891, 
when changes in parish relations gave the congregations the 
following pastors: Rev. Reuben Smith, 1885-1886; Rev. A. W. 
McCullough, 1887-1890; Rev. J. W. Shaeffer (supply), 1890; 
Rev. A. W. McCullough, 1891. The problem of this isolated 
rural church is the same as that of many others. When the 
greater part of the young people move to the towns and cit- 
ies, only a faithful few are left to keep up the services of the 
church. Long vacancies result, and the membership of the 
congregation gradually dwindles to nothing. 


MOUNT ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
TRADE CPDYSeR ae 


In 1839, German immigrants, who had previously bought 
lands from the Holland Land Company and settled in this 
vicinity, decided to build a union church for the use of Luth- 
erans and Reformed. ‘Twenty-one families were engaged in 
this work, fifteen of which came from the Fatherland and six 
from the counties of Blair and Huntingdon. ‘Those from the 
Fatherland were chiefly of Reformed faith, but, in view of 
their limited numbers, it was decided to cooperate with the 
Lutherans in the building of a church. On the question of 
calling a pastor there seems to have been a difference of opin- 


‘Wd “ALNNOD WNVIGNI ‘HOYNHD dOL GNNOU ATO 





546 HISTORY:OR FHESPIYLTSBURGH SYNOD 


ion, but this was finally decided by an agreement to call Re- 
formed and Lutheran pastors alternately. John Maul and 
Ludwig Heitzenroeder each offered a building site for the nom- 
inal sum of $2.25, and that of the latter was accepted. Fred- 
erick Sprankel, Martin Zirkel, and Johannes Knauff were se- 
lected as the building committee, with the first named as treas- 
urer. Much of the labor was done gratuitously by the mem- 
bers of the church. They cut and hewed the timber from 
their own farms, and hauled it to the church ground; then 
they placed their services at the command of the building 
committee for any work that might) berrequined! of stiese 
Only $111.50 in cash was needed, but a log church, as neat as 
any in that part of the county, was built and furnished. The 
floor was rough boarded, and the seats unpainted. The doors, 
windows and pulpit were made and set in place by Heinrich 
Beck for $42.00. The roof was covered with the shingles and 
heavy clapboards of that time. The completed church was 
dedicated by Pastor John Althaus of the Reformed Church, 
August 28, 1841, in the presence of a great throng that gath- 
ered from far and near. All the services of the day were con- 
ducted in German. Several weeks before the dedication, a con- 
stitution was prepared by George Ebel and Herman Feierman 
arid adopted by the congregation. It was a characteristic 
union constitution of that day, but soon outgrown. This con- 
stitution was signed by the following persons, only the men 
being asked to affix their signatures: 


Althaus, Johann Heitzenroeder, Ludwig Sprankle, Frederick 
Breitenbach, George Heitzenroeder, Hartman Sprankle, George 
Domm, Philip Knauti, Michael Stueckler, Franz 
Ebel, George Knauff, Johannes Sutter, Jacob 
Emmerich, Johannes Maul, Johannes Uhlhorn, Ernest 
Feiermann, John Maul, Nicolaus Weining, Henry 
Feiermann, Herman Muth, Wilhelm Weining, George 
Fetterhoff, Joseph Schaffer, Jacob Werthmann, Kasper 
Fetterhoff, John Peffer, George Wolf, Adam 
Freyer, Henry Schneider, Adam Yoas, George 
Hartman, Bartoloma Scholl, Martin Zehner, Johannes 
Heitzenroeder, George Spahr, Kilian Zirkel, Martin 


The first “overseers” of the congregation were Jacob 
Schaffer, John Maul, Adam Schneider, Johannes Knauff, Kas- 
per Werthmann, and Frederick Sprankle. St. Paul’s Church 
was perhaps the strongest German Church ever established in 
Indiana County, but lost her strength and life by.a slavish 
adherence to the German language, when her young people 
-were scattering to other denominations. The first pastor was 
Rev. Johann Althaus, under whose ministry the congregation 
was highly prosperous. About this time John David Adam 
was presented to the congregation as a Lutheran minister, 
but was not favorably received. Three reasons were given 
for his rejection: ~ first; -he was not -yet) “licensed™ toy preacus 


HIS LORYVEOR VR EARPLIULSBURGH oY NOD 547 


second, the church was not strong enough to support two 
pastors; third, he was an advocate of the distasteful “new 
measures’ of the period. All the German Lutherans and the 
more English element of the congregation thereupon with- 
drew trom St. Paul's, elected’ Mr. Adam as their pastor and 
held services. This young preacher was licensed by the Alleghany 
Synod in 1842, and his followers then demanded the common use 
of the church. When this demand was refused a key was made 
to fit the lock, and the services held. New bolts and bars were 
then placed upon the door by the Germans, and Rev. Adam was 
barred out. 


To put an end to the strife the Reformed offered to buy 
the interest of the Lutherans, but the offer was declined. ‘The 
Lutherans were then offered the use of the church every 
alternate Sunday on the following conditions: first, that 
they would pay all that they owed to the church; second, 
that the original constitution would be adopted by them; 
third, that they would help to keep the church in good 
repair; fourth, that a joint-committee (the majority of whom 
should be Reformed) should care for the building; fifth, that 
each congregation should elect its own officers; sixth, that 
each pastor would refrain from disparaging remarks about 
the other congregation; seventh, that the Reformed should 
Maycmtlemexclisivestse Ol tines ChuLci on their7day, eiehth, 
that these conditions should form a supplement to the consti- 
tution. After much discussion these conditions were agreed 
to, and both parties made use of the church. Pastor Adam 
served the revolting congregation but a short time, for his 
license was not renewed by the Alleghany Synod in 1843. Rev. 
Henry David Keyl gave them occasional services in 1843, and 
Rev. J. G. Donmeyer ministered to them from 1843 to 1847; 
then a new order dawned, when Rev. A. C. Ehrenfeld became 
their pastor, serving them in connection with Smicksburg, 
Whitesville and Plum Creek. The relation between the Re- 
formed and Lutherans in Round Top Church was not always 
pleasant; but both parties continued to make use of the build- 
ing at the allotted time. Pastor Ehrenfeld resigned in 1849, 
Plomeny cus sticcecded tab yPastorsin eel me bile a andautac A. 
Barnitz. In 1854, the Lutherans discontinued holding reg- 
ular services at Round Top, and united with a few members 
of the same faith from Jefferson County in forming a new 
organization at Perrysville. A church was built there, but it 
was sold on a mechanic’s lien. The organization then made 
another start at Whitesville. 


This preaching station was the beginning of Mount Zion 
Church. The Reformed pastors of St. Paul’s, from 1841 to the 


548 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


time of its disbandment in 1875, were: Rev. Johann Althaus, 
Rev. Ferdinand Engelbach, Rev..L. D. Leberman, Rev. J.C. 
Henneman, Rev. B. Boyer, Rev. C. A. Limberg, Rev. Louis 
Christ; Revs GF + Hoffmeier, andn Rev: Tr R4 Dietze Many 
strange customs were in vogue in the old log church. The 
strictest order was preserved by the overseers, and they had 
a rule that a man who declined to serve as an officer should 
pay a fine of $3.00. The pastor was permitted to use as much 
time as he would in preaching, and frequently the sermons 
were two hours in length. Another rule, that proved to be 
the rule of destruction, was that no other language should be 
preferred to the German so long as three objecting members 
remained. Three objecting members remained long enough 
to kill the church. One by one the young people slipped away 
to the services at Whitesville or Sprankle’s shop until only 
a few old folks remained. When these old folks died St. 
Paul’s Church died with them, and the Reformed Church lost 
a great opportunity in Indiana County. The services were 
continued at Sprankle’s shop until May, 1868, when Rev. C. 
L. Streamer organized them into Mount Zion Church. The 
following were the original members: 


Fetterhoff, John Sprankle, Frederick Sprankle, Sharretts 


Fetterhoff, Christina Sprankle, Emaline Sprankle, Catherine 
Fetterhoff, George Sprankle, John F. Sprankle, Susan 
Fetterhoff, Mary Sprankte) IW. wi: B, Sprankle, Margaret 
Ramey, Daniel Sprankle, William Stear, David 
Ramey, Eliza Jane Sprankle, Sarah Stear, Margaret 


At the organization meeting, John Fetterhoff and Fred- 
erick Sprankle were elected elders, and Daniel Ramey and 
David Stear as deacons.” Plans#were made at once omerne 
erection of a church. The corner stone of this church was 
laid, August 1, 1868, and the building dedicated by Pastor 
streamer, December 1391860 "Doctor Henry Bakerspreat ie 
the dedicatory sermon. The builders were George Peffer and 
Daniel Ramey, who took the contract for $1,750. The pastor- 
ate of Rev. Streamer extended from June, 1858, to November, 
1869, and was greatly blessed. At its close the congregation 
numbered fifty members. Since the pastorate of Rev. J. T. 
Gladhill, Smicksburg and Trade City have constituted a well 
arranged and harmonious parish. The church was_ thor- 
oughly repaired in 1884, and has served the congregation to 
the present day. There were 181 confirmed members in the 
congregation in “1919°>> The following “pastors have» miniee 
tered to the Lutherans of this community: Rev. Johann Alt- 
haus, 1841-1842; Rev. J. D. Adam, 1842-1843; Rev. H. D. Keyl, 
(supply), 1843; Rev. J/°G. Donmeyer, 1843-18475" Revie 
Fhrenfeld, 1847-1849; Rev. G. M. Pile, 1851-1852; Rev. F. A. 
Barnitz, 1852-1854; Rev. Christian Diehl, 1854-1858; Rev. C. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 549 


U. ptreamer, 1858-1869; Revs P..S. Hooper, 18/725. Rey..G, A. 
Lee, 1872-1874; Rev. W. E. Crebs, 1874-1879; Rev. Ephraim 
Miller, D.D., 1879-1881; Rev. J. T. Gladhill, 1882-1885; Rev. 
(sel tieaten. (second tem ).al8S551897;, Rev, Maes. Kemp, 
1897-1902; Rev. Shile Miller, 1902-1904; Rev. A. R. Long- 
anecker, 1905-1906; Rev. J. F. Stabley, 1906-1912; Rev. W. B. 
Claney, 1913; Rev. R. N. Stumpf, 1914-1918; Rev. R. R. Rich- 
ard, 1918-1920 ; Rev. Jo-My Axe}. 1921-1922. Rev. .W. S. Bon- 
nell, 1923-. 


SALEM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
SMICKSBURG, PA. 


Smicksburg was laid out in 1825 by a German minister 
named Schmick. Lutheranism was established here at the 
same time, for the founder of the town was a pastor of the 
Evangelical Lutheran Ministerium of Pennsylvania. The first 
Lutheran families of the community travelled all the way to 
St. John’s Church near Plumville to attend services, except on 
such occasions when they could persuade Pastor Reichert to 
hold a service in one of their homes. Sometimes union serv- 
ices would be held in company with the members of other 
churches, when an itinerant preacher happened to pass that 
way. On July 13, 1854, Pastor Reichert held a service in 
Smicksburg, at which he baptized William, son of George and 
Katharina Stier; Angelina and Daniel, children of Joseph and 
Maria Black; George and Maria, children of Thomas and Re- 
becka Luckhard; and Rachel, daughter of David and Elizabeth 
Black. These were probably the first Lutheran ministerial 
acts performed in the town. On September 7, 1834, Pastor 
Reichert preached again in Smicksburg, but was compelled to 
hold the service in English in order that the people could un- 
derstand. In the spring of 1842 Rev. Jacob Medtart began to 
hold regular services in Smicksburg, and Salem Church was 
organized by him, May 28, 1842. Thirteen of the original 
twenty-one members came from St. John’s. These members 
were: 


Black, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Lowe, Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius 
Condron, Mr. and Mrs: Jacob Miller, Mr. and Mrs. John, Sr. 
Crissman, Mrs. Eliza Mogle, Mr. and Mrs. Adam 
Good, Mrs. A. M. M. : Roush, Henry 

Hoover, Samuel Roush, Mrs. Henry 

Hoover, John Stear, Mr. and Mrs. John, Sr. 
Hoover, Absalom Stear, Mr. and Mrs. George, Sr. 


Jacob Condron, Cornelius Lowe, and Joseph Black con- 
stituted the first Church Council. Pastor Medtart preached 
for the new church every four weeks at an annual salary of 
fifty dollars. One of the most efficient helpers in the work 


550 HISTORY “OF-CHE Pre heBURGH-S YNOD 


of the congregation was Cornelius Lowe. He was the heart 
of the new organization, and it was at his solicitation that 
Pastor Medtart began to preach in Smicksburg. He organ- 
ized the first Sunday School in the town, conducted a weekly 
prayer meeting in which he did most of the praying, was a 
member of the first Church Council, and proved ‘himself one 
of the most upright and useful citizens that the town has ever 
known. The first church erected by the congregation was 
dedicated by Pastor F. A. Barnitz, February 25, 1853. It was 
built of frame and plain in all its appointments. The second 
church was built in 1889, during the second pastorate of Rev. 
Co Gstreamer, “Uhevcorner stone wasilaidsjune IZ. Scan 
the church dedicated, March 9, 1890. The cost of the first 
church is unknown; that of the second was $4,650. The con- 
gregation also owns a good parsonage located on High Street. 
The history of this church and community would not be com- 
plete without special mention of Pastor Streamer, who gave 
twenty-three years of his ministerial life to the spiritual in- 
terests of these people. Hundreds of people in this vicinity 
are chiefly indebted to him for their religious convictions. 
Two of this pastor’s sons entered the Lutheran ministry. 
Three other sons of Salem followed in their footsteps: Silas 
D. Daugherty, J. A. Lowe, and Charles L. Ehrenfeld. The fol- 
lowing is a consecutive list of the pastorates: Rev. Jacob 
Medtart, 1842; Rev. Henry Bishop, 1843-1847; Rev. A. C. Eh- 
renteld; 1847-1849; -Rev; G. M+? Pile, 1851-1852-"Reveah eee 
Barnitz, 1852-1854; Rev. Christian Diehl, 1854-1858;> Reva @ 
L, Streamer, 1858-1869; Rev. Po Ss; Hooper, 187250h even 
Lee, 1872-1874; Rev. W. E. Crebs, 1874-1879; Rev. Ephraim 
Miller, D.D., 1879-1881; Rev. J. T. Gladhill, 1882-1885 ; Rev. C. 
ly. Streamer s(second term), siSs5-189750 Keven Me ee as 
1897-1902; Rev. Shile Miller, 1902-1904; Rev. A. R. Longa- 
necker, 1905-1906 > Rey J:; Fo stabley, 1906-1912.) Rev ay mabe 
Claney, 1913; Rev. R. N. Stumpti, 1914-1918; Rev. R) R: Riche 
ard; 1918-1920: RevediM sAxe 71921-1922. Rev Wess bonnes 
1923-. 


LUTHER CHAPEL EVAN. LUTHERAN CHURCH 
CORAL, PA. ) 


About the year 1828 Rev. Nicholas G. Scharetts began to 
hold services in Black Lick school house, about one mile be- 
low Coral, for the special benefit of a number of members of 
the Blairsville congregation who lived in that vicinity. 
These services were held with more or less regularity by 
Pastor Scharretts and his successors in the parish. until 


HIislORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 551 


January 15, 1846, when they were organized into a congre- 
gation by Doctor Peter Sahm. ‘The number of members en- 
tering the new organization was twenty-six. A building com- 
mittee, consisting of Michael Rugh, John Fair, Adam Mike- 
sell, and Jonas Mikesell, was appointed in 1850; and this com- 
mittee bought a lot from Daniel Altemus and John Peddicord, 
March 13, 1850, for five dollars. Upon this lot a brick church, 
35x50, was erected at a cost of $2,500, and dedicated about the 
first day of March, 1852. The church was served by the Blairs- 
ville pastors until May 19, 1878, since which it has been a reg- 
ular part of the Homer City Parish. 


BEE ery AN GHIICAT SL ULE ERA NSC TUR CE 
ROA EN Hae OWN S ERE RUN DAN AC OUND Yt BA 


A number of German families settled in this vicinity as 
early as the year 1839. Those of Reformed faith were evidently 
in the majority, for they were in close touch with the Round 
Top settlement, and received the ministrations of the Reformed 
pastors of St. Paul’s Church. Pastors Johann Althaus and John 
Charles Henneman held German services for them in the Book- 
ermyer school house. In 1844 these Reformed people built and 
dedicated a log church, 22 x 30, with a high ceiling and an old 
fashioned wine-glass pulpit. The building committee consisted 
of Samuel Bence, Conrad Pfeifer, and Andrew Fischer. Their 
first Church Council con- 
sisted of Samuel Bence 
and Conrad Pteifer. Pas- 
tor Henneman was a 
supply rather than a 
regular pastor from 1848 
to 1851, when he remov- 
edto Ohio. After his re- 
moval the congregation 
was so grievously neglec- 
teamthate the entire Por- 
ganization disbanded. 
They were re-organized 
as St. Peter’s Evangeli- 
cal Lutheran Church by 
Moctora eLeter: eSa. hom: 
March 30, 1853. A con- | 


stitution, in harmony Ve wl 
; : : : z GExsoloat 
with the doctrinal basis NE ie al Ne x 
of the synod, was adop- 4% 

ted and signed by Fred- 
































S 


552 HISTORY OF THE’ PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


erick Pfeifer, Peter Stahl, Washington Stahl, Andrew Fischer, 
Peter Clawson, Jacob Everwine, George Bence, and Samuel 
Bence. The old log church served as their place of worship until 
1875, when a frame church was erected at a cost of $1,000. 
This church was dedicated by Pastor Leonard Wisehaupt on the 
second day of February, 1876, when the name of the church 
was changed from St. Peter’s to Bethel. The lot on which it 
stands was not formally transferred to the congregation until 
May 4, 1898. About the time of the dedication of the second 
church a second constitution was adopted. A new foundation 
was placed under the church in the fall of 1911, and the building 
was veneered with brick. New chancel furniture and pews were 
secured, and the interior of the church was completely reno- 
vated at a total cost of $1,800. A service of rededication was 
held, February 25, 1912, when Pastor Paul J. Tau was assisted 
by Pastor Wilmer A. Hartman. Another renovation was given 
the church in 1924 at a cost of $2,000. Following are the pas- 
tors who have served this Lutheran congregation: Rev. 
Peter Sahm, 1853-1855: Rev. P. S. Nellis, 1858-1859; Rev. 
Henry Gathers, 1860-1862; Rev. W. S. Emery (supply), 1862; 
Rev. John Forthman, 1863-1864; Rev. Michael Colver, 1865- 
1867; Rev. Leonard Wisehaupt, 1869-1878; Rev. W. A. Mc- 
Cullough, 1879-1880; Rev. Amos Sell, 1884-1885; Rev. Reuben 
Smith, 1886-1890; Rev. John J. Hill (supply), 1890; Rev. J. 
W. Hutchison, 1890-1892; Rev. John Tomlinson, 1893-1899; 
Rev. J. M. Axe, 1900-1903; Rev. J. K. Hilty, 1904-1906; Rev. 
5. A. Shaulis, 1908-1909; Rev. J. M. Stover, 1909-1911; Rev. 
PY J. Tau; 19V1E191S Rev; HY Hy Flick 1917-19207 Rew eee 
lieth bon lolz oe 


EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
COOKPORT, PA. 


In 1828 John Learn removed from Armstrong to Indiana 
County, establishing in the vicinity of Cookport what was 
later known as the Learn settlement. He and his wife were 
members of the German Reformed Church, but were com- 
pelled to forego the privileges of their church for a number 
of years in their new home.. In 1839 he united with others 
in the community and secured the services of Rev. Barnes, a 
German pastor of the Reformed Church, who preached for 
them in the Presbyterian Church of ‘Taylorsville and later in 
a school house. He catechized and confirmed the greater part 
of Father Learn’s large family of thirteen children. German 
communion services were held in 1839 and 1842. After the 
resignation of Pastor Barnes they had no services for a long 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 553 


time. Despairing of ever securing the services of a Reformed 
pastor again, Father Learn visited the Lutheran pastor of In- 
diana, Doctor Peter Sahm, and asked him that the Cookport 
people might be favored by a visit from him. This visit was 
made, October 23, 1853, when Pastor Sahm administered the 
sacrament of the altar to 29 persons, nearly all of whom had 
been confirmed in the Reformed faith. The names of the 
communicants on that occasion was the following :: 


Buterbaugh, George Learn, John, Sr. Learn, Henry 
Buterbaugh, Christina Learn, Elizabeth Learn, William 
Diffenderfer, John Learn, Andrew Learn, Adam 
Diffenderter, Catherine Learn, George earn, John, |r. 
Foglesong, Mary Learn, Jacob Rodkey, Geo. and Mary 
Griffith, Rebecca E. Learn, Catharine (2) Wasam, Adam 
Hartman, Conrad Learn, Sarah Wasam, Margaret 
Hartman, Catharine Learn, Peter Zeagler, John 

Lute, Andrew Learn, Lucinda Zeagler, Catherine 


Pastor Sahm supplied the congregation as often as his 
large parish would permit, and conducted his second com- 
munion service here, September 9, 1855. A petition was pre- 
pared at that time and sent to the Alleghany Synod, asking 
for a regular pastor. The synod answered the petition by 
uniting them with two other congregations to form the 
“Cherry Tree Mission”, and commissioning Rev. C. A. Fetzer 
as the first missionary. This young man began his work in 
the mission soon after the adjournment of synod. His first 
task was to reorganize the people into an Evangelical Luth- 
eran Church, and this was done, December 1, 1855, when the 
constitution of “The Evangelical Lutheran and German Re- 
formed congregations at Learn’s Settlement” was adopted. 
Inasmuch as this was one of the most peculiar constitutions 
adopted by any of our pioneer churches, it is given here in 
full: 

CONSTITUTION 


“We, the members of the Evangelical Lutheran and German Re- 
formed churches, in or near Learn’s settlement in Indiana County, have 
mutually agreed to unite and form a congregation. And further, we 
do enter into a compact with each other that we will: be united together 
under the following articles, and respectfully observe them: 


Article I—AIl persons, who have been confirmed and were received 
as members of either the Evangelical Lutheran or German Reformed 
Churches, and have remained entitled to communion privileges, shall 
become members of this congregation by having their names subscribed 

to these articles. 

Article II—Any person or persons who possess a suitable character 
and have obtained religious qualifications and have not formed connec- 
tion with any other Christian denomination, may become members of 
this congregation by the Church Council concurring with the officiating 
minister, who, upon their application for membership, shall confirm 
them. 

Article I][I—Persons applying for membership in this congregation 
from other congregations will be received by certificate from the con- 


554 HISTORY- OF PEE, PIDUS BURGH SYNOD 


gregations from which they come. 

Article I[V—The members of this congregation shall elect from the 
male members two elders and two deacons, who shall hold their re- 
spective offices for two years. 

Article V—As a discipline in every congregation is essentially nec- 
essary, we adopt that discipline and formula of church government rec- 
ommended by the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church 
in the United States of North America. 

Article VI—The above name formula of church government and 
discipline shall govern and regulate us in all our congregational rela- 
tions and affairs so long as our congregation is supplied with a Luth- 
eran minister. 


Article VII—Suitable by-laws may at any time be adopted by giving 
two weeks notice, provided they do not conflict with this instrument of 
compact and formula of church government and discipline adopted by 
this congregation. 

Article VIII—This constitution may be altered or amended by a 
vote of the regular members of this congregation.” 

The present constitution of the congregation is more purely 
Lutheran. The pastors after 1855 were all Lutherans, and the 
consequence was that all accessions to the church were Luth- 
erans. Only two of the Reformed declined to unite formally 
with the Lutherans. Pastor Fetzer conducted his first serv- 
ices in an old school house and the adjoining grove. Later he 
preached in'a union church that was built by Methodists, Re- 
formed, and Lutherans about the year 1856. During the pas- 
torate of Rev. P. 5. Nellis some dissatisfaction arose with the 
Methodist Protestants over the use of the old union church, 
and the Lutherans finally decided to build a church of their 
own. On January 11, 1859, Andrew. Learn deeded to the act- 
ing trustees of the congregation one acre” of +oroundmor 
church purposes. The timber for a new church was hewn by 
members of the congregation in the spring of the same year, 
but owing to the removal of their pastor the church was not 
completed until five years later. “It was a) frame) churem 
40x50, and was dedicated some time in 1864. ‘The donation of 
labor and materials was so generous that not more than $500 
in cash was needed. While this church was in process of 
building, services were held in the barn of Andrew Learn. In 
1885 several hundred dollars were spent in repairing this 
building. Pastor Reuben Smith, assisted by Pastor Michael 
Colver, rededicated the church, August 23, 1885. In the spring 
of 1893 the church was destroyed by fire, and little or no in- 
surance was carried to help them to rebuild. For a period of 
four years the congregation worshipped in the Methodist 
Protestant Church, and then transferred their services to a 
partly finished new church. Under these conditions they wor- 
shipped for another six years, and then proceeded to finish 
the building. The completed church was dedicated by Pastor 
J. C. McGaughey, November 17, 1902, nearly ten years after 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 555 


the disastrous fire. All bills were paid as they fell due, how- 
ever, and the church was dedicated without debt. It cost about 
$1,500 in addition to much donated labor. The first parson- 
age of this church was bought in 1871, but this was torn down 
in 1892, and a good house erected in its stead at a cost of 
$1,500. For the last fifteen years the congregation has expe- 
rienced much difficulty in securing regular pastors. For a 
time the entire parish was supported as a mission, and even 
then it was’ hard: to’ secure’ acceptable:iministers: "In 1921 
Grove Chapel Parish consented to allow their pastor to preach 
for Cookport and Antioch, but Pastor Slifer gave up the work 
after two years of service, and other arrangements were then 
made. 


The following is a consecutive list of the pastorates from 
the time of the Lutheran reorganization: Rev. C. A. Fetzer, 
1855-1857; Rev. P. S. Nellis, 1858-1859; Rev. Henry Gathers, 
1860-1862; Rev. John Forthman, 1863-1864; Rev. Michael Col- 
ver, 1865-1867; Rev. Leonard Wisehaupt, 1869-1878; Rev. M. 
O. T. Sahm, 1880-1884; Rev. Reuben Smith, 1885-1886; Rev. 
pamuclekrider, 1889-18955" Rev. J. M. Hankey, 1896-1897; 
Rev. George Trostle, 1898-1899; Rev. J. C. McGaughey, 1899- 
1902; Rev. J. A. Flickinger (supply), 1902; Rev. W. G. Slo- 
naker, 1903-1906; Mr. W. K. Williams (supply), 1909-1910; 
Rev. H. W. Maguire (supply), 1910-1913; Rev. Oscar Woods, 
1915-1917; Rev. L. W. Slifer, 1921-1923; Student Fred Stueber 
(supply), 1924. 


ROVE CER Ela VeAINve IU DEE RAIN: CELURC Et. 
RAYNE GOWNSHIP? INDIANA’ COUNTY) PA\ 


A number of the earliest settlers of Rayne Township were 
Germans from the eastern counties of the state, many of whom 
were Lutherans. As a rule they attended the services of the 
Indiana Church, being regular communing members of that con- 
gregation. About the year 1840 a pastor of the German Re- 
formed began to hold services in the Bookemyer school house 
near Dutch Hill; and some of these Germans became interested 
in the congregation established there. The Lutherans in the 
southern end of the township, however, continued to attend the 
Indiana Church. As early as 1853 it was the custom of the 
Indiana Church to hold occasional afternoon services for them in 
Wolf school house. Among the men most deeply interested in 
these services were George Wolf, Abraham Little, Jacob Gar- 
man, George Lotz, Jacob Faith, Jacob Harman, John Ray, Joseph 
Dodson, David Wolf, David Boucher, Henry Conrad, and Lewis 


556 HISTORY, OF THE PILDTSBURGH SYNOD 


Rhodes. According to 
‘the ‘statement soteher 
@ ir ohn ‘Tomlinson, they 
See ae organized as a con- 
i) gregation by Pastor J. P. 
Hentz in 1863, whose 
first Church Council con- 
sisted of William Wolf, 
Jacob Garman, Robert 
Litt.Le« Jacobian 
George Ray, and C. J. 
Speedy. This is proba- 
bly correct, even though 
the minutes of the synod 

: if make no mention of the 

LL congregation until 1875. 

Ones == On June 12, 1872,; Mrs. 
a J ae cae Net Sse donated to the 
ens . congregation a large plot 

@ of ground for a parson- 

age, church and ceme- 
tery; and for this reason it was sometimes called Cooper’s 
Church, even in the minutes of the Alleghany Synod. A build- 
ing committee, consisting of William Wolf, Robert Little, Jacob 
Creps, George Lotz, and Erasmus Cooper, superintended the 
erection of the church. The corner stone was laid by Pastor A. 
C, Ehrenfeld, July 17, 1873, and the church dedicated by the 
same pastor, December 28, 1873. Doctor George Scholl preached 
the dedicatory sermon. The church was a two-story frame 
building that cost about $4,000. The congregation was in- 
corporated during the pastorate of Rev. P. G. Bell, to whom 
much credit was given for the development of the church. 
Pastor Bell was the last of the Indiana pastors to serve this 
congregation, for after his resignation, October 1, 1882, a new 
parish, consisting of Grove Chapel, St. John’s, and Bethel, was 
formed. Rev. Amos Sell was the first pastor of the new parish, 
serving from October 15, 1884, to October 15, 1885. At the 
beginning of his pastorate a parsonage was built at a cost of 
$1,099. During the pastorate of Rev: J: W. Hutchison the 
parish consisted of Grove Chapel, Bethel, St. John’s, and Har- 
mony Grove, and services were held every two weeks in each 
church. From 1893 to 1921 Grove Chapel and Bethel formed 
the Grove Chapel Parish, and services were provided every 
Sunday. The “go to town” movement was not felt in this com- 
munity as much as in others, and yet it was felt advisable in 
1921 to add the Cockport and Antioch churches to the parish. 
This arrangement continued until August 1, 1923, when Pastor 







fie 














if 

















HISTORY OFSTHE ETT SBURGEH SYNOD 557 


Slifer gave all his time to Grove Chapel and Bethel. Durmg 
the pastorate of Rev. Paul J. Tau the interior of the church 
was renovated at a cost of $1,100, Rev. C. M. Teufel preaching 
the sermon on the day of rededication. One of the most striking 
changes connected with this renovation was the location of the 
pulpit near the door. Visiting pastors of the Lutheran church 
consider it a mistake. The confirmed membership num- 
bered 142 in 1922, and the Sunday School had an enrollment of 
108 scholars. The personnel of the congregation has greatly 
changed during the last fifteen years; many of the old families 
of earlier days are no longer represented here; but the congre- 
gation continues to fill a large place in the spiritual life of this 
section of the county. A list of pastors follows: Rev. J. P. 
Hentz, 1863-1864; Rev: A. C. Ehrenfeld, 1865-1875; Rev. C. T. 
Steck, 1876-1878; Rev. P. G. Bell, 1878-1882; Rev. Amos Sell, 
1884-1885; Rev. Reuben Smith, 1886-1890; Student John J. 
Hill (supply), 1890; Rev. J..W. Hutchison, 1890-1892; Rev. 
John Tomlinson, 1893-1899; Rev. J. M. Axe, 1900-1903; Rev. 
J. K. Hilty, 1904-1906; Rev. 5S. A. Shaulis, 1908-1909; Rev. J. 
NMastover e10097191 le Rev Peel any OL 915 Reve HE! 
Biche eee) 917-1920 eReve De WieSlter, 1921-1925: 


HARNMONY“GROVENE VAN: LUTHERAN: CHURCH 
WILLET, PA. 


In the fall of 1869 Pastor Jacob H. Wright of Elderton 
Parish began to hold services for the Lutherans living in the 
vicinity of Marlin’s Mill. He organized them into a congre- 
gation, September 4, 1870, with the following members: 


Fink, Mr. and Mrs. Joel Seionsoltz, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob 
Harman, Mrs. Elizabeth Snow, Mrs. Eliza 

Heasley, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Stivenson, John 

Peterman, George, Sr. Weber, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. 
Peterman, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Weber, Harriett and Susan 
Ross, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Groff, Henry 


In a few weeks the membership of the new congregation 
was increased to twenty-seven. Services were held in a 
school house until November 14, 1880, when their church was 
dedicated by Pastor Wright. This church was built of frame 
at a cost of $1,100, and with only ordinary repairs has served 
the congregation to the, present day. It was located at a 
point where five roads meet, and for this reason was often 
called Five Points Church. The building committee consisted of 
John C. Weber, James Brewer, and Joseph Ross, who managed 
the work so well that the church was dedicated free of debt. This 
congregation is one of the most prosperous rural churches of 
Indiana County, and yet it has been built up of people, many 


558 HISTORY VOR GE RUT ToOBURGHySs vNOD 


of whom had little previous knowledge of the Evangelical 
Lutheran Church. The community spirit is strong, and the 
great majority of the families living in the little valley are 
regular attendants at its services. A good frame parsonage 
was erected on ground adjoining the church at a cost of 
$1,800 during the pastorate of Rev. M. L. Schmucker, but this 
has been rented since the formation of Sagamore Parish in 
1920. The following pastors have served the congregation: 
Rev. J. H. Wright, 1870-1888; Rev. J. W. Hutchison, 1888- 
1896; Rev. M. L. Schmucker, 1897-1908; Rev. D. W. Lecrone, 
1908-1912; Rev. G. O. Ritter, 1913-1915; Rev. E. F. Dickey, 
1917-1920; Rev. J. E. MacDonald, 1920-1925. 


ST: JOHNS EVANGELICAL ULAR ANS GEL ad 
SALTS SUR Gras 


So far as we can learn, the first Lutheran pastor to hold 
services in this town was Rev. J. N. Burket. While pastor at 
St. James, 1851-1853, he held occasional services in Saltsburg, 
but never found sufficient interest to justify an organization. 
For the next fifteen years no attempt was made to renew 
these pioneer, services, “and” then’ in 1868 Kev SV ansebuten 
Christy began to preach to a number of the members of St. 
James who had moved into the town. These services, at first 
occasional and then regular, were productive of results, and 
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Saltsburg was or- 
ganized by Pastor Christy, assisted by Pastor Jonathan Sar- 
ver, March 20, 1876, when a constitution was adopted and a 
Church Council elected. When Pastor Christy resigned, April 
1, 18/6, there- was a realignment of parishes, and Rev. John 
Y. Marks became pastor of a parish, consisting of St. James, 
st. John’s, and Fennelton, im: september of they samemyeam 
The first step toward securing a church building was taken, 
February 28, 1880, when a committee on site was appointed; 
the second step was taken, April 30, 1881, when it was decided 
to petition the court for a charter. This charter was granted, 
September 11, 1881. After long consideration the committee 
on site agreed that Pastor Robert M. Zimmerman should buy 
the McQuiston property, and deed part of it to the congre- 
gation for the proposed church. This was done, and the con- 
gregation secured its present location on Main street, 50x100, 
November 10, 1881, for a consideration of $850. A building 
committee was then appointed, consisting of Pastor Zimmer- 
man, W. A. Spahr, Amos Uncapher, and M. A. Kunkle. .Plans 
were adopted for a brick building, the corner stone of which 
was laid by Pastor Zimmerman, August 8, 1882. This pastor 


HISTORY OF THE PITSBURGH SYNOD 559 


conceived the idea of making all the bricks needed for the 
construction of the church, but this, in spite of the hard work 
involved, did not prove a complete success. The work of 
building was carried on as fast as circumstances would per- 
mit, but the building committee was hampered by lack of 
funds. The church was finally completed and dedicated, De- 
cember 18, 1883, when the pastor was assisted by Doctor Ed- 
mund Belfour, Doctor Henry W. Roth, Rev. W. F. Ulery, and 
Rey. J. C. Kunzmann. The cost of this churchly structure was 
$6,500, which proved a heavy load for the small congregation, 
themiast of the debt not beim cancelled) until” June 30; 1915, 
when the congregation celebrated their freedom with a great 
service. The membership of St. John’s has never been large, 
but has always included some choice spirits, who were willing 
to make many sacrifices for the cause. It had a confirmed 
membership of 108 in 1922, The Luther League was organ- 
ized 1896, and the Ladies’ Aid Society in 1898: Services were 
heldvineslickville by ther pastor of st) John's for ayshort time; 
but these were abandoned in 1921. One of the sad incidents 
connected with the history of this congregation was the death 
of Pastor J. G. Schaid. This pastor had just taken charge of 
the parish, and his family were still in the South when the 
accident happened. He stepped in front of a train, August 8, 
1909, not one hundred yards from his church, and was in- 
Stantiy killed) While *ithe»-development, of. this church “has 
proven difficult, largely because of the transient character of 
theeijitheran’ population, there issa manifest) place; for St. 
John’s in the religious life of the community, and the work 
should strengthen with the passing of the years. A list of pas- 
tors is as follows: Rev. V. B. Christy, 1876; Rev. J. Y.. Marks, 
1876-1878; Rev. J. D. Roth (supply), 1878-1879; Rev. R. M. 
Zimmerman, 1879-1884; Rev. D. M. Kemerer, 1884-1887; Rev. 
W. G. D. Hudson, 1888-1896; Rev. W. EF. Bauer, 1897-1902; 
Rev. W. A. Lambert, 1902-1904; Rev. Herbert Martens, 1906- 
LOO Seaieve |e Garochaid OO9rsReveGieChsotacy, LOTO21911% 
Rev. C. EF. Schweikert, 1912-1913; Rev. F. W. Ash, 1914-1919; 
Rev. A. W. Trumpeter, 1919-1923; Rev. J. E. F. Hassinger 
(supply), 1924-. 


PVANGEEIGAL, VUE RAN CHURCH 
HOME REC BI AGS BAe 


This church was organized by Doctor R. A. Fink, Febru- 
ary 21, 1871, with twenty-eight members. The greater part of 
the charter members were from Luther Chapel. They were 
made a part of the Brush Valley Parish, and taken under the 


560 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


care of Rev. Simon P. Snyder. Upon his resignation in April, 
1874, the church was received into Blairsville Parish, and 
served by Doctor Augustus Babb until October 1, 1875. Soon 
after the organization a lot was secured and a frame church 
erected at a cost of $3,000, “This church was dedicated by 
Pastor snyder, \October:6.818/27) sn: the Ssprino gous ole 
chancel recess was built in the church, which greatly im- 
proved its churchly appearance. Other repairs were made at 
the same time at a cost of several hundred dollars, and a re- 
dedication service was held, July 24, 1910. In the summer of 
1923, during the pastorate of Rev. EF. L. Ritchie, new pews 
and chancel furniture were secured at a cost of $2,000, which 
gave much assistance to the rendition of the historic Luth- 
eran service. During the same year a new parsonage was 
built at a cost of $6,400, and the old parsonage which stood 
next to the church was sold. A notable feature of the history . 
of this congregation was the long pastorate of Rev. J. W. 
Shaeffer. Quiet and unassuming in manner, suffering when 
he harmed the least of God’s people, fervent in his presenta- 
tion of the gospel, he served the people of this community for 
twenty-eight years. The following is a complete list of the 
pastors: Rev. S. P. Snyder, 1871-1874; Rev. Augustus Babb, 
D:D,,"187421875: Reve Gile Streamer, (1876-16736 Rev eae 
Steck, 1878-1882; Rev. W. E. Crebbs, 1883-1884; Rev. J. W. 
Reese, 1885-1889; Rev. J. W. Shaeffer, 1889-1897; Rev. G. -L. 
Courtney, 1898-1900; Rev. J. W. Shaeffer (second term), 1900- 
1919; Rev..P; J. C..Glatzert, 91920-1921); «Rev. Ei ee Ritchie 
1922-. 


EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
PONS telat 


The first Lutheran services were held in this community 
by Pastor Samuel Krider, pastor of Cookport Parish, who 
dedicated a small frame church and organized a congregation 
about the same time. The date of the dedication was Novem- 
ber 16, 1890, when Rev. -G. L. Streamer and. Rev. J. W. Hutch- 
ison preached the dedicatory sermons. It was built at an ap- 
proximate cost of $1,200. The following persons were mem- 
bers of the congregation at the beginning: Mr. and Mrs. 
Conrad Silvis, Mr. and’ Mrs. Joseph'\Fisher,’ Mr. "and Mrs 
Henry Abel, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Abel, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph 
Burket, Mr. and Mrs. George Sheesley, and Mr. and Mrs. 
I'rederick McAfoose. The membership of this congregation 
has never been large, and numbered 33 in 1922. The pastors 
have been those of Cookport Parish. 


HISTORY OF THE PITSBURGH SYNOD 561 


~ le JAMES EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
Cepia OS A eae 


Garfield is situated on the north bank of the Conemaugh, 
opposite Bolivar. The first services, leading to the organiza- 
tion of the congregation, were held in the Dunker Church by 
Pastor Samuel A. Shaulis of New Florence, February 11, 
1900. After the fourth service the use of the church was de- 
nied, and the work was temporarily discontinued. A canvass 
of the community was made by Pastor Shaulis and the Mis- 
sionary Superintendent of the Pittsburgh Synod, March 22, 
1901, in which considerable interest was manifested, so that 
services were resumed every two weeks in a school house. 
The congregation was regularly organized, July 28, 1901, with 
the following members: 


Beaufort, Leoport Cunningham, Curtis Lichtenfelts, Ada 
Beaufort, Rebecca Cunningham, Agnes Lichtenfelts, Kate 
Beaufort, Charles Fee, Amanda Lichtenfelts, Susan 
Betz, Daniel Fisher, Samuel Lichtenfelts, Elizabeth 
Betz, Elizabeth Fisher, Nancy Lynn, Simeon 
Cunningham, James Lichtenielts, Mosheim Walsonpe leet: 


Seven of the original members: came from Zion Church 
of Germany Township. The first Church Council consisted of 
Samuel Fisher, Mosheim Lichtenfelts, Leoport Beauport, 
Simeon Lynn, James Cunningham, and R. P. Wilson. After 
using the school house as a place of worship for about a year, 
plans were made for the building of a church. -The corner stone 
was laid, July 12, 1901, and the church dedicated, November 2, 
1902, Pastor Shaulis being assisted by Doctor C. B. King. The 
church was built of buff brick at a cost of $4,400. The church 
site was donated by the Robinson heirs. The congregation has 
been connected with the New Florence Parish. 


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CHAPTER XVII 
CHURCHES OF JEFFERSON COUNTY 
1831-1924 


“T will be their God, and they shall be my people’. 


EASIH FN Jefferson County was erected, March 26, 1804, 
its territory was little more than a great wilderness, 
so that it was attached to Indiana County for judi- 
cial purposes, and its first commissioners were not 
chosen until 1824. At that time the number of 
settlers was small, the greater part of them being 
employed in the lumber industry. An old history published in 
1843 says that a number of German families settled along Red 
Bank Creek between the years 1830 and 1840; and these were 
the fathers of the Ringgold, Sprankle’s Mills, and Berkhouse 
congregations. Other early German settlements were made at 
Punxsutawney, Paradise, Rose Township, Grube’s, and Emerick- 
ville. The travelling preachers of the Ministerium of Pennsyl- 
vania and West Pennsylvania Synod visited these scattered peo- 
ple in their homes and encouraged them to be faithful. The first 
permanent church organizations effected in this county were the 
St. James*’Church of Ringgold and Bethlehem Church of Ohl. 
The pastor, who rendered this important service, was Rev. 
Henry David Keyl, who lived at Shippenville, travelled far 
and wide throughout the German settlements and rendered faith- 
ful service. Rev. Gabriel Adam Reichert and other neighboring 
pastors were welcome visitors at times, but the man to whom the 
“Lutherans of the Red Bank region were chiefly indebted was 
Rev. John George Young, who completed a long and useful min- 
istry of thirty years in their midst. This pastor lived in a little 
farm house in the woods, which he himself built about three 
miles from Red Bank Creek, and from this center made long 
trips through Jefferson County, administering the sacraments of 
the Church and organizing the people into congregations. He 
was not a highly educated man, but his devotion to the Lutheran 
Church was never questioned, and the congregations of the 
county gratefully cherish his memory. During the synodical 
controversy of 1868, the churches of the Red Bank region ad- 
hered to the General Council, while those in other sections of the 
county cast their lot with the General Synod. The only church 
to suffer seriously from this controversy was Emerickville. Six 
General Council and five General Synod congregations entered 





564 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


the merger in 1919. There are now fourteen Lutheran congre- 
gations, with 1479 confirmed members, in Jefferson County, 
eleven of which belong to the Pittsburgh Synod, one to the Alle- 
ghany Synod, and two to the Missouri Synod. 


ol. JAMES EVANGELIGAL< LUTHERAN CHURCH 
RINGGOLD, PA. 


Among the early settlers of this section of Jefferson County 
were a number of Pennsylvania Germans from Westmoreland, 
Schuylkill, Northampton and Northumberland counties, together 
with a few who came direct from the Fatherland. These Ger- 
mans were about equally divided between the Lutheran and the 
Reformed faith. One family took up land as early as 1818, 
but the greater part did not settle before the period, 1828-1835. 
Prominent among the Lutheran pioneers were John Greiner, 
John Schneider, Isaac Brosius, Sr., Abraham Schaffer, John 
Scherri, Daniel Scherri, Henry Scherri, Frederick March, 
Daniel Hinterlightner, Daniel Martz, and Peter Dinger. Nat- 
urally their first concern was for the clearing of their lands; 
but they were by no means unmindful of their spiritual needs, 
and were always glad to welcome the traveling missionaries sent 
out by the eastern synods. These first services were usually held 
in some roomy barn. A congregation was provisionally organ- 
ized by Rev. Gabriel Adam Reichert j in 1831, but his large parish 
made it impossible to give 
it more than an occasion- 
al visit. The next paster 
was Rev. Henry David 
Keyl, who dedicated a 
log church in December, 
1833. This old log build- 
ing was standing in 
Reuben Wonderling’s 
front yard, a short dis- 
tance east of the present 
church, as late as 1890. 
The parish of Father 
Keyl, like that of Father 
Reichert, was “so” large 
that he was able to give 
only occasional services 
to’ the /c'o'hn: er elo ation 
When he resisnédaaaas 
1838 he was succeeded 
by Rev. John - George 










































































HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 565 


Young, who preached for them from 1838 to 1867, and was in- 
strumental in building up.a strong German church. At times his 
parish consisted of six churches and five preaching stations, but 
such was his devotion that he rarely missed an appointment. 
The name St. James does not appear on the records of the synod 
before 1857, but it is certain that the congregation was in exist- 
ence twenty-six years prior to that time, so that it is given first 
place among the Evangelical Lutheran churches of Jefferson 
County. The first burial ground used by the German settlers 
was located near North Freedom, but this was abandoned about 
the year 1840, when the present burial ground was secured from 
Leonard Boddort. It is much to be regretted that the fathers of 
this church were so careless about the preserving of their church 
deeds, so that important historic facts can be determined only by 
tradition. Lhe successor of Pastor Young was) Pastor C. A, 
Fetzer, who served from 1868 to 1875, introduced English 
preaching, and dedicated the second church building on ground 
adjoining the cemetery. On June 7, 1873, Elias Paul and wife 
conveyed to Walter Snyder, Isaac Brosius, John Sherry, and 
Abraham Snyder, acting for St. James Church, a plot of 17% 
perches adjoining the church land, for the consideration of one 
dollar. The corner stone of a frame church was laid, August 9, 
1873, and the building dedicated, December 14, 1873. Rev. J. J. 
Meissner preached in German, and Rev. C. A. Fetzer in English 
at the dedicatory services. Although the weather was forbidding 
the church was filled to capacity, and sufficient funds were sub- 
scribed to meet the entire cost. At the suggestion of Pastor 
Fetzer, a new constitution was adopted in 1874, in which the 
name of the congregation is given as “Die Deutsch-Englische 
FEivangelische Lutherische St. Jacobus Gemeinde.’ The suc- 
cesssor of Pastor Fetzer was Rev. Jacob Ash, who came as a 
student supply, and accepted a call as the regular pastor after his 
ordination in April, 1876. He served St. James Church until 
February 1, 1884, when the Ringgold Parish was formed. ‘This 
new parish, consisting of St. James, Jerusalem, and St. Mat- 
thews, extended a call to Pastor J. N. Wetzler, who remained 
with them until 1889. The formation of this parish necessitated a 
new parsonage, and a small house in the town of Ringgold was 
bought for $600, April 1, 1885. Two adjoining lots to the east 
and west were later added to the parsonage grounds. This par- 
sonage was repaired at a cost of $000 during the pastorate of 
Rev. C. J. Streich, and later at an expense of $1534, when Rev. 
C. S. Brewer accepted a call. The frame church of 1873 served 
the congregation for 26 years, when it was replaced by a better 
building at a cost of $1500. So much labor and material were 
donated, however, that the church had an actual value of more 
than $3000. The church was dedicated by Pastor C. J. Streich, 


566 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


October 15, 1899, Rev. C. A. Fetzer preaching in German and 
Rev. G. W. Spiggle in English. In 1921 there was another re- 
arrangement of parishes, in which Jerusalem Church was trans- 
ferred to Rural Valley Parish, and St. Mark’s of Eddyville re- 
ceived in its stead. A consecutive list of pastorates follows: 
Rev. G. A. Reichert, 1831-1832; Rev. H. D. Keyl, 1832-1838; 
Rev. J. G.* Young) 1838-1867) Rev, CiiAusPetzer, 138631375 
Rev. Jacob Ash, 1876-1884; Rev. J. N. Wetzler, D.D., 18384- 
1889: Rev. A. H. Kinnard, 1890-1893; Rev. Herman Ruphoff, 
1894-1895; Rev. C. J. Streich, 1896-1901; Rev. A. F. Schaeffer, 


1902-1903; Rev. J. M. Axe, 1904-1921; Rev. C. S. Brewer, 
1921-1926. 


BETHLEHEM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
BEAVER TOWNSHIP, JEFFERSON COUNTY, PA. 


Between the years 1830 and 1833 a little group of Germans 
settled in this community, taking title from the Holland Land 
Company. Prominent among these Germans was George Berk- 
haus Sr., whose land was surveyed, July 22, 1833. This survey 
shows that his land was completely surrounded by that of other 
German farmers, indicating the compact German community in 
which Bethlehem Church was born. According to the best tra- 
dition this church was provisionally organized by Rev. Henry 
David Keyl in 1835. During that year George Berkhaus donated 
the southwest corner of his farm, containing about half an acre, 
to the Lutherans and Reformed for a church and cemetery. On 
the lower end of this lot a plain log church was built and dedi- 
cated, which was rarely called anything else than Berkhaus 
Church in the community. Many use the same name in speaking 
of the Bethlehem Church of the present day. While the first 
church was built by Lutherans and Reformed, the latter were 
never strong, and were gradually absorbed by the Lutherans or 
Methodists. ‘The last Reformed communion service in Bethle- 
hem Church was conducted by Rev. L. D. Leberman in 1854. 
While the church was provisionally organized in 1835, the first 
regular constitution was not adopted until April 30, 1852. The 
present German-English constitution was adopted, January 1, 
1893. Pastor Keyl ministered here from 1835 to 1838, when he 
was succeeded by Rev. John George Young, who completed a 
ministry of nearly thirty years. He opened their first church 
record in 1841, and the Tauf Register indicates that there were 
then about twenty German families in this district. It must be 
remembered, however, that people sometimes brought their 
children for several miles in order to have them baptized. ‘The 
first class of catechumens was confirmed by Pastor Young, May 
16, 1841. when the following communed: 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 567 


Beierle, Susanna Hetrich, Michael Sauer, Isaac 
Berkhaus, George, Sr. Hetrich, Mrs. Christina Schafer, Isaac 
Berkhaus, Mrs. Lydia Hetrich, Katharina Schafer, Christina 
Berkhaus, George, Jr. Hetrich, Elizabeth Schafer, Solomon 
Brosius, Michael Obdigraf, Edward Schumacher, Anna 
Brosius, Mrs. Elizabeth Obdigraf, Barbara Spahr, Elizabeth 
Brosius, Margaret Parson, Lovina Stahlman, Susanna 
Brosius, Peter Reitz, George Thomas, Michael 
Brosius, Michael, Jr. Reitz, Mrs. Margaret Thomas, Mrs. Lydia 
Friedrich, Conrath Reitz, Daniel Thomas, Katharina 
Friedrich, Mrs. Maria Reitz, Mrs. Lydia Thomas, John 
Heim, David Reitz, Jacob Thomas, Mrs. Christina 
Heim, Mrs. Salome Reitz, George, Jr. Thomas, Louvina 
Heim, Katharina Reitz, Molly Thomas, Peter 
Heim, Peter Reitz, Barbara Yager, George 
Heim, George Reitz, Gottfried Young, Michael 
Heim, Tobias Reitz, Isaac Young, George 
Heim, lizabeth Reitz, Michael Young, Katharina 
Heim, Anna Reitz, Katharina Young, Elizabeth 


The log church served the congregation until October 2, 
1852, when a frame church, 35-40, was dedicated by Pastor J. G. 
Young. At that time all services were conducted in German, 
and the congregational singing was led by Samuel Johns, David 
Heim, and Adam Schafer. It is said that Pastor Young con- 
ducted singing schools in the community in order to improve the 
congregational singing, and that they were very popular with the 
young people. The church organ was not used until about the 
year 1878, with Miss Frances Spahr as the first organist. At the 
beginning of the pastorate of Rev. Jacob Ash, the English 
language was given equal rights in the church with the German, 
and thirty-five years later, all services were conducted in English. 
When the second church was worn out, there was quite a dis- 
cussion in the congregation as to where the next one would be 
built, but this was finally decided by rebuilding on the old site. 
This third church was also built of frame and cost about $5000. 
It was dedicated by Pastor William H. Kline, September 20, 
1908, Rev. John L. Fischer preaching the sermon. An addition 
to the burial ground was also secured. The congregation has 
given one of her young men to the ministry, Rev. George J. 
Diener. The following pastors have served this church: Rev. 
H. D. Keyl, 1835-1838; Rev. J. G. Young, 1838-1867; Rev. C. A. 
Fetzer, 1868-1875; Rev. Michael Schweigert (supply), 1875; 
Rey. Jacob Ash, 1876-1889; Rev. J. H. Ritter, 1889-1895; Rev. - 
J. L. Fischer, 1896-1903; Rev. Henry Voegtley, 1904-1908; Rev. 
W. H. Kline, 1908-1909; Rev. William Weicksel, 1910-1916; 
Rovere ve Boord, 1916-19214 Stppliies:L9O2 171923) Rev. DD, 
Miller, 1923-. 


See GaN oo V ANGE CICAMS PE kh RAN: Co Wk GH 
ROSE LOVIN SHITE | EERE RoOIN GOUNT PA, 
i‘enicwisethe: third = oldestslutherane Church) “in Jefferson 


County, the fourth if the defunct Sprankle’s Mill organization is 
included, having been organized by Student John George Young 


568 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


in 1838. Joel Spyker and Peter Thrush were the prime movers 
in the organization, which consisted at first of the following 
members : 


Chesley, Mattie Johns, Samuel Spyker, Mary 
Grove, Armenia Johns, Magdalena Thrush, Peter 
Heim, Hannah Kaylor, Joseph Thrush, Elizabeth 
Holt, Thomas Merriman, Charles Wolfgang, Jacob 
Johnston, Mary Spyker, Joel Wolfgang, Sarah 


Thomas Holt was the first elder and Joel Spyker the first 
deacon. Soon after organization was effected, a log church was 
built, which served as a place of worship until 1865, when the 

present frame church 
waside di Ca terdaiarcer. 
Joseph Welker was pas- 
tor/at the: time 40 er 
dedication. While _ this 
pastor gave the congrega- 
tion valuable service for 
a number of years, dur- 
ing the closing years of 
his pastorate he was 
sorely afflicted with 
-mental trouble that led 
to many distressing. ex- 
periences... The first re- 
corded communion serv- 
ice was conducted by 
Rev. John.B. Breétken- 
ridge, a missionary of 
the Alleghany | Synod, 
July 1, 1849. From that 
te time to the present, St. 
John’s Church has been a part of Brookville Parish. The church 
has shared the experience of many rural churches in recent 
years, losing the young people to the cities and the old people to 
the grave. Although a congregation of fifty-six members in 
-1870, it has been steadily weakened by death and removals until 
it now numbers but twenty communicants. Two of the sons of 
St. John’s, Thomas A, and Samuel T. Himes, have entered the 
Lutheran ministry. ‘The following pastors have served here 
Rev. J. G. Young, 1838-1848; Rev. J. B. Breckenridge, 1849: 
Rev. Philip Sheeder, 1850- 1852; Rev. J. H. Wright, 1853- 1856: 
Rev. Jacob Singer, 1858-1859; Rev. Joseph Welker, 1862-1866; 
Rev. G. F. Ehrenfeld, 1867-1868; Rev. I. J. Delo, 1869-1872; 
Rev. J. M. Wonders, 1873-1878; Rev. S. S. Miller, 1878-1879; 
Rev. Lewis. Hay, 1880-1881; Rev. Wilson Selner, 1881-1882; 
Rev. D. W. Leitzell, 1882-1886; Rev. J. E. Zerger, 1886-1887 ; 
Rev. J. J. Kerr, 1889-1894; Rev. F. H. Crissman, 1895-1896; 





















































HISTORY OF THE. PITTSBURGH SYNOD 569 


Rev. G. W. Styer, 1896-1900; Rev. W. L. Leisher, 1900-1902 ; 
Rev. William Hesse, D.D., 1902-1907; Rev. W. W. Frey, 1907- 
1913; Rev. D. S. Weimer, 1914-1916; Rev. J. E. Lowe Jr., 1916- 
1920; Rev. W. H. Brown, 1920-1922; Rev. R. F. Stolz, 1922- 
1924; Rev. L. J. Kaufman, 1925-. 


GRACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
EMERICKVILLE, PA. 


The beginnings of Grace Church are traceable to 1846, when 
Rev. J. G. Young of Red Bank began to hold occasional services 
for the German settlers of this part of Jefferson County. Among 
the leaders of these Germans were Jacob Kroh and John 
Emerick, the village itself being named after the latter, and the 
first church after the former. Mr. Emerick came to this com- 
munity from Berks County about the year 1845, and always ex- 
erted a strong influence upon the German population. Some- 
times this preaching appointment of Pastor Young was called 
“Krohs”, and sometimes “Emericks”, but the old log church that 
was built about 1846, at the corner of the state road and the 
street that leads back to the cemetery, was usually called “Kroh’s 
Church” by the older Germans. The congregation was organized 
as a union church, Reformed and Lutheran, but no Reformed 
pastor, so far as we can learn, ever ministered to its people. The 
old burial ground was selected by Jacob Kroh, John Emerick, 
John P. Smith, George Bliss and others, and deeded by Joseph 
and Mary Zimmerman to the trustees of the “Lutheran German 
Reformed Church of Pine Creek Township, known as Emer- 
icks’, August 28, 1858, for a consideration of two dollars. The 
adjoining ground, on which the present church stands, was deed- 
ed to the trustees of the congregation by the same parties, March 
5, 1870, for a consideration of six dollars. The old log church 
was too small to accommodate the people, who came for many 
miles to hear the gospel and receive the sacraments in the Ger- 
man tongue, although its pews were nothing more than benches 
made of slabs, and they were compelled to build another. It was 
then that the decision was made to locate the church closer to the 
burial ground. The corner stone of a frame church was laid by 
Pastor George F. Ehrenfeld, October 1, 1868, and the building 
dedicated by Pastor Isaiah J. Delo, July 2, 1871. The congrega- 
tion then numbered seventy-four members, and gave promise of 
developing into greater strength. The church was caught in the 
throes of the synodical controversy and almost destroyed. When 
the General Synod party supported the pastor the General Coun- 
cil party refused, and the result was the sale of the property by 
the sheriff. Mr. George Bliss, the leader of the General Synod 
party, held a claim against the property for $1133.96, and bid 


570 HISTORY OF THE PiEPLSBURGHIsY NOD 


$200 in order to secure it. Although a highly esteemed citizen, 
he refused the use of the church to the General Council people 
as long as it was in his possession. Before the sale General 
Synod trustees placed a lock on the door, which the General 
Council people broke in order to hold services. This exposed 
them to a serious charge, but the matter was settled before it 
reached court. On August 18, 1885, Mr. Bliss deeded the prop- 
erty to John Emerick for $575. From 1868 to 1879 General 
Synod trustees controlled the church, but in November, 1880, 
Pastor J. H. Kline organized a General Council congregation of 
50 members under the name “Grace Evangelical Lutheran 
Church’, and the General Synod congregation disintegrated. The 
services of Pastor Young were all in German, but English was 
introduced in 1849, and the German ceased about 1868. For a 
time Grace Church was prosperous, but a large number of mem- 
bers withdrew in 1883 to form the Chestnut Grove congregation, 
and the rest were greatly discouraged. Pastor Emanuel Cress- 
man reorganized them with 22 members in 1888, and their num- — 
ber has remained about the same ever since. The following pas- 
tors have served them: Rev. J. G. Young (German), 1846-1860; 
Rev. J. B. Breckenridge, 1849; Rev. Philip Sheeder, 1849-1852 ; 
Rey. ¢] He Wright, wi853-1856 7 RevitGe Ay hetzen, 1S57.gk w= 
Jacob Singer, 1858-1859; Rev. Joseph Welker, 1862-1866; Rev. 
G. F. Ehrenfeld, 1867-1868; Rev. I. J. Delo, 1869-1872; Rev. J, 
M. Wonders, 1873-1878; Rev. S. S. Miller, 1878-1879; Rev. 
Isaac Brenneman (G. C. Pastor) 01875-1877. Students 3 aavve 
Kohler, 1880; Rev. J. H. Kline, 1880-1885; Rev. Jacob Ash, 
1886; Rev. Emanuel Cressman, 1888-1892; Rev. Jacob Ash (sec- 
ond term), 1893-1894; Rev. P. W. Metzenthin, 1894-1898; Rev. 
Edward Haecker, 1898-1899; Rev. George Johannes, 1899-1901 ; 
Rev. J. W. Myers, 1903-1908; Rev. C. EF. Rudy, 1909-1910; Rev. 
P. I) Morentz, 1911-1912 sReye Gr) Diener 191221016 Supoies 
1916:1919- Rev, Je-Ni Wetzler, D'D, 1919-1921) 5 Reva 
Leatherman, 1922-. 


MOUNT WZIONV EVANGELICAL LULHERAN  CEURGH 
GRUBE'S SETTLEMENT, JEFFERSON COUNT Y# PAs 


This church lies in a progressive rural community about 
four miles northeast of Punxsutawney. ‘The settlement derives 
its name from the family of John Grube, who located here in 
1833. Mount Zion Church was organized by Rev. J. B. Breck- 
enridge in a school house in 1849. The twelve original members 
were Pennsylvania Germans, and their characteristic virtues fur- 
nish the moral backbone of the community to the present day. 
Their Sunday School was organized by Rev. J. H. Wright in 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 571 


1853. For a long time services were held in the school house, a 
church not being erected until the beginning of the pastorate of 
Rey. Wilson Selner. The corner stone was laid, August 6, 1881, 
and the building dedicated by Pastor Selner, July 11, 1882. The 
cost of this frame church was $1,954.59. It was connected with 
the Alleghany Synod, 1849-1859, and 1867-1886; and with the 
Pittsburgh Synod, 1859-1867, and 1886 to the present. For 
many years it was part of Brookville Parish; since 1895 it has 
been connected with Punxsutawney Parish. In 1873 there were 
30 members; in 1924 Pastor Frank reported 184. A list of 
pastors follows: Rev. J. B. Breckenridge, 1849; Rev. Philip 
Sheeder, 1849-1852; Rev. J. H. Wright, 1853-1856; Rev. C. A. 
Fetzer (supply), 1857; Rev. Jacob Singer, 1858-1859; Rev. 
Joseph Welker, 1862-1866; Rev. Samuel Stouffer, 1867-1869; 
Supplies, 1869-1873; Rev. E. Manges, 1873-1878; Rev. J. T. 
Gladhill, 1878-1882; Rev. Wilson Selner, 1882-1886; Rev. D. W. 
Leitzell, 1886-1893; Rev. S. E. Smith; 1895-1899; Rev. J. R. 
Sample, 1899-1903; Rev. R. W. Mottern, 1903-1904; Rev. S. T. 
Himes, 1904-1909; Rev. W. C. Spayde, 1910-1915; Rev. J. M. 
Weber, 1915-1920: Rev. C. O., Frank, 1920-1924; Rev. H. F. 
Miller, 1925-. 


GRACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
BROOK VIEL ers 


pomiiatesiasn Gan. De 
learned, the first Luther- + 
an pastor to preach in , 
Brookville was Rev. N. SATION p cae 
G. Scharretts, who serv- é 
ed as a travelling preach- |) =a = 
er of the West Pennsyl- ae 
vania in 1826. Similar : 
missionary service was 
rendered by Pastors 


Gustav Schulz and At 

Henry “David ‘Keyl in 
Ih 
( 


ye .. Ft 
‘ 











120 eee heailaste named 
was commissioned to 
work in Jefferson .Coun- 
yee butathesract that) heel 
gave most of his time to. ; 
the settlements of Clar- 
ion County would indi- 
cate that he found but 
































=U 
es 


£ 


45 


Ove HISTORY OF {LEE BITTSBURGH SYNG@D 


few Lutherans in this section. In 1844 Student John Rugan 
came to Brookville in company with John Boucher, and preached 
his first sermon on the second floor of the old jail. Three years 
later he made such a strong plea for these Brookville Lutherans 
to the Alleghany Synod that missionaries were provided for 
them. Student A. C. Wedekind served in 1848, Rev. John B. 
Breckenridge in 1849, and Rev. Philip Sheeder, 1849-1852. The 
last named made Brookville his headquarters, and organized 
“Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church”, September 4, 1850, with 
the following members: 


Boucher, John Clark, Maria Steck, Jacob S. 


Boucher, Elizabeth Coder, Daniel and wife Steck, Christina 
Burkett, Catherine McKinley, Hannah Smith, Catherine 
Burkett, Jacob Shackleford, Caroline Yeomans, Mary A. 


The first officers were John Boucher and Daniel Coder. A 
building site was secured, and the contract let for the erection of 
a church for $1,000... When the contractor failed, it was relet 
for $1,450. The building was dedicated by Pastor Sheeder, 
August 1, 1852, but the debt led to the resignation of the pastor, 
November 1, 1852. A donation of $119.50 from the Alleghany 
Synod was considered a great encouragement. The next pastor 
was Rev. Jacob H. Wright, who was told on his way by stage 
that the church was about to be sold by the sheriff. This proved 
false, and Pastor Wright served a large mission field, 1853-1856. 
His parish consisted of Brookville, Emerickville, St. John’s, and 
Grube’s, with Philippi, Bootjack, and Fairview as preaching 
points. In all these eight places there were 105 Lutherans, and 
they could not pay the $350 pledged to the pastor. His successor 
in the parish was Rev. Jacob Singer, 1858-1859, by whom the 
congregations were led into the Pittsburgh Synod. Their church | 
was renovated in 1891 at a cost of $4,000, and rededicated by 
Pastor J. J. Kerr, January 31, 1892. Additional improvements 
were made during the pastorate of Rev. William Hesse, 1902- 
1907, which included the purchase of the frame parsonage. A 
new constitution was adopted, March 21, 1906, when the present 
name was assumed. The outstanding feature of the pastorate of 
Rev. William H. Brown, 1920-1922, was the raising and re- 
modelling of the church to conform to Lutheran ideals. This 
work was begun with the idea that the cost would be nominal, 
but change succeeded change until the cost mounted to $13,585. 
The Common Service Book and the churchly forms of the 
church were then introduced, and the congregation began to 
grow in spiritual force in the community. The church was re- 
dedicated by Pastor Brown, April 9, 1922. While Grace Church 
has never had a large membership, it is evident that the day of 
larger things is at hand. The pastors were: Rev. Philip Sheeder, 
1850-1852; Rev. J. H. Wright, 1853-1856; Rev. C. A. Fetzer 


Tie reverent’ PDS BU RG Hee YN OD 573 


(supply), 1857; Rev. Jacob Singer, 1858-1859; Rev. Joseph 
Welker, 1862-1866; Rev. G. F. Ehrenfeld, 1867-1868; Rev. I. J. 
Delo, 1869-1872; Rev. J. M. Wonders, 1873-1878; Rev. S. S. 
Miller, 1878-1879; Rev. Lewis Hay, 1880-1881; Rev. Wilson 
pelner, 1881-1882; Rev. D. W. Leitzell, 1882-1886; Rev. J. E. 
Zerger, 1886-1887; Rev. J. J. Kerr, 1889-1894; Rev. F. H. Criss- 
man, 1895-1896; Rev. G. W. Styer, 1896-1900; Rev. W. L. 
Leisher, 1900-1902; Rev. William Hesse, 1902-1907; Rev. W. 
W. Frey, 1907-1913; Rev. D. S. Weimer, 1914-1916; Rev. J. E. 
owe sire 1916-1920; Rey. W. 9H. sBrown{/1920-1922: Rev. R: 
F. Stolz, 1922-1924; Rev. L. J. Kaufman, 1925-. 


GRINTTY @hVANGELICAL LOTHRRANA CHURCH 
REYNOLDSVIEGE PA: 


When Rev. Isaac Brenneman became pastor of the North- 
eastern Mission of the Pittsburgh Synod, with headquarters 
at Ridgway, he extended his labors over a large territory. 
Coming to Reynoldsville, he organized the Evangelical Luth- 
eran Church of the Holy Trinity with 20 members, September 
26, 1874. The first services were held in a house beyond Big 
Soldier Run, but later were transferred to a rented hall. A 
lot was donated by Thomas Reynolds, on which the corner 
stone of a church was laid by Pastor Brenneman, September, 
17, 1875, but hard times and the great fire halted the work, 
so that no services were held for five years. In the mean- 
time the pile of lumber accumulated at the site gradually dis- 
appeared; and the lot, never formally deeded, reverted to the 
owner. The church was reorganized by Pastor J. H. Kline in 
February, 1881, with 30 members, but by this time the build- 
ing of the railroad had shifted the growth of the town, and it 
was found advisable to secure another site. ‘Three members 
bought a lot on Jackson street for $300, and donated it to the 
church. On this lot a frame church was built at a cost of 
$2,300, which was dedicated by Pastor Jacob Ash, September 
13, 1885. During the pastorate of Rev. J. H. Kline the parish 
consisted of Reynoldsville, Emerickville, Chestnut Grove, and 
Dubois, but in 1885 Dubois withdrew. During the pastorate 
of Rev. J. W. Myers, 1903-1908, the congregation increased 
to 120 members, but constant changes of pastors has inter- 
fered seriously with its proper development. For several 
vears only summer supplies were available. The pastorates 
in their order were: Rev. Isaac Brenneman, 1874-1875; Va- 
cant, 1875-1881; Rev. J. H. Kline, 1881-1885; Rev. Jacob Ash 
(supply), 1885-1886; Rev. Emanuel Cressman, 1887-1892; Rev. 
Jacob Ash (supply), 1893-1894; Rev. P. W. Metzenthin, 1895- 


574 HISTORY: OF THE9PLTTSBURGH SYNOD 


1898; Rev. E. Haecker, 1898-1899; Rev. George Johannes, 1899- 
1901; Rev. J. W. Myers, 1903-1908; Rev. C. FE. Rudy, 1909- 
1910; Rev. P. I. Morentz, 1911-1912; Rev. G. J. Diener, 1912- 
1916; Supplies, ,1916-1919; "Rev: JiwN: Wetzler,.D:De 19172 
1921; Supplies, 1921-1922; Rev. R. L. Leatherman, 1922-. 


n> Le (BAUS pH WAING EAST O A aes We EE! Roe Cee irs eae 
HORMTOWYN, PA. 


For many years the Lutherans of this community at- 
tended. services in Emerickville. While Rev. J. G. Young 
frequently preached in German in private homes, he made no 
effort to organize a congregation. The first regular services 
were conducted by Rev. Joseph Welker, 1862-1866, when he 
preached once a month in the school house. In the summer 
season services would be held-in the adjoining woods. All his 
services were conducted in English. The synodical contro- 
versy in the Emerickville Church interfered with these serv- 
ices, and no attempt was made to establish a congregation un- 
til 1883, when Rev. J. H. Kline organized the Chestnut Grove 
Lutheran Church with 25 members. Among the first mem- 
bers were the Smiths.) snyders, Hetricks;;Krohs, schicken 
Starrs, Sherwoods, Deemers, Berkhouses and Becks. Henry 
Kroh donated a fine chestnut grove of three-fourths of an 
acre, in which a frame church was built for $2,000. The cor- 
ner stone was laid, June 17, 1883, and the church dedicated 
by, Pastor Kline, October 28) 1883" Here ithe conerecation 
worshipped for twenty-nine years, and then decided to re- 
locate. A lot in Hormtown was donated by Jonathan Smith, 
on which the old frame church was rebuilt. It was rededi- 
cated as st. Paul’s “Evangelical, Lutheran, Churchsbystaccen 
Paul-I.-Morentz,: Junes2, 1912. A “numberjor member ssone 
jected to this relocation and withdrew from the church; but 
nearly all returned in later years. ‘The pastors of the congre- 
gation have been those of Reynoldsville Parish. 


ST. MATTHEW’S EVAN. LUTHERAN CHURCH 
KINO 21D AE eae Ar 


The founders of St. Matthew’s were former members of 
old St. John’s. Pastor I. J. Delo began to hold services for them 
in a school house in 1871, and these finally led to the erection of 
a church. This church was built at a cost of $2,200, and was 
dedicated by Pastor J. M. Wonders, January 31, 1875. The con- 
gregation was organized in the church on the day before dedi- — 
cation with the following members: 


HISTORY OF THE .PITTSBURGH SYNOD 575 
Alshouse, John Knisely, Solomon Shaffer, Jacob 
Alshouse, Anna Knisely, Eliza Jane Shaffer, Catherine 
Barnett, Daniel Mohney, Adam Sherry, John 
Barnett, Rachel Mohney, Caroline Sherry, Catherine 
Bucher, John and Mary Shaffer, John Sherry, : 
Fultz, John and Elizabeth Shaffer, Charlotte Silvering, Mary 


Within a short time the congregation was increased to 40 

memibers, but its isolated position has always made it difficult to 
serve. From 1876 to 1882 it was connected with the Alleghany 
Synod; since 1882 it has 
bechmamsinembers one. the 
Pittsburgh Synod. This 
congregation is composed 
of excellent people, has a 
good Sunday School, and qs} 
has sent four young men ne 
into the ministry. These ae 
ministers.are .C. .W..Bar- | : 
Dot mel dcim sem tlinnicsy ari 
John B. Kniseley, and §. yr 
A. Earl Mohney. The “4A? 
following pastors have 
pemveamucre ai evar). iM: 
Wonders, 1875-1876; 
Reve a. }ohn-ee 2: Miller, 7 
lis7 Oakey So skevee [7a 1h te es ps 
Gladhill, 1878-1882; Rev. Qe COE2EGaie: 
W. E. Crebs, 1882-1883: ee oe se 
Rey, J. F.  Dietterich, ak 
1884-1885; Rev. D. W. : 
Leitzell, 1887-1896; Rev. I. P. Neff, 1898-1902; Rev. John Tom- 
linson, 1902; Rev. William Hesse, 1903-1907; Rev. W. W. 
Frey, 1907-1913; Rev., D. S. Weimer, 1914-1916; Rev. J. E. 
Lowe Jr., 1916-1920; Rev. W. H. Brown, 1920-1922; Rev. R. 
F. Stolz, 1922-1924; Rev. L. J. Kaufman, 1925-. 


Q 
CiN—h- ty, 


cheer 


=H 





























pibesE AOL > HVANGCE LIGA UU LEE RAN CHU RCE 
CO@ a> LRN GAL 


One of the oldest churches of the county was organized 
in Abraham Hoch’s barn near Sprankle’s Mills by Pastor J. 
G. Young in 1838. During the same year a log church was 
built by Reformed and Lutherans, which was dedicated as St. 
John’s. When the log church was outgrown, a frame church 
was built on the ridge about two miles from Sprankle’s Mills. 
This church was dedicated in 1849. Many of the Lutheran 
pioneers of this section of the county received the sacrament 
at the hands of Pastor Young in both of these churches, and 


576 HISTORY OF THE PIntTsBURGH oY NOD 


Lutheran pastors held services in the latter as late as 1871. 
In 1871 the Reformed and Presbyterians united in building 
St. Matthew’s Church in Worthville, in which the Lutherans 
of old St. John’s held services from 1871 to 1884. This con- 
gregation was reported to the Pittsburgh Synod as St. Mat- 
thew’s Church by Rev. ©. A. Fetzer, 11873-1874; Rev: Jacob 
Ash, 1875-1885; and Rev. J. N. Wetzler, 1883-1884. Pastor 
Wetzler reported 84 members in 1883 and 16 in 1884, which 
means that the majority of the congregation withdrew to or- 
ganize the Cool Spring Church. A lot of 163 perches was 
bought from Thomas A. McKinstry and David Buck for 
$35.10, on which a frame church was built for $2,800. Tradi- 
tion says that this church was dedicated in January, 1885. St. 
Paul’s Church was organized by Pastor Jacob Ash in 1884 
with the following members: 


Bechtal, Lucy Himes, Mary J. Shaffer, George W. 
Coleman, John Raybuck, Adam Shaffer, Susanna 
Coleman, Clara Raybuck, Lydia Shaffer, Maria 
Coleman, Margaret Reitz, Godirey Smith, Charles 
Frederick, Solomon Reitz, Isaac Smith, Barbara 
Frederick,. Rebecca Reitz, Catherine Spare, Philip 
Frederick, Barbara Reitz, Lydia Spare, Christina 
Hetrick, Christina Reitz, Lydia (2 Spare, Hannah 
Hetrick, Catherine Reitz, John Stahlman, George 
Himes, John Reitz, Peter D. Stahlman, Narcissus 
Himes, William I. Reitz, Samuel Thomas, Godfrey 
Himes, . Delilah Reitz, Susanna Wolfgang, Jacob B. 
Himes, Susanna Reitz, Frank Wolfgang, Simon 
Himes, Mary C. Reitz, ——__—_ Wolfgang, Barbara 


The congregation has never been large, but is composed 
of substantial people. From 1884 to 1890 it was part of Red 
Bank Parish; since 1890 it has been connected with Ringgold 
Parish, receiving services every two weeks. The pastors 
were: Rey. 5 Jacob Ashe l 33421889 kh ev te). HR ie ee 
1890; Rev. A. H. Kinnard, 1890-1893; Rev. Herman Ruphoff, 
1894; Rev. C. J. Streich, 1896-1901; Rev. A. F. Schaeffer, 1901- 
1903; Rev. J. M. Axe, 1904-1921; Rev. C. S. Brewer, 1921-1926. 


FIRST ENGLISH EVAN, LUTHERAN CHURCH 
BURNS Oc AINE Veale 


Among the earliest pioneers of this community were a num- 
ber of Germans, who were organized into a union Reformed and 
Lutheran Church by Rev. John Althaus in 1838. Out of this 
congregation the Martin Luther German Lutheran Church was 
ofganized by Revie.G: Co Brandt wi@cioberw7 21655. mates 
original constitution of this church was a clause requiring all 
pastors to belong to a district synod of the General Synod, but it 
was not enforced. While this German Church enjoyed a fair 
degree of prosperity, there was a strong demand for the organi- 
zation of an English Lutheran Church long before one was pro- 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 577 


vided. When the coal ) x 
fields of this section were i 


Sr, i] 
opened, 1880-1885, there Ze t 
was a large increase in Lec Deeb 
the population of the aos = Ni 
town, and the newcom- 
ers were responsible for 
the organization of First 
Church. .C. Luther Lowe 
came here from Smicks- 
burg in 1887, and agreed 
with Oliver Crissman, 
while a_ convalescent 
from typhoid fever, that 
a General Synod congre- 
gation would be organiz- 
ed. Smicksburg and 
dirademGity: ‘Lutherans 
formed the nucleus of 
the church which was @) 
organized, December 9, 
1888, with 43 members. ‘The first place of meeting was Bair 
Hall, which was offered them at the nominal weekly rental of 
two dollars, with light and heat furnished. The Cumberland 
Presbyterians also showed them many kindnesses. The charter 
members of the congregation were the following: 














Bayer, Catherine Franz, Albert Quigley, W. H. 
Boucher, J. C. Gates, Mary Robinson, A. C. 
Boucher, R. L. Goheen, Anna Robinson, Syke 
Boucher, Millie Good, D. D. Robinson, ata 
Boucher, James Good, Nanna Robinson, Harry L. 
Boucher, William Greaves, Ellen Robinson, Rebecca 
Boucher, W. W. Kensinger, L. S. Robinson, W. E. 
Condron, James M. Kensinger, Martha Robinson, Mina 
Condron, Aggie M. Kerr, Vol Snyder, David and wife 
Crissman, Oliver Lowe, D. A. Streamer, W. A. H. 
Crissman, Mary Lowe, Ida Wagner, J. 

Diltz, Sarah Lowe, C. Luther Wagner, Clarissa 
EhrhardasA. 2b. Lowe, Josie W. Walters, Dr. J. A. 
Ehrhard, Dora Nanz, William C. Weiss, Anna M. 


Since 24 of these members came from Smicksburg Parish, 
they were intimately acquainted from the beginning, and a fine 
social spirit prevailed. ‘The first chtirch officers were C. Luther 
ean erm web oucher Dy da Goodgons why i chards Wis Aue) 
Streamer, and Oliver Crissman. The constitution was adopted, 
December 30, 1888, and a Sunday School of 32 scholars organ- 
ized on the same day. The old house on Pine street, in which 
the two Smicksburg men had conceived the organization of the 
church, was bought for $3,200 in 1890, but part of the lot was 
sold for $1,550. The corner stone of the church was laid, June 
1, 1893, and the building used for the first time, February 24, 


578 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


1894, but the dedication did not take place until June 23, 1895. 
It was built of brick, with a spire, at a total cost of $11,000. Im- 
provements were made in 1913 at a cost of $6,500, and a pipe 
organ was installed in 1922 at a cost of $1,800. The debt was 
cancelled before 1920, and the West Mahoning street parsonage 
was then bought and renovated at a cost of $6,000. The church 
was incorporated, February 5, 1891, and has been a self-sustain- 
ing parish since 1896. The pastors were: Rev. B. E. Shaner, 
1889-1891; Rev. Peter Ewald, 1891-1894; Rev. S. E. Smith, 
1894-1898; Rev. J. R. Sample, 1899-1903; Rev. R. W. Mottern, 
1903-1904 ;Rev. S. T. Himes, 1904-1909; Rev. W. C. Spayde, 
1910-1915; Rev. J. M. Weber, 1915-1920; Rev. C. O. Frank, 
1920-1924: Rev. H. F. Miller, 1925-. 


CHAPTER XVIII 


CHURCHES OF MERCER AND LAWRENCE 
COUNTIES 


1805-1924 


+9 


“The Lord is my defense; and my God is the rock of my refuge 


STH Mere COUNTY was taken from Allegheny, 
~~I March 12, 1800, but not organized for iadieiat 





purposes until 1803.. Lawrence County was 
ane formed from the southern part of Mercer and 
si the northern part of Beaver, March 20, 1849. 


While Mercer and Lawrence County lands were 
secured to the state by the treaties of 1784 and 1785, the west- 
ern Indians refused to recognize their validity; and the vic- 
tory of General Wayne in 1794 was needed to establish the 
claim. In 1792 the Pennsylvania Legislature passed a law 
that all lands west of the Ohio and Allegheny rivers, not re- 
served for other purposes, should be sold to settlers at twenty 
dollars per hundred acres, provided they would improve and 
cultivate them; but not until after the victory of Wayne were 
many ready to run the risk of settlement. For this reason 
the earliest settlements were not effected until 1795. The 
pioneers of these two counties were chiefly Scotch-Irish, with 
here and there a small group of Germans. The last named 
were so widely scattered that it was exceedingly difficult for 
the pioneer Lutheran and Reformed pastors to gather them 
into congregations. This fact also helps to explain some of 
the failures of later years. In 1796 the Kecks, Klingensmiths, 
and Loutzenhisers from Westmoreland County settled in 
West Salem Township, making possible the founding of Good 
Hope Church in 1805. To the old log church erected by these 
pioneers came all the Germans of this part of the county to 
worship. Governed by ties of faith and language they count- 
ed it no hardship to travel ten or twelve miles to hear the 
word of God and receive the sacrament. A second congre- 
gation was started in the Wolf Creek region near Grove City 
at an early day, Michael Kuchler assisting Pastor Henry Huet 
as his catechist. This teacher was given a. license to preach 
by the Synod of Ohio, June 4, 1828, and became the outstand- 
ing figure in the history of the Lutheran Church of Mercer 
County. He helped to organize St. John’s Church of Dela- 
ware Township in 1837, which is now recognized as the 
strongest rural Protestant church of this region. While he 


580 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


rarely reported more than six churches to his synod, he al- 
ways had at least as many more preaching stations. The 
scarcity of pastors made it impossible to give the Germans of 
this county proper spiritual care; and the result was the 
abandoning of no less than six promising congregations. Ger- 
mans from Maryland settled near Pulaski, but the St. Daniel’s 
Church which they organized perished from neglect. One of 
the more prominent Germans of the county was John Krill, 
who settled near Mercer in 1806. Krill’s school house was a 
preaching appointment of Lutheran ministers for a number 
of years. Pastor Henry Ziegler removed this church from the 
country into the town of Mercer in 1846, but the congrega- 
tion disbanded in 1878. In the northeastern section of the 
county was another little band of Germans, who with their 
children maintained a congregation in New Lebanon for many 
years, but were finally compelled to yield to the pressure of 
isolation and disband. In no other section of the Pittsburgh 
synod, have, so many, failures! been recorded "i101 ee 
were 12 Lutheran church in Mercer County with 1,412 mem- 
bers, four of which belonged to the Ohio Synod and one to 
Missouri. In the same year the statistics for Lawrence County 
showed 11 churches with 1,583 members, two of which be- 
longed to the Finnish Suomi Synod and one to the Augustana 
Synod. 


GOOD HOPE EVANGELICAL LU THA NSCr GIG 
WEST SALEM TOWNSHIP, MERCER: COUINT Neen 


Among the earliest pioneers of Mercer County were Jacob 
Keck, Jacob Loutzenhiser, Daniel, Peter, and John Klingensmith, 
Pennsylvania Germans from Old Westmoreland, who settled in 
West Salem Township in 1796. <A few years later they were 
joined by Philip Schabandi, Jacob Erdmafin, and Friedrich Eber- 
hard, forming a settlement of German-speaking people, in the 
midst of which this mother church was born. ‘The German 
Record of Good Hope Church begins with the year 1805, when 
Pastor John Michael Steck of Greensburg visited his former 
parishioners and baptized the four children of Peter and Kath- 
arina Klingensmith. The fact that the oldest of these four 
children was born, October 17, 1799, would indicate that this was 
the first time the parents had access to the means of grace since 
making their home in the wilderness. ‘The fifth and sixth chil-. 
dren. of this family were baptized by Rev. Andreas Simon, 
August 14, 1808; the seventh and eighth by Rev. Peter Rupert 
in 1814; and the ninth by Rev. Carl Wilhelm Colsen in 1815. 
The last recorded visit of Rev. John M. Steck was made in 1812, 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 581 


when he _ baptized the 
child of Abraham and 
Magdalena Keck, who 
also were former mem- 
bers of his Westmore- 
land Parish’. The old 
record also makes men- 
tion of a missionary visit 
fiom iNev.. Johannes 
Siaucu sand. the. name 
Good Hope, as well as a 
direct statement in his 
diary, leads us to believe 
that this church was or- 
ganized by Pastor Stauch 
eeu seme uly tacos e 
Lutheran pastors were 
but missionary visitors, 
who had the spiritual 
welfare of the scattered 
settlers in their hearts, and were ready to do what they could to 
help them in the establishment of their church. Their first 
regular pastor was Rev. Heinrich Huet, a sturdy young German 
from Columbiana County, Ohio, who counted it no hardship to 
travel a score of miles on horse back in order to render min- 
isterial service. His name fills a large place in the old German 
Church Record, and shows that he was the pastor of the con- 
Srecation stom sjanuarye (9. 1315.) to vprils/, 1827,- All these 
early services were conducted in German and were not likely 
more frequent than once every eight weeks. By his faithfulness 
the people were encouraged to secure church ground and build 
a house of worship. Peter Klingensmith and Jacob Keck offered 
to donate a generous acreage; and on this ground a substantial 
‘log church was built in 1816. This church was built of such 
choice timber that it served the congregation for fifty-three years. 
It was probably dedicated by Pastor Huet, but no record of 
dedication can be found. The deed for the property was. not 
executed until September 16, 1826, when the donors conveyed 4 
acres and 152 perches of ground to Frederick Eberhardt and 
Abraham Keck, “Trustees of the German meeting house in West 
Salem Township”, for a nominal consideration. The successor 
of Pastor Huet was Rev. Michael Kuchler, a young member of 
his parish, whose name has been written large in the annals of 
Mercer County. ‘The records show that his first pastorate in 
Good Hope extended from June 15, 1828, to June 2, 1839, when 
he resigned to accept a call to Erie. On October 5, 1828, shortly 






































:) 


582 HISTORY OB THEGPITTSBURGH SYNOD 


after he had taken charge of the congregation, he was visited by 
Bishop J. G. C. Schweizerbarth, who administered the sacrament 
to the following communicants : 


Bauer, Maria Barbara Eberhardt, Friedrich Keck, Rebecca 
Bernhard, Elizabetha Eberhardt, Katharina Keck, Elizabetha 
Bittenbinder, Conrad Erdmann, Hannah Keck, Magdalena 
Bittenbinder, Sarah Hamm, Jacob Loutzenhiser, Maria 
Blank, Georg Adam Hamm, Maria Leininger, Katharine 
Blank, Aaron Kamerer, Samuel Schwarz, Michael 
Blank, Magdalena Keck, Jacob Schwarz,Katharina 
Busman, Jacob Keck, Abraham Williams, Margaretha 


At this time a reorganization of Good Hope was effected by 
the two ministers, when the following members of the Church 
Council were elected: George Adam Blank and Conrad Bitten- 
binder, Lutherans; and Jacob Kamerer and Jacob Hamm, Re- 
formed. It will be noted that Lutherans and Reformed com- 
muned together in this service; but this was not an unusual 
thing for that day. The first Reformed pastor of Mercer County 
did not enter the field until 1826, and prior to that time all min- 
isterial acts for the settlement were performed by Lutheran pas- 
tors. ‘The only exception to this rule was made by the occasional 
visit of a Reformed pastor, Rev. Johann Peter Mahnenschmidt, 
beginning with May 27, 1818. Pastor Kuchler’s successor was 
Rev. Friedrich Christian Becker, whose ministerial acts date 
from June 28, 1840, to May 22, 1847. During the latter part of 
his pastorate he seems to have shared his work with Rev. Theo- 
dore Hengist, whose ministerial acts date from May 31, 1846, to 
September 3, 1860. This overlapping may be accounted for by 
the fact that the two men served adjoining parishes during that 
time. Rev. Michael Kuchler returned to Good Hope for his 
second pastorate immediately after the resignation of Pastor 
Hengist, and served until April 1, 1874. During this time many 
changes occurred in the parish, chief of which was the organiza- 
tion of Holy Trinity Church in Greenville. This organization 
gave an impetus to English preaching that was felt in all the 
German congregations of the county, and the German gradually 
gave way before the English in Good Hope. In 1865 Good Hope 
and St. John’s applied for admission to the Pittsburgh Synod. 
Good Hope Church was required to adopt a new constitution, 
which was done, June 10, 1869. This constitution was further 
revised in 1890. Another outstanding event of the second pas- 
torate of Rev. Michael Kuchler was the building of the second 
church. The corner stone was laid by the pastor, May 2, 1869, 
but not dedicated until some time later. At that time the congre- 
gation numbered seventy-five members, and used German in the 
greater part of her public services. After the resignation of 
Pastor Kuchler, Rev. Herman Gilbert was asked to supply the 
pulpit until the congregations of Mercer County Parish could 
agree in calling a successor. This arrangement continued until 


HISTORY OF ‘THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 583 


May 1, 1876, when Rev. J. A. J. Zahn took Good Hope Church 
under his care in connection with Lake Shore Parish, and served 
it until the fall of 1878. When Rev. Jeremiah Fishburn became 
pastor of Holy Trinity Church, Greenville, January 1, 1879, 
Good Hope was admitted to his parish, and served until March 
11, 1883. During the years 1883 and 1884, Doctor H. W. Roth 
was supply pastor; and then parish relations were restored with 
st. John’s, Zion, and Salem. With the exception of two years 
this relation has remained unbroken until the present. The fol- 
lowing is a consecutive list of the pastors: Rev. John M. Steck, 
Rev. Johannes Stauch, Rev. Andreas Simon, Rev. Peter Rupert, 
Rev. C. W. Colsen (supplies), 1805-1815; Rev. Heinrich Huet, 
1815-1827; Rev. J. G. C. Schweizerbarth (supply), 1828; Rev. 
Michael Kuchler, 1828-1839; Rev. F. C. Becker, 1840-1847; Rev. 
Theodore Hengist, 1847-1860; Rev. Michael Kuchler (second 
term), 1860-1874; Rev. Herman Gilbert (supply), 1874-1876; 
Rev. J. A. J. Zahn, 1876-1878; Rev. Jeremiah Fishburn, 1879- 
1883; Rev. H. W. Roth, D.D. (supply), 1883-1884; Rev. C. A. 
Fetzer, 1884-1887; Rev. W. M. Rehrig, Ph.D., 1887-1894; Rev. 
Wer taee Wressler 1699-1097 sRevas. By stupp, 1897-1901 Rev, 
igclremmiviiter met uce1 O10 Revi VV ilson sy eisley, 191071919 SRey 
C. E. Schweikert, 1920-. 


JERUSALEM bE VANGEEICGAL“<LUDHERAN CHURCH 
PRINCETON, PA. 


This is the oldest Lutheran Church of Lawrence County, 
and was founded by Bishop. J. G. C. Schweizerbarth in 1824. 
The church record was opened, February 22, 1824, when the 
child of Michael and Elizabeth Fox was baptized. It is said 
that the attention of the founder was directed to this com- 
munity by the removal of one of his Zelienople families during 
the previous year. The church was generally called “Herbsts” 
in the early records of the Ohio Synod, for the reason that the 
ground was donated by George and Barbara Herbst, the deed 
bearing the date, December 27, 1834. This old church ground 
is located some distance from a cross-roads, leading from the 
Butler-New Castle road to Rose Point, and is now entirely 
surrounded by the farm from which it was taken. As late as 
1898 the old log church built on this ground was still in a fair 
state of preservation, having been constructed of unusually 
fine timber. About that time some vandal tore down the 
building to get some of the best logs. The first communion 
service of the congregation was held by Pastor Schweizer- 
barth, October 26, 1826, when seventeen persons communed. 
The next service of a similar nature was held by Pastor 





OLD HERBST CHURCH, LAWRENCE COUNTY, PA. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 585 


Michael Kuchler, July 26, 1829, when there were forty-five com- 
municants. These two communions include the following names: 


Braun, Sarah Hedendorn, Maria Sadler, Michael, Sr. 
Braun, Katharina Herbst, Georg May, Johannes 
Braun, Elizabetha Herbst, Barbara Sadler, Michael, Jr. 
Braun, Fronia Herbst, Salem Sadler, Katharina 
Fuchs, Peter Herbst, Susanna Sadler, Susanna 
Fuchs, Michael Herbst, Daniel Schneider, Joseph 
Fuchs, Magdalena Horn, Jacob Schneider, Margaretha 
Fuchs, Elizabetha Horn, Anna Schmid, Jacob 
Fuchs, Salem Jung, Georg Shrum, Abraham 
Fuchs, Anna Jung, Philip Shrum, Susanna 
Fuchs, Katharina Jung, Hanna Standle, Elizabetha 
Fischer, Katharina Jung, Katharina Stickel, Maria 
Hedendorn, David Kaufmann, Christian Uber, ‘Anna Maria 
Hedendorn, Heinrich Kenede, Susanna Uber, Maria 
Hedendorn, Daniel Kuchler, Katharina Yitzt, Georg 
Hedendorn, Elizabetha May, Johannes Vitzt, Elizabetha 


It is said of Pastor Michael Kuchler that the first sermon 
of his long and useful ministry was preached at Herbst’s, 
November 26, 1826, two years before he was licensed by the 
Synod of Ohio. This community was prevailingly Scotch- 
Irish, with only here and there a German farmer, so that the 
congregation was never large. For the first thirty-six years 
German alone was used in the services, and, when this policy 
had almost destroyed the congregation, it was reorganized by 
Rev. Asa H. Waters as an English church of thirty members, 
on Good Friday of 1862. Inasmuch as the old log church was 
movimetiebestot repair, the ereater part:of the services were 
held in a neighboring school house. After the resignation of 
Pastor Waters in 1866, and during the pastorate of Rev. Lewis 
Hippee, ground for the erection of a new church was secured 
at the present location, about one mile, east of Princeton. The 
corner stone was laid, September 29, 1868, and the church 
dedicated, April 10, 1870. From 1862 to 1876 it was connected 
with Prospect Parish; from 1877 to 1893 it was part of Wur- 
temburg Parish; from 1894 to 1910 it was in Middle Lancas- 
tefeeatish.itomel9l2 to 1919 itewas supplied/ by Reve Peter 
Riffer and other pastors of New Castle; since 1920 it has been 
regularly served by the pastors of Bethany Church, New Cas- 
tle. The following is an approximately correct list of the pas- 
torates: Rev. J. G. C. Schweizerbarth, 1824-1826; Rev. Mich- 
ael Kuchler, 1826-1834; Rev. Jacob Hoelsche, 1834-1837; Rev. 
J. G. C. Schweizerbarth (second term), 1838-1843; Rev. Rob- 
ert Kleiman, 1844; Rev. John Esensee, 1844-1849; Rev. Gott- 
lieb Kranz, 1849-1850; Supplies, 1850-1856; Rev. William Stro- 
bel; 1857-1859. Vacant, 1859-1862; Rev.. A. H. Waters, 1862- 
1866; Rev. Lewis Hippee, 1866-1873; Rev. S$. A. Swingle, 1874- 
1876; Rev. Peter Riffer, 1877-1890; Rev. G. J: Diener, 1891- 
1893; Rev. H. K. Shanor, 1894-1906; Rev. C. L. V..Dozer, 1907- 
19105 “Supplies, 1910-1919" Rev.) W.) Ri) Sammel, 1920-1922 ; 
Rev. W. A. Zundel, 1922-1924; Rev. C. O. Frank, 1924-. 


586 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


SP a JOHNS SBVANGEDIGAL LUTHERANS GEAR GE 
DELAWARE TOWNSHIP, MERCER COUNTY, PA. 


St. John’s was organized as a union church, January 1, 1837, 
by Pastor Philip Zeiser of the Reformed, acting in harmony 
with Pastor Michael Kuchler of the Lutherans. The Lutheran 

members of the Church 

= Me | Council, elected at that 

time, were George Hittel, 
Jacob Kaufman, Peter 
Gebel, and Daniel Steig- 
er, (On May -l4estso7 
the first communion serv- 
ice was held in a log 
church, erected by the 
members at the low cash 
cost “of. esixty padollaae: 
Everything needed to 
build this place of wor- 
ship was donated. Prac- 
tically all of the 33 per- 
sons who participated in 
this first communion 



































4 


zeal el | were former members of 
xe) oe | saat “e Good Hope Church 





Their names were as fol- 


x 
lows: 

Acker, Benjamin *Kaufmann, Jacob Reichert, Magdalena 
Acker, Maria Mayer, Adam Schaner, Johannes 
Beck, Dorothea Mayer, Casper 4 Schaner, Sara 
Billig, Johannes Mayer, Barbara Schaner, Waltina 
Geobel, Peter Mayer, Sarah Schaner, Magdalena 
George, Esther Matter, Selma Schumacher, Thomas 
Hittel, Friedrich Miller, Ebbe Steiger, Daniel 
Hittel, Selma Minold, Andreas Steiger, Solomon 
Hittel, Katharina Minold, Susanna Steiger, Brissila 
Katerman, Karl Rab,» Peter Steiger, Lovenia 
Kaufmann, Katharina Reichert, Anna Wagaman, Katharina 


There are records of baptisms in the old German Church 
Book, bearing as early a date as April 17, 1835, but these may 
have been entered at a later day. On March 23, 1838, John Haas 
and his wife Sarah deeded to Isaac Siegfried and Daniel Steiger, 
in trust for St. John’s Church, an acre of ground at the corner of 
the Mercer and Greenville roads, for a consideration of ten dol- 
lars. This ground was given for the exclusive use of St. John’s 
Church, as a place of worship, school and burial ground, and, it 
was further stipulated in the deed that the church, “must never 
be incorporated”. Because of this gift of ground, St. John’s has 
been known as the ‘““Haas Church” to the present day. The old 
log church erected by the original members did not long meet the 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 587 


needs of the congregation, and a substantial frame church was 
dedicated in 1846. This church was located in the forks, across 
the road from the old log church, and was modelled after the 
pattern of the old Westmoreland churches, with a gallery on 
three sides and a high pulpit in the center above the altar. It 
was so well constructed that it served the congregation for 
seventy-five years. When the time came to replace it, it was the 
policy of the church leaders to use the best materials obtainable, 
and the result of their efforts was a beautiful building of tapestry 
brick and stone, representing an outlay of $50,000. Although 
the sum of money invested established a record in the Pittsburgh 
Synod for rural churches, every dollar of the cost was subscribed 
before the close of the dedication services. The corner stone of 
this church was laid, September 5, 1920; and the church dedi- 
cated by Pastor Renoll of the Reformed and Pastor Schweikert 
of the Lutherans, October 30, 1921. A week of special services 
preceded the day of dedication, and made it a red letter day in 
the history of the congregation. At the time of this dedication 
the Lutheran part of the congregation numbered 320 members. 
peeohn’s* Church stands out as. one of the tew) Lutheran 
churches of western Pennsylvania that have been able to con- 
tinue the union principles of their German founders. The first 
Lutheran pastor of this congregation was Rev. Michael Kuchler, 
who completed two terms of service here, covering a period of 
eighteen years. A little over two years after he had organized 
the church, he resigned in order to accept a call to Erie. Three 
pastors of the Ohio Synod served the congregation between his 
Hreteandnsecond: pastorate, Rev, b: ©? Becker, Rev. [heodore 
Hengist and Rev. Gottlieb Kranz. On May 30, 1858, Pastor 
Kuchler returned from Erie and once more took charge of St. 
John’s, serving until some time in 1874. During this second pas- 
torate the congregation transferred its membership to the Pitts- 
burgh Synod. The following pastors have served the congrega- 
tion: Rev. Michael Kuchler, 1837-1839; Rev. F. C. Becker, 
1840-1847; Rev. Theodore Hengist, 1847-1851; Rev. Gottlieb 
Kranz, 1852-1857; Rev. Michael Kuchler (second term), 1858- 
1874; Supplies, 1874-1880; Rev. C. A. Fetzer, 1880-1887; Rev. 
W. M. Rehrig, Ph.D., 1887-1894; Rev. Nathanael Scheffer, 
1895-1896; Rev. W. G. Dressler, 1896-1897; Rev. S. B. Stupp, 
1897-1901; Rev. Peter Riffer, 1902-1910; Rev. Wilson Yeisley, 
1910-1919; Rev. C. E. Schweikert, 1920-. 


ZION’S EVANGELICAL, LUTHERAN CHURCH 
Wii Ni LOWINSHIP, CAWRENCEECOUN TY, PA: 


What was later known as the Wuertemberg Church was 
provisionally organized in the home of John Jacob Liebendorfer 


588 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


af bye Bishop: eee 

; See Bnbeegice ats mora 
Si. age See Ly Cas Game ervices were he y 
a es et ae ei this busy pastor in the 
oS Lees Liebendorfer school 
a house about six times a 

S it year from 1837 to 1842, 
i when he was succeeded 





tN 





>. by Rev. John Esensee: 
The parish of this pastor 
consisted of Middle Lan- 
caster, Prospect German, 
Jerusalem, and Wuer- 
temberg, all services be- 
ing conducted in Ger- 
man. ‘The congregation 
was even then known as 


= ee LI cam) Bethlehem Church,  al- 





—— 











= fassarran) foseomneae se: Nee) 
> 




















=< 











though a church building 

was not erected until 

much later. On May 8, 
1849, Pastor Esensee removed to Indiana, and was succeeded by 
Rev. Herman Mantz, a pastor of the Pittsburgh Synod, who 
served from 1849 to 1852. In the last named year, Doctor W. A. 
Passavant visited the congregation, which then worshipped in 
the old school house, and urged the twenty members to build a 
suitable church. Michael Liebendorfer agreed to donate a good 
site and fifty dollars; others made equally liberal pledges; but 
for some reason the church was not built. Rev. H. C. Kaehler 
took charge of the congregation in 1853, and served them for 
two years. In 1855 Pastor Schweizerbarth returned for a sec- 
ond pastorate, and a constitution prepared by him was adopted, 
October 25, 1855. The old German Church Book, in which this 
constitution was recorded, was begun, August 12, 1842, and the 
first recorded communion service was held, October 16, 1842, 
when twenty-six persons received the sacrament. During the 
years, 1842-1844, the following family names are found among 
the communicants: Elliott, Elsesser, Fischer, Freitag, Gall, 
Geiger, Glaser, Grieb, Hubeisen, Jung, Liebendorfer, Mesard, 
Rapp, Roch, Schell, and Strittmatter. The Wehmann, Wein- 
garten and Lenz families came later. Pastor Schweizerbarth’s 
second pastorate lasted for only a few months in 1855, and 
Pastor C. F. W. Brecht gave them occasional supplies in 1856. 
From August 1, 1857, to July 26, 1863, they were served every 
two weeks by the German pastors of New Castle. In 1865 they 
were reported vacant, and Rev. Herman Gilbert took them under 
his care, serving from 1865 to 1867, and dedicating their new 


HiplORY OB THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 589 


church. The ground for this church was bought from Hugh 
Smiley for $50, and the location was frequently called ““Smiley’s 
Hill.” The church was built of frame, 30x40, and was dedicated 
by Pastor Gilbert, November 25, 1866. It is said that the first 
English sermon preached to this congregation was the dedication 
sermon of Doctor Henry W. Roth, and this introduction of the 
English language, coupled with the fact that the congregation 
was admitted into the Pittsburgh Synod in 1867, started a dis- 
sension in the church that proved disastrous. A law suit de- 
veloped from the controversy, which was finally decided in favor 
of the synod party in 1874, but before that time came the con- 
gregation had been hopelessly divided. The German element, 
under the leadership of John F. Geiger, decided to organize a 
new church, and regular services were begun in Mt. Hope school 
house in 1867. The English element continued to hold services 
in Bethlehem Church, but were so few in numbers that they dis- 
banded in 1878, and sold their property to the German Church 
of Ellwood City in 1894. In the meantime, the German or anti- 
synod party effected a reorganization under the name “Zion’s 
German Evangelical Congregation”, November 21, 1874, and 
proceeded to secure a new church. In their constitution they 
declared that the congregation might select any preacher who 
.suited them, Lutheran, Reformed, or Evangelical, and that he 
would not be required to belong to any synod. ‘The earlier sub- 
scribers to this new constitution were the following: 


Albern, Heinrich Leonhardt, Karl F. Schwarz, Ludwig 
Fuchs, Georg Leonhardt, Heinrich Schwarz, Ludwig, Jr. 
Fuchs, Heinrich Rohr, Andreas Wehmann, F. 

Geiger, John Frederick Rutter, Heinrich Wehmann, Ernst 
Gregor, Karl Rutter, Georg Wehmann, Karl 

Jung, Jacob Schweinsberg, John F. Wehmann, John 
Ketterer, Philip Schweinsberg, Johann Wehmann, William 
Kiesling, Jacob Schweinsberg, Wilhelm Weingartner, —— — 





The first church officers were: John Frederick Geiger, F. 
Wehmann, Jacob Jung, and Ernst Wehmann. It was a purely 
German organization, no English preaching being permitted ex- 
cept by a majority vote of the Church Council. On October 31, 
1874, John Frederick Geiger agreed to donate an acre of ground 
for church and burial purposes, provided a church would be built 
at once, that it should be a German Evangelical Church, and that 
it should not belong to any synod. The corner stone was laid, 
August 22, 1875, and the church dedicated by Pastor F. G. E. 
Knauth, October 31, 1875. It was a small frame building, 24x34, 
with three windows on either side, but served the congregation 
for many years. After a period of twenty years, a strong de- 
mand again arose among the younger people for English preach- 
ing; and the last German sermon was preached in Zion by Rev. 
Henry Voegele in 1895. The protest against all synodical affilia- 
tions also lost its force in the course of time. A new constitu- 


590 HISTOR YO HERE Pan LOB URGE ta 


tion was adopted, November 15, 1914, in which the congregation 
assumed the name, “Zion’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of 
Wayne Township, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania’, and the 
church was formally admitted to the Pittsburgh Synod, June 11, 
1917. The pastors of the original Bethlehem Church were: Rev. 
J. G. C. Schweizerbarth, 1837-1842; Rev. John Esensee, 1842- 
1849; Rev. Herman Mantz, 1849- 1852; Rev. H. C. Kaehler, 1853- 
185520 eval MGC: Schweizerbarth (supply), 1355¢R Gyan ale 
W. Brecht (supply), 1856; Rev. William Strobel, 1857-1859 ; 
Rev. Frederick Zimmerman, 1859-1861; Rev. J. H. C. Schieren- 
beck, 1862-1863; Rev. Herman Gilbert, 1865-1867; Rev. Carl 
Jaeckel, 1867- 1873: Supplies, 1873-1877; Rey. hetene item 
1877-1878. The pastors of the reorganized Zion Church were: 
Rev. E. F. Winter, 1868; Rev. J. G. Butz (supply), 1871; Rev. 
J. Herr (supply), 1873; RewiG. HB Knauth, 1874-1875 - Rev. 
George Ott, 1875-1878; Rev. H. Cordes, 1879; Rev. K. Walz, 
1880; Rev. Ivan Dietrich, 1881-1884; Rev. C. J. Bohnen, 1885; 
Rev. J. J. Meissner, 1886-1887; Rev. Peter Riffer, 1888-1890; 
Rev.) P. J.C. .Glatzert,,, 18904189 Rev Henrys V oegelemp aa. 
1895; Rev. Peter Riffer (second term), 1896-1902; Rev. A. P. 
Lentz, 1902-1914; Rev. Ludwig Beisecker, 1914-1923; Rev. G. 
F. Hegele, 1923- 1924 - Rev. Ludwig Beisecker (second term), 
1924-1920. : 


SALE MVE MANGE TLICALSL ULHE RAN CER GED 
OTTER CREEK TOWNSHIPHMERCER COnsPAr 


Otter Creek Township lands were not among those taken 
up by the first settlers of Mercer County. As lateias 1845 
there was still much uncleared land in this section. The 
greater part of the early settlers were Germans of Lutheran 
and Reformed faith. The largest landowner among the pio- 
neers was Andrew Bush, who came from Trumbull County, 
Ohio, about the year 1840, and purchased a large part of the 
valley lying southeast of Pleasantville. Mr. Bush was a 
Lutheran, who donated the ground on which a log church was 
built by Reformed and Lutherans. This church was dedicated 
under the name of Emmanuel. Tho two congregations were 
organized by Pastors Zeiser and Kranz in 1842. Sometimes 
the church was called Donation, because it was located on 
what were known as “Donation Lands’, but the most familiar 
local name was Bush Church. From 1842 to 1855 the congre- 
gations worshipped together in the old log church, and then a 
frame church was erected in its stead. Later there was a 
friendly separation, the Reformed building a large brick 
church nearby, and the Lutherans remaining in the frame 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 591 


church. During the first 39 years Emmanuel Church was un- 
der the care of the Joint Synod of Ohio, but many of the 
people were not satisfied with the position of the pastors on 
the questions of pulpit fellowship and secret orders. When 
Doctor Henry W. Roth was invited to preach for them, the 
officers of the church locked the church doors against him, 
and he was compelled to preach in the open air. ‘This event 
led to such bitter feelings that sixty members of the congre- 
gation withdrew from Emmanuel, held a meeting in the 
school house at Kitch’s Corners, and were organized as Salem 
Evangelical Lutheran Church by Rev. C. A. Fetzer and Doc- 
tor Henry W. Roth, April 16, 1881. The first members of the 
Church Council were Henry Mowrey, Adam Hoffacker, and 
Philip Gartz. The following family names are found on the 
first communion record: Billig, Pauly, Mowrey, Monaweck, 
Hoffacker, -Gartz, and Fisher... On May 13, 1881; one and a 
half acres of land were bought from S$. J. Coon, and it was de- 
cided to build a Lutheran Church, in which the Reformed 
would be granted the privilege of worship. A small frame 
church was built at a cost of $1,000, and dedicated by Pastor 
C. A. Fetzer, November 19, 1881. After the separation Luth- 
eran services were held in Emmanuel Church by Ohio Synod 
pastors for a number of years, but the congregation gradu- 
ally dwindled in membership until it disbanded. ‘The frame 
church building was removed by the Ohio Synod to Grove 
City, and the pipe organ was taken to Youngstown, Ohio. A 
few of the members of Emmanuel then united with Salem, 
but the greater part went to St. John’s or united with Jeru- 
salem Reformed Church, This unhappy division of forces was 
a serious blow to the interests of Lutheranism in the com- 
munity, from which it has not recovered to the present day. 
While the church has been fortunate in being connected with 
the Mercer County Parish, and having an excellent class of 
pastors, the congregation has never been large. Starting with 
sixty members in 1881, it was increased to 120 during the pas- 
formate or Rey..Gr Ao Petzer, but audeciineithen,set:in,.and only 
38 ‘were reported in 1922. Under Pastor Fetzer, half of the 
services were held in German and half in English. Pastor 
Peter Riffer was accustomed to make his sermon part German 
and part English, but, before he closed his pastorate in 1910, 
the last of the German services had been held in Salem. The 
following pastors have ministered here since the division: 
Rev. C. A. Fetzer, 1881-1887; Rev. W. M. Rehrig, Ph.D., 1887- 
[5046 -Reve WwW. G. Dressler; 1895- 1OO/Pak ev, pon B- otupp, 13897- 
1901; Rev. Peter Riffer, 1902-1910; Rev. Wilson Yeisley, 1910- 
1919: Rev, C: E. Schweikert, 1920-1923; Supplies, 1923-. 


592 HISTORY QF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


ST. PAULS EVANGELIGAPADUDH ERAN eC UG i 
NEW CASTLE, PA. 


One of the oldest towns of northwestern Pennsylvania is 
New Castle, early settlers being attracted by the promising water 
power of the Shenango and Neshannock. ‘The early settlers of 
1800, however, were either English or Scotch-Irish, the first 
German immigrants from Wuertemberg not coming here until 
about the year 1845. A missionary was sent to them in the per- 
son of Pastor Casper Braun, who organized a congregation of 27 
members, August 28, 1848. The first members were: 


Aeg, Mr. and Mrs. F. Reiber,, Mr. and Mrs. H. Schuh, P. 

Becker, C. Reiber, Andreas : Schuh, Mrs. W. 
Becker, Karl Reiber, Johannes Seifert, Friedrich 
Becker, Wilhelmina Reiber, Mrs. Elizabetha Seifert, Elizabetha 
Hochmaier, J. Reiber, Konrad Stapf, Friedrich 
Knoblach, P. Reiber, Mrs. Anna Maria Strittmatter, Joseph 
Knoblach, Mrs. J. Reibers Hie. Tiree, Strittmatter, Anna M. 
Mueller, Mr. and Mrs. A. Sauieiwy les Welsch, Elizabetha 


Their first constitution was not adopted until January 28, 
1849, when a Sunday School of 100 pupils was organized. The 
first Church Council consisted of Joseph Strittmatter, Friedrich 
Seifert, elders; and F. Aeg and Friedrich Stapf, deacons. The 
establishment of the congregation was attended by serious diffi- 
culties, since many of these Germans were hostile to the Church. 
Pastor Braun became discouraged and removed to. Texas in 1849. 
The next regular pastor was Rev. H. C. Kaehler, 1851-1856, 
under whose leadership a fine corner lot was secured as a build- 
inga sites Lhe} ao tame 
stone of a small church 
was laid by Pastor Kaehl- 
er in October, 1851, but 
there is no record of its 
dedication. It was built 
of brick .atija deostarer 
$2,000, but this proved 
such a large sum to the 
poor Germans that it was 
threatened by _ sheriff’s 
sale. Acting under the 
advice of Doctor Passa- 
vant, the congregation 
was incorporated under 
the title “First German 
Evangelical Lutheran 
Church and Congrega- 
tion,, New. .Castles Page 
August 13,, 1852: Bhe 
help of the Pittsburgh 















































HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 593 


Synod saved the life of the congregation, and they were able to 
pay a large part of their debt within a few years. After the 
debt was paid the work of the church was pressed with such 
vigor that many new members were added. The large parish of 
Pastor Kaehler then consisted of seven churches, so that he 
could not give the necessary attention to the New Castle church. 
When he resigned in 1856, a self-supporting parish was organ- 
ized, consisting of New Castle, Jerusalem and Wuertemberg. 
The first pastor of the new parish was Rev. William Strobel, who 
served from 1857 to 1859. The New Castle church paid $300 
of the pastor’s salary. The successors of Pastor Strobel were 
Pastor Frederick Zimmerman, 1859-1862, and Pastor J. H. C. 
Schierenbeck, 1862-1867, who preached only at New Castle and 
Wuertemberg. The next pastor was Rev. Carl Jaeckel, 1867- 
1875, under whom a good parsonage on Crawford avenue was 
bought for $2,000. The large lot of one and a half acres was 
planted with many fine fruit trees. This was the first of four 
parsonages owned by St. Paul’s. The first was sold to John 
Braun; the second, located at 249 Grant avenue, was sold to 
Fred Kuech for $2,500; the third, located at 805 Emerson 
avenue, was bought for $4,750 in 1917; the fourth, located at 
301 N. Jefferson street, was secured at a cost of $17,000 in 1924. 
The last named adjoins the church ground, and was one of the 
best moves in the history of the congregation. Another good 
move was the purchase of the adjoining lot on North Jefferson 
street, 46x160, at a cost of $13,000 in 1925. New Castle 
formed a parish with Corry, 1870-1871, but this proved very un- 
satisfactory. Pastor Jaeckel resigned in 1875, and his immediate 
successors were: Rev. John Fritz, 1875-1880; Rev. Gustav 
Schulz, 1880-1884; Rev. C. J. Bohnen, 1885-1889; and Rev. P. 
J. C. Glatzert, 1890-1897. During the last named pastorate there 
was a large increase in the population of the city, largely because 
of the establishment of steel mills; and a new constitution was 
adopted, October 11, 1891, in order to meet the new conditions. 
The organization of St. John’s Church in 1895 taught them that 
larger provisions would be needed for the English in their serv- 
ices. Many of the younger people went either to St. John’s or to 
other congregations. Plans were also made for the erection of 
a larger church, but a great mistake was made when they sold 
the front part of their lot in order to raise the necessary funds. 
This was corrected in 1924, when they repurchased the property 
for $17,000. 

The new church was dedicated by Pastor R. R. F. Boethelt, 
April 9, 1899, when addresses were made in both German and 
English. It was built of brick on the rear of their lot at a cost 
of $4,500. After entering this church the use of English was 
steadily increased. Beginning with the year 1886, there was a 


594 HISTORY: OF “LEE WRIT TS BURGH SYNOD 


large influx of Siebenburger Saxon immigrants, the majority of 
whom found a spiritual home in St. Paul’s. This also meant a 
greater necessity for the German in the public services, During 
the pastorate of Rev. W. C. Miller, 1915-1920, many improve- 
ments were made, among which were the installation of a large 
Hillgren-Lane pipe organ. The last of the church debt was dis- 
charged on Christmas of 1922, when Pastor Hegele in a public 
service consigned the mortgage to flames. At that time the con- 
gregation numbered 500 confirmed members and had a Sunday 
School of more than 300 children. A feature of the church life 
of St. Paul’s is the Sunday morning children’s service, during 
which the entire school, led by a junior choir, renders the full 
service of the Lutheran Church. Pastor Hegele also conducted 
schools in Hillville and Lowellville in order to conserve the in- 
terests of the parish. The pastors of St. Paul’s were: Rev. 
Casper Braun, 1848-1849; Rev. Gottlieb Bassler and Rev. Her- 
man Mantz (supplies), 1849-1851; Rev. H. C. Kaehler, 1851- 
1856; Rev. William Strobel, 1857-1859; Rev. Frederick Zimmer- 
man, 1859-1862; Rev. J. H. C. Schierenbeck, 1862-1867; Rev. 
Carl Jaeckel, 1867-1875; Rev. John Fritz, 1875-1880; Rev. 
Gustav Schulz, 1880-1884; Rev. C. J. Bohnen, 1885-1889; Rev. 
P, J. C. Glatzert, 1890-1897; Rev. R. R. F. Boethelt, 1897-1907 ; 
Rev. C. Frederick Frank, 1907-1915; Rev. W. C. Miller, 1915- 
1920; Rev. G. F. Hegele, 1920-1925; Rev. A. M. Stump, 1925-. 


THEE GON GET LCA 1a ie RIN FL Tate Te 
©) FD ELH Td ©) ever Nets 
GREENVILLE, PA, 


Among the first settlers of Mercer County was Jacob Loutz- 
enhiser, who came to the Shenango Valley from Westmoreland 
County in 1796, and bought the ground on which Greenville is 
situated in 1808. The early church relations of the Loutzen- 
hisers were with the Kecks and Klingensmiths of Good Hope. 
One of the pioneer pastors of Good Hope was Rev. Michael 
Kuchler, who gave practically his entire ministerial life to the 
service of the Germans of this county. On May 20, 1860, he 
held the first Lutheran service in Greenville, at which thirty-two 
received the communion. Father Kuchler continued to preach 
here for the next three years, but no church organization was 
effected. When Pastor W. F. Ulery came to Greenville in 1863 
as the missionary of the Pittsburgh Synod, Pastor Kuchler gave 
him the largest possible encouragement. His first service was 
held in the West Greenville academy, December 25, 1864. A 
congregation of forty members was organized, April 15, 1865, 
with the following officers: Conrad Bittenbanner and Joseph 
Weber, elders; Daniel Phillips and Charles Bortz, deacons. Ger- 


HiSstORS OUT EsPITTSBURGE SYNOD 595 


man and English serv- 
ices were alternated dur- 
ing the next winter, and 
the first communion was 
administered conjointly 
by Pastors Ulery and 
Reedy ie tae VWVihen wt the 
academy was closed 
against them in May, 
cenvicecanweres /heldhsin 
Henlein hall and then in 
tiemelearptais. teeehurch, 
Twelve heads of families 
then banded together to 
build a church. Pastor 
Ulery was made the col- 
lectomeanda,Woctor.Gy aL: 
Kughler the treasurer. A 
well located lot along the 
park had been bought by 
the two pastors during 
the previous vear. With limited funds but almost unlimited faith, 
the corner stone of a brick church was laid, September 25, 1866, 
when German and English addresses were made. When the great- 
ness of this undertaking was fully understood by the members, 
some grew faint hearted and deserted, but the saints persevered. 
At the end of the year, when the unfinished building had been fur- 
nished with rough plank seats and a huge stove installed in one 
corner, services began in their first permanent home. On May 4, 
1867, the mission was reorganized under the present name. The 
first officers of the reorganized church were: Joseph Weber, 
VonneWurcsts Dantel Pinllips, IsaaceAmy, ‘Go Altenderfer Ds: 
Heilman, Martin Benninghoff, and Charles Bortz. Pastor 
Michael Kuchler was excused because of the infirmities of age, 
and was released, May 19, 1867. The church was dedicated by 
President Bassler of the Pittsburgh Synod, October 13, 1867, 
when the sermon was preached by Doctor Samuel Laird. The 
cost of the building was $14,350, and two of the members, 
Charles Bortz and Daniel Phillips, mortgaged their personal 
property in order to provide the funds. When this had been 
accomplished the congregation began to grow, numbering 167 
communicants in 1870. The full service of the Lutheran Church 
was used for the first time on Christrnas of 1869. Pastor Ulery 
accepted a professorship in Thiel College, September 1, 1870, 
but supplied the pulpit for another year. The annual salary was 
$300, in addition to the missionary appropriation by the synod. 
After Thiel was removed to Greenville, the professors were 












































596 HISTORY OF*THE EIT ESBURGH SYNOD 


ready to supply the congregation with preaching. Doctor Henry 
Warren Roth deserves special credit for services rendered on 
many a dark day. The next regular pastor was Rev. Jeremiah 
Fishburn, 1879-1883, who also served Good Hope. A parsonage 
was bought during the second year of his pastorate, but sold 
within nine months because of the supposed inability of the con- 
eregation to manage the church debt and pay for the parsonage 
at the same time. The successor of Pastor Fishburn was Doctor 
J. A. Kunkelman, who began his pastorate, September 1, 1883. 
His educational methods were unique, but practical, and many 
new members were received. A Ladies Sewing Society was 
organized in 1883, which federated with the Working Associa- 
tion, and developed after several changes of name into the pres- 
ent Ladies Aid Society. The constitution of the church, after 
five years of study by a special committee, was revised in 1887. 
The congregation maintained a monthly German service in the 
church until May 1, 1889, when it was decided to abandon them 
unless there was a strong demand for their continuance. Such 
a demand never came. When Doctor Kunkelman resigned, 
April 1, 1894, he reported 230 members in the church and 176 in 
the Sunday School. The next pastor was Rev. W. M. Rehrig, 
Ph.D., who served under trying conditions from October 1, 1894, 
to January 1, 1898. The pastorate of Rev. Frank Clarence 
Oberly followed, October 19, 1898, to March 1; 1913; whier 
stands as the longest in the history of the church. Under his 
genial and patient ministry the old rock of spiritual inertia was 
broken and the most effective work accomplished. ‘The financial 
system was reorganized, the weekly envelope system introduced, 
the young people encouraged, the highest sense of church obliga- 
tion created, so that a new and living spirit pervaded the entire 
congregation. Mrs. James Heilman and Mrs. Sophia Lohr were 
elected congregational deaconesses, January 24, 1900, and did 
much to further the work of mercy and charity. When Andrew 
Carnegie offered to give $1,000 toward the purchase of a pipe 
organ, on condition that the church be free of debt, the organ 
was secured and the church freed from debt at the same time. 
A recess addition was built to the church as an organ chamber, 
and the organ was dedicated, April 8, 1904. In 1906 the charter 
of 1867 was revised to conform to the provisions of the laws of 
Pennsylvania; and the members of the Church Council, under 
the amended charter, were limited to the pastor and deacons. 
The Womans Home and Foreign Missionary Society of Trinity 
Church was organized in 1906, and rapidly developed into a 
strong auxiliary. Near the close of this pastorate a new church 
movement was started by Pastor Oberly, but his resignation 
checked it until a later day. Pastor Oberly’s successor was 
Pastor Walter Langhans, who served from August 1, 1913, to 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 997 


February 15, 1919. The new pastor followed closely the meth- 
ods of his predecessor, and the splendid organization continued 
to produce results. The publication of “The Messenger” was 
continued and the building project encouraged. Plans for the 
erection of a church to cost $35,000 were made, and these plans 
were approved by the great majority of the congregation. ‘Then 
came the World War, and all thought of building was laid aside. 
The Ladies’ Aid Society, however, announced that they had not 
quit work, and that they would pledge $5,000 toward the pro- 
posed church. When Pastor Langhans declined a call to St. 
John’s Church of Pittsburgh in May, 1917, he did so with the 
understanding that the congregation would build. The old 
church was refrescoed at.a cost of $550, but the urgency of the 
building program was never silenced. In September, 1917, the 
adjoining Losell property, including three lots and two houses, 
was purchased in order to enlarge the building site. This was 
the situation when Pastor Henderson N. Miller began his pas- 
torate, August 1, 1919. Three more lots adjoining the purchase 
of 1917 were then secured, giving ample room for the building 
of a great church side by side with a modern parish house. The 
question was then raised as to whether it would be the better 
policy to build the church or the parish house first; and the de- 
liberate judgment of the congregation finally gave first place to 
the latter. Accordingly the parish house was built and equipped 
with all the conveniences of an up to date Sunday School. It 
was built of stone in harmony with a plan that will eventually 
place a church of corresponding architecture by its side. The 
entire cost of this building was $60,000. It was dedicated by 
Pastor Miller, May 28, 1922, when it was filled by a great school, 
numbering more than 500 and evidencing the possibilities of 
Sunday School work in this parish. When the debt was 
paid,in ,1925, plans swere laid for the completion “of the 
church. The order of the pastorates has been as_ follows: 
Rev. W. F. Ulery, 1865-1871; Rev. Michael Kuchler (associate), 
1865-1867 ; Supplies, 1871- 1879 ; Rev. Jeremiah Fishburn, 1879- 
1883 ; Rev. wae Kimkelmanve Dy 1833-1894 -) Rev. W. M. 
Rehrig, Ph.D., 1894-1898; Rev. F. C. Ober! y, 1898- 1913; Rev. 
Woo ivanchans, 1913-1919 Rev EN Miller, Ph, Ds; 1919-. 


ZIONJEVANGELIGAL LUTHERAN, CHURCH 
PYMATUNING TOWNSHIP, MERCER CO., PA. 


Pastors of Good Hope had preaching stations in this vicin- 
ity as early as 1836, but no attempt was made to organize a 
church until 1853, when thirty Lutherans and Retard of 
Good Hope built a church at Rickert’s Corners. Because of the 


598 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


location it is frequently 
called Rickert’s Church. 
Because of the opposi- 
tion of the mother church 
no separate organization 
was effected until 1854. 
The first Lutheran pastor 
was Rev. Theodore 
Hengist, who preached 
in German from 1854 to 
to 1860. German serv- 
ices were continued in 
this church for at least 
thirty yearsieu) Chesiigst 
constitution was thor- 
oughly unionistic, one 
— treasurer serving for 


nn a both sides. The two con- 
& 


= 










DEO 
[eam 
eles 


Frames Oras 


E> 








Ss 


<r = 
ah) GS GE] 




































gregations worshipped in 

the same’ church until 

1900, when the Reform- 
ed built a church in Transfer. ‘The earliest communion lists 
bear the following family names: Baer, Billig, Coleman, Diffen- 
derfer, Durst, Gartz, Hittle, Kemerer, Moyer, Pauly, Reinhard, 
Roof, Steingrabe, Stoyer, and Wagner. From 1866 to 1880 
Zion and Emmanuel formed a parish, and were served by Ohio 
Synod pastors. A parsonage was built in Fredonia, but this was 
sold in 1881. A call was extended to Rev. C. A. Fetzer of the 
Pittsburgh Synod in 1880, since when all the pastors have been 
members of that body. The complete list of pastors is as fol- 
lows: Rev. Theodore Hengist, 1854-1860; Rev. Michael Kuchler, 
1860-1866; Ohio Synod pastors, 1866-1880; Rev. C. A. Fetzer, 
1880-1887; Rev. W. M. Rehrig, Ph.D., 1887-1894; Rev. W. G. 
Dressler, 1895-1897; Rev. S. B. Stupp, 1897-1901; Rev. Peter 
Riffer, 1902-1910; Rev. Wilson Yeisley, 1910-1919; Rev. C. E. 
Schweikert, 1920-. 


oD JOHN SEVANGELICAL, VUE RAN eC hin 
NEWACAS Tih aha | 


Many attempts were made to establish an English Luth- 
eran Church in New Castle before a permanent organization 
was effected. As early as 1850 services were held here by 
Rev. Hammer of the Shenango Mission, and his failure to 
establish a church was usually charged to the want of a suit- 
able place of worship. Doctor W. A. Passavant gave the field 


HISTORSZORS LOE PICCSBURGHRSYNOD 599 


his personal attention in 1852, and a little group of ten Luth- 
erans rented a hall and fitted it up for worship, but the mis- 
sion died for lack of a regular pastor. In 1856 a Mr. Wells 
of Mahoningtown offered to donate a large lot in that adjoin- 
ing town for a church, and Doctor Passavant looked upon this 
offer as the key to New Castle; but Mr. Wells died in the 
following year, and New Castle was left unoccupied. From 
1857 to 1870 no effort was made to do anything here; then 
Rev. Henry Reck made an ineffectual effort to establish a 
mission and serve it in connection with Beaver Falls. Fram 
1870 to 1895 the only English Lutheran services for New Cas- 
tle were those of St. Paul’s German Church. Lutherans not 
satisfied with a bilingual congregation entered other 
churches. Then came Pastor Nathanael Scheffer and success. 
He was then pastor of St. John’s Church of Mercer County, 
and had free time to give to mission work. On ‘Tuesday, 
April 16, 1895, he visited New Castle in company with Pastor 
William M. Rehrig, and sought out the scattered Lutherans. 
Finding a few he came back and sought more, and was finally 
emboldened to announce that a service would be held in the 
Y. M. C. A. Hall, Sunday morning, June 23. Eleven persons 
attended that service, and Pastor Scheffer was compelled to 
act as preacher, organist and chorister, but, like a true mis- 
sionary, was glad for the eleven and announced regular serv- 
ices every two weeks. The offering at the first service 
amounted to eighty-five cents, but it was a beginning, and 
H. K. Gregory was asked to take it and serve as the treasurer. 
A choir was organized, which rendered the Chief Service for 
the first time, September 15, 1895. A constitution was adopt- 
ed, October 13, 1895, when St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran 
Church was organized with 26 members. The first deacons 
were, "Ky Gregory, Michael, Heckart, Z. C>Amon, George 
~.-.Oesterling, "A. O)"Speer, and Henry Albert: ‘[he original 
members were the following: 


Albert, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Genkinger, Paul W. Mitchell, Mrs. Elizabeth 
Albert, Mrs. G. J. Gregory, ALAS Oesterling, George S. 
Amon, Mr. and Mrs. Z. Heckart, Michael Oesterling, Laura 
Aukerman, JN ARE Heckart, Mrs. Elizabeth Rodenbaugh, Joseph 
Crore (et Kerber, "Mrs. Philip Rodenbaugh, Harriett 
Eckert, Mrs. Mary Kissinger, Mrs. Emma Seamon, James 
Genkinger, Louis G. Lindeman, Louis Speer, Mrs. A. O. 
Genkinger, Harriett Lindeman, Mrs. Ella Spencer, Mrs. J. W. 


The congregation was admitted to the Pittsburgh Synod 
in 1896 as the “First Evangelical Lutheran Church”, but the 
name was given incorrectly. The correct name is given in 
the legal charter of June 8, 1897. Pastor Scheffer preached 
his closing sermon here, May 24, 1896, after giving a gratuit- 
ous service for which St. John’s should hold him in everlast- 
ing remembrance. His successor was Rev. Joshua H. Miller, 


600 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


Ph.D., who served from June 17, 1896, to May 13, 1906, re- 
turning, October 1, 1906, to serve until January 6, 1918. The 
most impressive feature of this long pastorate was the steady 
progress of the church. There were no great “booms” con- 
nected with it, neither were there any reactions. He found a 
small mission, but left a strong congregation of 309 members. 
For the first seven years the place of meeting was the Y. M. 
C. A. Hall. A splendid church site, corner of Falls and North 
Mills streets, was bought from Samuel Critchlow, January 
31, 1899, for a consideration of $4,500. When the Episcopalians 
sought to build a new church they were willing to trade their 
old church to the Lutherans for their lot and. a bonus "or 
$3,000. This deal was made, May 15, 1901. While it meant a 
loss that the next generation would be compelled to make 
good, it nevertheless gave to St. John’s a churchly place of 
worship, in which the congregation could gather the strength 
with which to do greater things. This church was rededi- 
cated by Pastor Miller, April 27, 1902; when he was assisted 
by Doctor Edmund Belfour, Rev. George U. Pruess, and Rev. 
R. R. F. Boethelt. The successor of Pastor Miller was Pastor 
H. J. Behrens, whose pastorate extended from September 15, 
1918, to December’ 1, 1921. ° During ‘this time the congeregas 
tion was greatly strengthened in all departments of work, 
and the parsonage at 320 Winter avenue was. bought for 
$6,000. The Rev. F. FE. Stough began his work in the parish, 
March 1, 1922, and a new site on N. Jefferson street was bought 
for $25,000 in 1924. The order of the pastorates was as fol- 
lows: Rev. Nathanael Scheffer, 1895-1896; Rev. J. H. Miller, 
Ph.D., 1896-1918; Rev. H. J. Behrens, 1918-1921; Rev. F. E. 
Stouchy wo27 


TRINITY ENGLISHe EVAN? LU DEAR RANS GE Rie 
PE VWViOO@ DOG vee 


After a preliminary canvass, the first English Lutheran serv- 
ices of this city were held by Rev. Robert R. Durst, Sunday eve- 
ning, February 4, 1894. For the next ten months, Pastor Durst 
conducted services regularly every two weeks. The congregation 
was organized, May 28, 1894, with the following members: 


Arkwright, ‘Mrs. Emma Davis, Mrs. M. A. Main, Mrs. Alexander 
Carl, Mrs. Scott Fox, Amanda McBride, NMirsoe fae Ce 
Dahl, . Albert Keller, Joseph Polaud, Mary 

Dahl, Mrs. Albert Keller, Mrs. Joseph Weaver, Luther 
Davis, Gertrude Lundgren, Mrs. Herman Weaver, Mrs. Luther 
Davis, Maud Mack, Mrs. Catherine Wehman, Mrs. E: F. 


The first Church Council was composed of Luther Weaver, 
Albert Dahl, Herman Lundgren, and Joseph Keller. The serv- 


Bip lone Orr eePrCTSBURGHSSYNOD 601 


ice of Pastor Durst was given gratuitously, the rent and other 
incidental expenses being met from the current offerings. In 
November, 1894, Rev. Peter Riffer accepted a call and served 
until 1901. The congregation worshipped for a number of years 
in the building now known as the German Lutheran Church. At 
a congregational meeting, March 28, 1897, a committee reported 
that the lot on the corner of Spring avenue and Fifth street could 
be bought from Mr. Hartman for $500, the owner agreeing to 
donate $50, and the offer was accepted. Some time later the 
adjoining lot was also secured. The church was incorporated, 
May 3, 1897. The corner stone of a new church was laid ,by 
Pastor Riffer, October 28, 1900, but lack of funds interfered 
with the completion of the building, so that it was not dedicated 
nntilejulye 2) 1902, during the: pastorate ats Reve: AR. Lentz. 
The cost of this frame building was $2,600. Pastor Lentz spent 
twelve years in this parish, April 1, 1902, to April 12, 1914, 
bringing the mission to self-support in 1909, and building up a 
strong congregation of 158 members. During his pastorate a 
frame parsonage was erected on the lot adjoining the church at 
a cost of $2,600. He also accepted a call from the independent 
Siebenburger Church of Ellwood City, and served them every 
alternate Sunday afternoon with great acceptance. His _ suc- 
cessor was Pastor Ludwig Beisecker, who began his pastorate, 
September 15, 1914. Because of the need of more room, an 
addition was built to the east side of the church, 16x32, at a cost 
of $1,600. A service of rededication was conducted by Pastor 
Beisecker, July 16, 1916, when the address was made by Rev. 
Gi. Rankin., During the:course of the years the value of the 
church ground increased so rapidly, that it was decided to select 
another site and build a new church.. On April 1, 1920, the 
Lanigan property, corner of Crescent avenue and Sixth street, 
was bought for $15,000, and the trustees were authorized to 
place both properties on the market. These were sold in 1925, 
and a new brick church and parsonage erected on the corner of 
Second and Spring streets at a cost of $80,000. The order of the 
pastorates was as follows: Rev. R. R. Durst, 1894; Rev. Peter 
Riffer, 1894-1901; Rev. A. P. Lentz, 1902-1914; Rev. Ludwig 
Beisecker, 1914-1926. 


PVN tes be CHU GE ere LAE CATGSBURG. CON- 
FESSION, SIEFBENBURGER SAXON 
BLEW @OODSCLIY PA. 
In as much as this is the oldest Siebenburger Saxon Church 


in America, a few words as to their national history will be in 
order. They owe their beginnings as a people to the wisdom oi 


602 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


a Hungarian King, who 
welcomed a group of 
them to the southeastern 
border of his dominion, 
Li31-b162Z, *torthe-osten= 
sible purpose of teaching 
his own people greater 
skill in the arts of agri- 
culture. : The leaders of 
this first group of emi- 
grants to Hungary were 
Herman Von Nurenberg 
and’ Michael ~ Staedtem 
In their new home, they 
were subject to many at- 
tacks from marauders, 
so that they built seven 
great castles for defense. 
It) has been reneraiy, 
taught that it was from 
these seven castles they 
derived their cherished name of Siebenburgers. This however 
has been questioned. Their hard experiences on this eastern 
border of Hungary had the effect of deepening their spiritual 
life, so that they accepted the doctrines of the Reformation at a 
very early date, and clung to them when other parts of Hungary 
had been swept back into the Roman Church by the Counter 
Reformation. ‘Their great Reformer was Johannes Honterus. 
Since the period of the Reformation they have suffered much at 
the hands of both the Greek and Roman Churches, but held fast 
to their faith in spite of all hardships. In as much as there was 
always a close bond between faith and language in all these ex- 
periences, they have developed a natural love for the German 
language that is not easily broken. In 1885 three men of Reiches- 
dorf decided to seek their fortunes in America. A number of 
others followed, settling in Salem, Alliance, Cleveland, and 
Youngstown, Ohio, and in Monaca, New Castle, Farrell, Erie, 
and Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, forming the advance guard of 
no less than 30,000 Siebenburger Saxons, every one of whom 
was a baptized Lutheran. In as much as practically all these 
immigrants expected to return to Transylvania after a few years, 
they made little or no attempt to organize themselves into con- 
gregations, and the consequence was that many of them lapsed 
into serious moral faults, deeply deplored by their leaders. In 
some towns the people turned to the German Lutheran or Ger- 
man Evangelical pastors for the means of grace, but for the 
greater part they were satisfied to organize Siebenburger Saxon 












































oye 
Os 








HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 603 


Unions, and spend their time in the Union Halls. Had their 
strong nationalistic spirit not dictated a speedy return to their 
Fatherland, their church experiences would doubtless have been 
different. At the close of the World War, the idea of a return 
home was given up by the great majority of the people, and more 
attention was paid to the claims of the Church. Some of the 
earliest immigrants came to Ellwood City, where they easily 
secured work as laborers in the mills, although they had been 
farmers in their home land. Leaders of the Ellwood City Sieben- 
burgers soon realized that the organization of a Lutheran Church 
would do more to preserve their sacred customs and traditions 
than a secular union, and a congregation was established in 1902. 
The church building of the disbanding Bethlehem Church at 
Wuertemberg was secured at a low price and removed to EIl- 
wood City. This building was remodelled and beautified in 
harmony with Saxon ideals in 1917, the chancel being furnished 
with gifts of individual members. At the beginning, they were 
served by Pastor Michael Orendt, but his leadership was not 
successful. They then turned to Rev. Henry Voegele, a retired 
German pastor of the Pitsburgh Synod, who gave them occa- 
sional services. A different policy was established in 1904, when 
Rev. A. P. Lentz of Trinity Church was asked to serve them in 
connection with the Ellwood City Parish, and preach for them 
every alternate Sunday afternoon. Pastor Lentz accepted their 
call, and ministered to them for ten years. He reorganized the 
congregation, January 1, 1905, and the following persons became 
members: 


Berk, Joseph Lang, Andreas Schotch, Johann 
Berk, Maria Lutsch, Julius Schotch, Katharina 
Binder, Michael Mattes, Peter Schobel, Martin 
Binder, Susanna Mattes, Michael Schuller, Johann 
Botchner, Sara North, Johanna Schuller, Wilhelm 
Dreschler, Johann North, Christina Schuller, Martin 
Fleischer, Martin Mueller, Michael Schuller, Sara and Anna 
Gross, Michael and Kath. Mueller, Andreas Schuster, Michael (2) 
Greifnieder, George Mueller, Katharina Schuster, Stefan 
Hahn, Johann Mueller, Martin Schuster, Johann 
Hauerer, Johann Mueller, George Schuster, Johannes (2) 
Hauerer, Johann Mueller, Regina Schuster, Anna 
Herberth, Andreas Paal, Michael and Julia Schuster, Elizabeth 
Herberth, Anna Paal, John and Sara Seifert, George 
Homm, George Reiner, Martin Stadel, Michael 
Huber, Michael Reiner, Anna Theiss, Fritz 

Huber, Johann Riemer, Andreas Theiss, Katharina 
Huber, Susanna Sallman, Johann Trinnes, Michael 
Hutter, Michael Schell, Maria Wagner, Michael 
Jacobi, Stef. and Sara Schell, Michael Wester, Michael 
Koch, Heinrich Schmidt, Mathias Wonner, Johann 


Unsuccessful efforts were made to organize a Sunday 
School, and the greater part of the children were sent regularly 
to that of Trinity Church. German catechetical instruction was 
given every Saturday morning for two hours, September to June, 
and then three days a week from June 1 to July 15. Pastor 
Lentz was succeeded by Pastor Ludwig Beisecker, who served 


604 HISTORY OF “LHe RIT SBOURGH SYNOD 


until August 1, 1924, when the congregation was made a separate 
parish under the care of Pastor Johann Zultner. About 200 
members were enrolled at this time. The pastors served in the 
following order: Rev. Michael Orendt, 1902-1903; Rev. Henry 
Voegele, 1903-1904; Rev. A. P. Lentz, 1904-1914; Rev. Ludwig 
Beisecker, 1914-1924; Rev. Johann Zultner, 1924-. 


GRACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
FARRELL, PA. 


A preliminary canvass of this community was made by 
Pastors Myers and Oberly in 1901; and the congregation was 
organized by Rev. G. S. Seaman, January 1, 1902. ° The first 
officers were A. Glasser, A. Bobenrieth, A. F. Mitler, C. W. 
Stewart, Mr. Conrad, and John-Kline. South Sharon was then 
in a primitive stage, and the lack of good walks made it dit- 
ficult to secure regular church attendance in rainy weather, 
but a temporary chapel was built during the winter and a 
church bell secured from Pastor I. O. Baker of Erie. The 
first regular pastor, Rev. J. A. Frischkorn, began his work, 
October 12, 1902. The first lot and temporary chapel were 
sold in 1903, and a good corner lot secured. Learning that a 
church in Pittsburgh was offered for sale, a committee made 
an examination and recommended that it be bought and re- 
built at Farrell. This was done at a total cost of $2,400, but 
much of the labor was donated. The corner stone was laid, 
August 23, 1903, and the church dedicated by Pastor Frisch- 
korn, October 18, 1903. The congregation was then an Eng- 
lish mission of the Pittsburgh Synod, receiving an annual ap- 
propriation of $500. Assistance was continued until May 1, 
1921, when the church assumed self-support with an enroll- 
ment of 228 members. For the first ten years English alone 
was used in the services; then Pastor Peter Riffer began to 
hold afternoon services in German for the benefit of the Sie- 
benburger Saxons of the community. These services were so 
much appreciated that scores of the Saxons united with Grace 
Church. As their numbers increased more German services 
were required, until the morning service was given to the 
Saxons and the evening service to the English. When this 
was done a number of members left the church in protest. 
Two Sunday Schools were organized, one meeting in the 
church and the other in the basement at the same hour. Two 
Luther Leagues and two Ladies’ Aid Societies were also or- 
ganized for the benefit of the two parties. The language 
question came to a crisis in 1923, when the synod answered 
the:. several *petitions, presented” by /idirectiney-) that. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 605 


Saxons should organize themselves into a separate congrega- 
tion. The number of members left in Grace Church after the 
separation was 165, a number of whom were Saxons. The 
pastorates in their order were: Rev. J. A. Frischkorn, 1902- 
POT ey as Obenatiil 90941908 mRev Ge sDiener1910- 
Hobie eve Peterhiiter (supply), 1912- 1913; Rev. J. J. Neu- 
aaieee 1913-1916; Rev. H. F. Gruhn, 1916-1924; Rev. A. H. 
Hoerbe, 1924-1925; Rev. P. EF. Porath, 1925-. 


HOG Ye LN TY Gey ANGHVICAT SEW DHE RAN GHURCH 
HELA RON PA 


This city was canvassed by Student Willard D. Allbeck in 
1921, and services were held in the Chamber of Commerce 
building. Such was the hopefulness of the field that a church 
was organized by Doctor 
fee ee ollie er eptember 
4, 1921. A constitution 
was adopted, and the first 
Ollisersy) wee: David 
Johnson, Charles John- 
Sore. stiines. Ha by 
Pebley, Mr. Rhodes, and 
Ist. slwodgeérss- Much 
difficulty was experi- 
enced in securing a mis- 
sionary for the field, and 
much of the spirit of the 
initial movement was 
Osh Vnen heyy Wile 
liam H. Brown reached 
uve wmypriclan- asthe iiirst 
regular pastor, Septem- 
ber 1, 1922, he could find 
but thirteen members. 
His first work was to or- i 
ganize a Sunday School of 17 members in his own house, which 
was later transferred to the regular place of meeting. A build- 
ing lot on South Oakland avenue, near East State street, was 
bought for $3,500 in the following December, and plans were 
secured for a modest church. The corner stone was laid, June 
8, 1924, and the church dedicated by Pastor Brown, October 19, 
1924. The entire cost of the plant was about $15,000. The 
building of this church gave the needed encouragement to the 
congregation, and the faithful thirteen soon found themselves in 
the midst of a growing work. 

































































606 HISTORY OF THESPILTSBURGHSSYNOD 


BETHANY ENGLISH EVAN. LUTHERAN CHURCH 
NEW GAS] EPA’ 


At the request of several General Synod Lutherans of this 
city, Rev. Levi P. Young made a canvass in the summer of 1904, 
and found a number of families interested in the establishment 
of a congregation. ‘The first service was held, August 7, 1904, 
and the Sunday School was organized, September 4, 1904, with 
Edward Ray serving as the first superintendent. Bethany 
Church was organized by Rev. Samuel T. Nicholas in Odd 
Fellows Hall, South New Castle, December 4, 1904, with the 
following charter members: 


Anderson, Lewis and wife Heasley, Mrs. B. U. Selig, Mrs. Margaret 
Blocher, Paul and wife Heasley, Jessie Sonntag, J. P. and wiie 
Burchfield, Dr. W. C. Heasley, Andrew Thomas, Mrs. 
Burchfield, Mrs. W. C. Heasley, W. S. Thompson, Mrs. Mary 
Barber, Mrs. Margaret Lindeman, I. and wife Tripp, Mrs. Matthew 
Crawshaw, J. C. Overmoyer, f. C. and wife Wilson, Charles 

Cooper, Charles and wife Schaeffer, S. M. Wolfersberger, Samuel 
Dressel, Wm. and wife Schaeffer, Mrs. S. M. Wolfersberger, Mrs. S. 


Services were held in the Welsh Church on Mill street dur- 
ing the summer of 1905. After the resignation of Pastor Young, 
July 1, 1906, it was decided to relocate the mission on the hill. 
The lot on the corner of East Washington and Lutton streets 
was bought for $1,800, April 7, 1908. The corner stone was 
laid; August 9; 1908;-and the ‘church’ dedicated: by PastorsGmis 
Leatherman, November 1, 1908. It was a small brick building, 
35x50, with the simplest of furnishings, and cost $4,300. In 
1910 pews were secured 
from the First Church 
of Sharpsburg at nom- 
inal cost, and these add- 
ed much to the comfort 
of ,. th e =~ conerécatiom 
During the pastorate of 
Revige He: #57 = Hannan 
1912-1916, a fine parson- 
age was erected at a cost 
of, $2:800, thes greater 
part of the work being 
done by the pastor and 
| members of the .congre- 























gation. During the pas- 
torates oly Revi \WViaee 





Sammel, October 1, 1919, 


oye ay ae the parish reached the 
oe “= a) position of self-support. 





Practically all the debt 
was paid in 1922, when 


HISTORY OF THE (PFDESBURGH SYNOD 607 


the church enrolled 205 members. Since the beginning of 1920, 
Jerusalem Church of Princeton has been connected with the 
parish, receiving services every alternate Sunday afternoon. The 
pastors of Bethany were: Rev. L. P. Young, 1904-1906; Rev. C. 
G. Leatherman, 1906-1911; Rev. H. E. Harman, 1912-1916; 
tre vee ee ithe oO /aLO Love eve VW Re Sanimel of919-1922;; 
Rev. W. A. Zundel, 1922-1924; Rev. C. O. Frank, 1924-. 


EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SIEBENBURGER SAXON 
ST. JOHN’S CHURCH 
FARRELL, PA. 


Ipe tiie: spline som S75nanpetllionmol | /oy olebenbureer 
Saxons of Farrell was sent to the Pittsburgh Synod, asking 
for the services of a Saxon pastor. Inasmuch as the majority 
of the petitioners were members of Grace Church, and a num- 
ber of their countrymen had determined to remain in that 
church, the question was hard to answer. The Pittsburgh 
Synod finally settled the matter by sending a committee to 
Farrell with power to adjust the difficulty. This committee 
COusictedtOluh eves, Hemotouch. Reve Ge Wea iCritchlow, and 
Doctor Ernst A. Tappert, and effected the preliminary organ- 
ization of St. John’s Church, July 2, 1923. Rev. John Deutsch- 
lander was their first pastor, entering the field, July 8, 1923. 
Two building lots were bought in 1924, and plans were made 
for the erection of a church. The parish has been self-sus- 
taining from the beginning, with an enrollment of 174 mem- 
bers. 


LIS BAND DOG RETR, 


Vela ZAlONeE VANG E IGA be OE RAN: CHURCH 
PRN Pe hee WW No Eerie RUE Re GO UNHISY: PAY 


This church, usually known as New Lebanon, was or- 
ganized as a union church by Rev. Philip Zeiser of the Re- 
formed Classis in 1830. It was reorganized as a Lutheran 
congregation by Rev. Henry Ziegler, November 29, 1847, with 
27 members. ‘The following family names were represented 
liechissorfanization Blatteebvanc st uret,, etterolt,. Grove, 
Lindsay, McCandrey, Moak, Overmoyer, Schaeffer, and 
Schrecengost. This church was made the center of one of the 
early misison fields of the Pittsburgh Synod, and was highly 
prosperous for a number of years. From 1867 to 1877 it was 
served by pastors of the General Council, after which it was 


608 HISTORY*OPR MIHE JEEPS BURGH SYNOD 


connected with the Venango Parish of the General Synod. 
Their frame church was dedicated by Pastor John A. Nuner, 
January 27, 1856. The organization perished because of its 
isolated poistion and the consequent difficulty of providing 
them with regular pastors, 


SALEM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
HAY PAW RENGE SCO Ney eb 


The first Lutherans to settle in this community were from 
Mitfln County. . They svere orcanized” by (Rev. some me ee 
with 13 members, August 19, 1850. A number of English 
families also settled in the community and these also became 
members of Salem Church. Ground for a church and ceme- 
tery were donated by Jamison Watson, and a frame church 
was dedicated, January 14, 1855. The parsonage was built in 
1867 at a cost of $1,700. For many years this was one of the 
most prosperous of rural churches, and then came an Amish 
immigration, which bought all the available farming land and 
gradually expelled the original families. Salem Church per- 
ished with the expulsion. Before disbandment, the church and 
parsonage were deeded to the Pittsburgh Synod. Both proper- 
ties were sold later; but some of the furniture was given to the 
Sharon Mission, and the church bell to Bethany Church at New 


Castle 


CHAPTER XIX 
CHURCHES OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 
1791-1924 
“In due season we shall reap if we faint not”. 


EZASIASHINGTON COUNTY was erected, March 28, 
1781, since when its territory has been much re- 
duced by the erection of the counties of Greene and 
Allegheny. It was settled chiefly by Scotch-Irish, 
of whom Judge Wilkeson says: “A more intelligent, 
virtuous and resolute class of men never settled any 
country than the first settlers of western Pennsylvania; and the 
women who shared their sacrifices and sufferings were no less 
worthy.” The first classical school of western Pennsylvania 
was established at Canonsburg by Doctor McMillan about the 
year 1773. The first sessions were held in a log cabin, but the 
attendance of students increased so rapidly that a stone’ building 
was erected in 1790. This was the beginning of Jefferson Col- 
lege, which later merged in Washington and Jefferson at Wash- 
ington. In the midst of this Presbyterian settlement, between 
the years 1767 and 1790, a number of Pennsylvania Germans 
established themselves. These were the fathers of the Evan- 
gelical. Lutheran Church of the county. Chief among these 
settlements was that of West Bethlehem Township, which was 
closely connected with the Jacobs settlement of Fayette County. 
Other groups of Germans ‘settled at Ten Mile, Pigeon Creek, 
Stecher’s, and Washington, All these were early organized into 
union churches of Reformed and Lutherans. While a number 
of Reformed pastors served in these settlements, the service was 
usually rendered by pastors of the Lutheran Church; and for 
this reason the congregations eventually became entirely Lu- 
theran. Among the early Reformed pastors was the Rev. Johann 
Wilhelm Weber, the honored founder of the first Protestant 
Church of Pittsburgh. In one of these pioneer German churches, 
Mount Zion of Ginger Hill, was held a conference of Lutheran 
pastors in 1812, which eventuated in the organization of the 
Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio in 1818. All these 
churches, weak in numbers from the beginning, had to struggle 
for their existence against great odds. Only a few survived. 
The strength of the leading churches in Washington County is 
now classified as follows: Roman Catholic, 24,162; Presbyterian, 
13,126; Methodist, 9,207; United Presbyterian, 7,479; Baptist, 





610 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


4,769; Disciples, 3,861; Lutherans, 1,909. The Lutherans are 
divided as follows: Pittsburgh Synod, 7 churches with 1,295 mem- 
bers; Slovak Zion Synod, 1 church with 529 members; Joint 
Synod of Ohio, 2 churches with 85 members. 


BETHLEHEM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
W. BETHLEHEM TWP., WASHINGTON COUNTY, PA. 


Bethlehem is one of the venerable churches of the Pitts- 
burgh Synod, having a continuous record from 1791. It is situ- 
ated in the open country, about seven miles southeast of Wash- 
ington. When the first Lutherans settled here cannot be defin- 
itely determined, but there is good reason to believe that Michael 
and John Adam Simon, two of the men most prominent in the 
founding of the church, took up lands here by tomahawk right 
before the year of purchase from the Indians. The first page of 
the baptismal register, opened by Rev. Johannes Stauch, May 1, 
1791, shows that this pastor baptized five children of John Adam 
Simon and seven children of Michael Simon on that day. The nat- 
ural inference is that the children of these stalwart Lutherans were 
not baptized earlier, only because they lived in a wilderness where 
there were no Lutheran pastors to baptize them. The children 
of John Adam Simon were born in the years 1767, 1768, 1770, 
1771 and 1772; those of Michael Simon were born in 1774, 1775, 
1777, 1779, 1781, 1783 and 1786. Throughout the rest of the- 
record there are only two instances of the baptism of children 
born before 1790. The first evidence of a Lutheran organization 
in this community bears the date, March 29, 1788, when Michael 
Simon and wife conveyed to the trustees of the congregation, for 
a consideration of five shillings, two and one-quarter acres of 
ground for church, school and burial purposes. ‘The first build- 
ing erected here was a log school house of two rooms, one of 
which was intended as a residence for the schoolmaster. It had 
a clapboard roof, windows of greased paper, but no floor save the 
bare earth. It was the first school house of the township, and 
served also as a place of worship. So far as the old grave stones 
tell the story, the burial ground was first used in 1788, but it is 
by no means certain that there are no older graves. It was in 
the old log school house that Pastor Johannes Stauch began his 
ministry here, giving the sacrament to thirty-two communicants 
on October 30, 1791. The second place of worship was also a 
log building, which was dedicated by Pastors Johann Wilhelm 
Weber sandgCasper, semler, of thes Nerormeds sandemi seis 
Johannes Stauch of the Lutheran Church, November 5, 1797, 
under the name Bethlehem. This important event was engrossed 
by a skilled pensman in the old German Record. This log church 









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FIRST COMMUNICANTS OF BETHLEHEM CHURCH 


612 HISTORY ORTH EBPILTSBURGHSSVNCG DD 

was used from 1797 to 1846, and its site is now marked by a 
large flat stone, lying about 75 feet from the road and midway 
between the north and south borders of the present cemetery. 
Tradition says that this church was heated by a huge fire place 
and lighted by grease lamps. A long pole, with a silk pocket on 
the end, was used to gather the offerings. The first recorded 
installation of a Church Council took place, January 1, 1795, the 
thembers being Michael Simon, Philip) Huet, Andrew Simon, 
Peter Huet, Henry Hersch, and Michael Hentzel. The old Ger- 
man Record shows that more than 900 children were baptized by 
the pastors of the Bethlehem Church from 1791 to 1862. The 
names of the fathers of these children baptized before the year 
1800, are herewith appended: 


Aller, Conrad Gartner, Adam Reithenauer, Johannes 


Bauser, Abraham 
Beltz, Michael 
Beltz, Casper 
Boany, Stofel 
Bricker, Ludwig 


Clemens, Nicklaus Haller, Conrad Schlosser, Christophel 
Deg, Martin Hartman, Jacob Schmidt, Johannes 

Deg, Matthias Hentzel, Michael Schneider, Johann Georg 
Deg, Jacob ' Hersch, Johannes Schuster, Daniel 

Deg, Johannes Hersch, Heinrich Simon, John Adam 
Deg. Friedrich Hersch, Georg Simon, Michael 
DeHoff, Johann Hersch, Philip Simon, Andreas 
Dentzer, Georg Hofmann, Heinrich Simon, Jacob 

Dentzer, Johannes Holl, Andreas Simon, Nicolaus 
Dorfler, Georg Holtzel, Philip Simon, Adam 

Dossman, Daniel Horn, Johannes Sonnedecker, Christophel 
Dossman, Johann Martin Huet, Peter Stickel, Philip 
Dossman, Heinrich Huet, Heinrich Stoll, Johannes 


Dressler, Georg 
Eberhard, Johann Heinrich 


Gartner, Daniel 
Geckler, Christian 
Geier, Johannes 
Gungel, Heinrich 
Gungel, Jacob 


Knuestrich, Johannes 
Knuestrich, Heinrich 


Rid, Solomon 


Rider, Casper 


Riegel, Abrah 


am 


Sauter, Philip 
Schaub, Johannes 


Tomsen, Tomas 


Vallentin, Ka 


rl 


Ege, David Krumrein, Georg Walder, Georg 
Ege, Georg Machemann, Heinrich Weiss, Andreas 
Emig, Philip Machner, Ludwig Williams, Joseph 
Engel, Johannes Machner, Georg Windro, Patrus 
Forster, Kasper Malon, John Wohnsittler, Petrus 


Freund, Christophel 
Freund, Philip 


Mayer, Johannes 
Mayer, Johann Georg 


Yung, Philip 


Yung, Johannes 


Freund, Balser Mohr, Andreas Yung, Georg 

Freund, Tobias Pfeister, Jacob Zercher, David 

Frank, Georg Pfeister, Johannes Zercher, Johann Georg 
Gantz, Andreas Pfeister, Daniel Zoller, Johann Michel 


The spelling of the fathers, especially at the transition stage, 
leaves much to be desired, the same family names being spelled 
several different ways in the same record. Prominent family 
names of Washington County, now spelled quite differently, can 
still be recognized in the above list. When Pastor Stauch re- 
moved to Ohio in 1806, he was governed largely in his plans by 
several members of Bethlehem, who emigrated to Ohio in 1804: 
and 1805. This also accounts for the strong tie that bound 
Pastor Stauch to Bethlehem Church, constraining him to return 
to the community every eight weeks for two years after he had 
removed to Ohio. It is one of the most remarkable cases of 
pastoral fidelity in Lutheran history. His successor in Bethle- 
hem was Rey. G. Heinrich Weygandt, a nineteen year ‘old boy 
from Ginger Hill Church, who was licensed by the Ministerium 


BIS LORY OR THE SPITTSBURGH SYNOD 613 


of Pennsylvania in 1809. ‘This faithful pastor served them 
from 1809 to 1829, when he too removed to Ohio. During these 
twenty years Pastor Weygandt did not always serve the same 
congregations, but the records of the Ohio Synod show that in 
1826 he was pastor of Bethlehem, Pigeon Creek, Washington, 
and Ginger Hill of Washington County, Jacobs of Fayette Coun- 
ty, and Werner’s or North Zion of Allegheny County. In addi- 
tion to these he had several preaching stations. His successor 
was Pastor John Brown, who served from 1829 to 1836, after 
which the parish was divided, Pastor Abraham Weills taking 
charge of the Washington County congregations. ‘This pastor 
was strongly inclined to English services for the young people, 
and his coming marked a transition period in Bethlehem. ‘The 
language question was definitely solved in this parish within 
forty-five years after the coming of the first pastor. The first 
English entry in the old Church Record bears the date, Septem- 
ber 2, 1832, and the last German entry that of July 2,°1837. Rev. 
Weills was pastor here when W. A. Passavant was a student in 
Jefferson College, and the young man was welcomed as the 
superintendent of the Sunday School. It is said that he walked 
or rode horseback from Canonsburg to Bethlehem Church every 
week for more than a year, in order to render this service. After 
Mr. Passavant graduated from Jefferson, the school was placed 
under the care of Michael Moninger, a member of the Disciple 
Church. Other early superintendents of this community school 
were William Weills, Demas Hildebrand, I. W. Sweihart, and 
Solomon Mowl. It did not become a Lutheran school until 1862. 
One of the members of Bethlehem, Frederick Carstens of Scen- 
ery Hill, accompanied Pastor Abraham Weills to Pittsburgh in 
1845, and assisted in the organization of the Pittsburgh Synod. 
By this time the old log church had outgrown its usefulness, and 
a new brick church, 32x40, was dedicated by Pastor Weills and 
Doctor W. A. Passavant, September 17, 1848. It stood near the 
public road in the northeast corner of the cemetery. The con- 
gregation was incorporated, August 24, 1859, but this charter 
was later amended to conform to certain provisions of the law. 
An acre of ground was bought from Michael Hildebrand, Feb- 
ruary 4, 1861, which, after being used as a hitching ground for 
forty-five years, became the site of the present church. A brick 
parsonage was built at Scenery Hill in 1867 at a cost of $3,000. 
On March 31, 1886, sufficient ground was bought from Thomas 
Ross for $400 to complete the burial ground as enclosed by the 
road. In the year 1906 a new era dawned in the history of the 
congregation. Members of Bethlehem disposed of their coal at 
good prices, and the sentiment soon developed that the church 
should share their prosperity. The corner stone of a new church 
was laid by Pastor William S. Ulrich, September 30, 1906, and 


S64l ‘HOUNHD WAHATHLAYD JO AOIAYAS NOINNWNOO 











HISTORY, OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 615 


the completed building dedicated, July 14, 1907. It was an ideal 
summer day, and an immense throng gathered to witness the 
dedicatory service. Many came in the early morning, equipped 
with large and well filled lunch baskets, prepared to spend the 
entire day in the House of the Lord. The chief sermon was de- 
livered by Doctor Elmer F. Krauss. The church was built: of 
brick and stone at a cost of $15,000, and is generally regarded as 
one of the most churchly rural churches of the synod. In recent 
years the congregation has raised a considerable sum of money 
as an endowment for the church and cemetery, and this fund 
will be increased in the near future. Bethlehem has made a fine 
benevolent record during the last ten years, and holds an enviable 
place among the churches of the synod. The present confirmed 
membership is 163, The pastors have served in the following 
order: Rev. Johannes Stauch, 1791-1808; Rev. G. H. Weygandt, 
1809-1829; Rev. John Brown, 1829-1836; Rev. Abraham Weills, 
1836-1862; Rev. J. Q. Waters, 1862- 1865 : Rev. W. O. Wilson, 
D3) s 1865- 1868; Rev, Z. H. Gable, 1868- 1873; ever jae Nott, 
1873- 1878; Rev. J. W. Myers, 1878- 1882 ; Recs Rankin, 
1883-1885; Rev. Alfred Ramsey, 1885-1890; Rev. Wilson 
Yeisley, 1891- 1899 Rey. W.'S. Ulrich, 1900-1907; Rev. A. H. 
Keck, 1908-1909; Ren J. H. Young, 1910-1912; Rev. W. E. 
Arnholt, 1912- 1916: Reve ter: Obenaut, 1917- 1921; ve Vi LN 
Dundore, 1922-. 


FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
| WASHINGTON, PA. 


The history of this church is contemporaneous with that of 
the community. Washington was laid out by David Hoge in 
1781, and there were Lutherans living in the vicinity then. These 
Lutherans were Pennsylvania Germans trom the counties of 
York and Cumberland, who came here with the Scotch-Irish at 
the time of the first settlement of the county. 

1“Several years ago, an old German letter was found among 
the papers of Charity Meek, which was written by Fred Bockins 
of Fayette County to John Krumrine of upper Ten Mile in 
October of 1782, stating that the minister would be in the settle- 
ments the first week in December, and that he should send word 
to Peter Huett on upper Shidler’s Run and Adam Koechler at 
Bassettown (Washington ).’’ Who this minister may have been can 
only be conjectured, but the letter makes clear the fact that there 
were Pennsylvania Germans living in this vicinity at that early 
day. Rev. Johannes Stauch was pastor of Bethlehem Church 
from 1791 to 1808, and there is good reason to believe that his 


1—See History of First Church, Washington, by J. M. F. Hana. 


616 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


* sy Re missionary zeal would 
Sie lead him to preach for 


Sie | the Washington Germans 
oe SUM = during the same period. 

= NS Tradition says that these 
Germans held religious 
meetings at the home of 
Jacob Weuler as early as 
1798, and it would be no 
mere assumption to say 
that the Weuler home 
Was ONG .701 tr, bealeeenoen 
Stauch’s ten preaching 
Stations” Pastotmmotaueu 
was succeeded in Bethle- 
hem by Pastor G. Hein- 
rich Weygandt, who 


gegen served from 1809 to 


aaa 








= 
> = 
wan 





























1829, but the old records 

indicate that his term of 

service in the Washing- 
ton Church was from 1816 to 1829. During the period from 
1806 to 1816, Rev. Demas Hertzler and Rev. John Peter Mahnen- 
schmidt of the Reformed Church served the congregation. Un- 
der the guidance of Pastor Mahnenschmidt, two building lots on 
the corner of West Walnut and North Franklin streets, 120x240, 
were bought from Peter Snyder and his wife Catherine, May 5, 
1812, for a consideration of fifty dollars and an annual ground 
rent of two dollars. This ground rent was declared to be “for- 
ever due” to John and William Hoge and their heirs from all lot 
purchasers, but the people ceased payments after 1870. The two 
lots were conveyed to Jacob Weirich, Lewis Hewitt, David 
Sedicker, and Christian Hornish, acting trustees of the “German 
Lutheran and Presbyterian Congreyation.”’ While no definite 
date can be set for the organization of this church, this deed 
makes it certain that it must have been before May 5, 1812. The 
trustees contracted with James Chambers for the building of a 
church in 1812, at a cost of $170, but funds were so scarce that 
the building was not completed until 1816. The following de- 
scription of this church was furnished by Earle R. Forrest: “The 
entrance was in the center of the building, fronting on Spruce 
Alley. Just inside the door, and to the left, was a stairway 
which led to a balcony, which extended along the west and north 
sides and half of the east side of the building. The pulpit was 
one of the old-time elevated style, resembling a half wine-glass, 
with circular stairs leading up to it. * * * The seats were simply 
oak benches and faced the pulpit, which was about nine or ten 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 617 


feet high. In olden times the building was lighted with tallow 
dips, the only means of light in those days, In the semi-circular 
rail of the pulpit were a number of holes, in which the candles 
were placed to furnish light for the minister. Candles were 
placed in other parts of the church to give light to the congrega- 
tion; but at best we would have considered it poorly lighted.” 


Some speak of this first house of worship as a log church, 
but a careful examination showed that it was built of brick, laid 
between studding, with weatherboards as a finish. A log build- 
ing was erected on this lot by the congregation in 1818, but it 
was used as a school house. This log school house was con- 
verted into a home for the sexton in 1831, and still later torn 
down to make room for a synagogue. Pastor John Brown suc- 
ceeded Pastor Weygandt in 1829, serving until 1834. In the 
last named year Rev. Charles Swissler of the Reformed Church 
became pastor, but the records do not indicate. the length of his 
pastorate. Prom +1839) to) 1843 4Rev. .P. HH. ReeMueller!. was 
pastor; and it was during this time, June 6, 1842, that the con- 
gregation was incorporated under the name, “German Evan- 
gelical Lutheran and Reformed Church of the Borough of 
Washington.” ‘The following names are attached to the petition 
for the charter: 


Alters, D. 4 
Beilhartz, Elias 
Brobst, Daniel F. 


Dernant, Franz Heinrich 


Foster, Frederick A. 
Gueenler, Georg 
Harter, Philip 
Kaffeberger, William 
Kochner, Benjamin 
Kochner, Henry 
Kochner, John Ch. 
Lauterbach, Henry 


Matz, Jacob 
Messner, Adam 
Metzler, John 
Morat, A 


Mueller, Pb Re 


Neib, Lewis 


Nunamacher, I. D. 


Pulchan, William 
Raum, John 
Reymond, Peter 
Roettig, Philip 
Rowald, S. H 


Schmidt, Philip 
Schmidt, M. 
Schwartz, Martin 
Selle, A 

Small, Daniel 
Toewer, B. 
Walter, Thomas 
Wegener, Henry 
Wehmeyer, Charles 
Wehmeyer, 
Worting, A. 


This charter of 1842 was in harmony with the general prin- 
ciples of union churches of that day. It provided for the elec- 
tion of nine elders and trustees by a majority vote of the united 
congregations, whose duty was “to employ a preacher and pro- 
vide for his salary.” ‘This was supposed to be an amicable ar- 
rangement between the two congregations, but 1t was often pro- 
ductive of friction. In as much as the Lutheran element was 
stronger than the Reformed, the latter was eventually absorbed. 
After the year 1860 there is no mention of Reformed members. 
Pastor Mueller’s successor was Pastor Abraham Weills, who 
ministered to the congregation from 1843 to 1855, and again 
from 1859 to 1863. During the interim between these two pas- 
torates, Rev. John Haerdtle served the congregation for a few 
months, but he was not here long enough to unite with the Pitts- 
burgh Synod. From 1864 to 1866 the parish was vacant, after 
which it was made a mission and placed under the care of Pastor 


618 HISTORY, OF THEA PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


Michael Schweigert. ‘The old church building was then repaired 
at a cost of $1,100, and arrangements were made for the intro- 
duction of English services. From 1870 to 1883 the church was 
divided into two bands, the German part being served by Pastor 
G. C. Friedrich during the entire period, while Pastors Z. H. 
Gable, W. A. Passavant, J. D. Roth, and J. W. Myers supplied 
the English congregation on Sunday afternoons. It is not pleas- 
ant to trace the history of the congregation through this transi- 
tion period, when its highest interests were caught between the 
upper and nether millstones of the language question, but out of 
the grinding process came a chastened band, devoutly loyal to 
the faith of their fathers and determined to teach it to their 
children. Doctor G. A. Wenzel took charge of the reunited con- 
gregation, January 1, 1883, and remained until August 27, 1895. 
During this remarkable pastorate he preached in both German 
and English, usually three times on Sunday, and solved the 
language question so effectively that his successors were never 
asked to preach in German. Scarcely had he finished the first 
year of his pastorate, when the people began to speak of a new 
church. Doctor Wenzel was in sympathy with this movement, 
but insisted that the legal foundations should first be made secure. 
Accordingly, July 10, 1884, the congregation petitioned the court 
for a change of name to that of the “First Evangelical Lutheran 
Church of Washington, Pa,” a distinct Lutheran basis, and mem- 
bership in the Pittsburgh Sail of the Evangelical Lutheran 
Church. This petition was signed by G. A. Wenzel, Charles 
Driehorst Sr., F. C. Berthel, J. V. Blond, L. P. Driehorst, and 
John Lows; and the amended charter was granted, August 18, 
1884. While this change was being made, the congregation sold 
the southern end of their ground, 80x120, to John Dye for $995, 
retaining the remainder as a cemetery. On November 22, 1884, 
a lot on the corner of Franklin and Beau streets was bought for 
$800, where a new church was dedicated by Pastor Wenzel, 
January 25, 1885. This church was built of brick and stone, 
36x40, with a tall wooden steeple, at a cost of $4154. The par- 
ish was given missionary aid from 1883 to 1891, after which the 
pastor declined further assistance. During the pastorate of Rev. 
C. H. Hemsath a brick parsonage was erected on the rear of the 

church lot, facing on Beau street. After the dedication of the 
new church in 1885, the congregation grew steadily in. numbers 
until it became necessary to provide a larger place of worship. 
The first step to this end was taken, August 12, 1919, when the 
church and parsonage were sold for $12,500. ‘The last service in 
this church was conducted by Pastor Frank Jensen, October 
26, 1919, after which services were held in the court house. A 
new building site on Chestnut street was bought for $21,500, but 
the fact that this was not satisfactory to many of the members 


HISTORY ‘OF THE PITISBURGH’SYNOD 619 


delayed building operations. Under the strong leadership of 
Pastor Frank C. Oberly a generous building fund was subscribed 
and partly paid, but the death of this pastor, March 22, 1922, 
brought such a sense of loss to the congregation that all thought 
of building was temporarily laid aside. Pastor Harry B. Ernest 
took charge of the parish, October 1, 1922, and the congregation 
in 1923 decided to sell the Chestnut street lot and to build a good 
church on the cemetery ground. An order for the vacation of 
the cemetery had been secured from the court, September 9, 
1921, and that prepared the way for the action of 1923. The 
new brown stone church erected and furnished at a cost of 
$160,000, was dedicated by Pastor H. B. Ernest in 1926. The 
order of the pastorates, so far as the records give them, was as 
follows: Rev. Johannes Stauch, 1798-1806; Reformed pastors, 
1806-1816; Rev. G. H. Weygandt, 1816-1829; Rev. John Brown, 
1829-1834; Reformed pastors, 1834-1838; Rev. H. P. R. Mueller, 
1839-1843; Rev. Abraham Weills, 1843-1855; Vacant, 1855- 
1858; Rev. John Haerdtle, 1858-1859; Rev. Abraham Weills 
(second term), 1859-1863; Supplies, 1863-1866; Rev. Michael 
Schweigert, 1866-1869; Rev. G. C. Friedrich (German), 1870- 
1883; English supplies, 1870-1883; Rev. G. A. Wenzel, D.D., 
1883-1895; Rev. C. B. Lintwed,. 1896-1899; Rev. C. H. Hem- 
sath, 1900-1905; Rev. P. Z. Strodach, 1905-1907; Rev. R. M. 
Smite Ores t90/-LOl6tRevw ir? Jensen, 1917-1920" Reve FE: 
C. Oberly, 1920-1922; Rev. H. B. Ernest, 1922-. 


GRACH ENGUISH EVAN) LUTHRRAN: CHURCH 
MONONGAHELA, PA. 


Monongahela has been a center of Lutheran labors for 
many years, but the establishment of the present congregation 
belongs to comparatively recent history. Pastor J. H. Brown of 
the Washington-Fayette Parish lived here for three years, but 
made no attempt to organize a congregation. Pastor George 
Hussy organized a congregation here in 1841, but it soon dis- 
banded. On February 7, 1869, the following persons united to 
form the “First English Evangelical Lutheran Church of Mon- 
ongahela City”: 


Altman, Catherine Bayhage Gets: Leighler, Elizabeth 
Altman, Mary Birt, Henry Staib, Lewis 
Augendobler, " Blizabeth Grigg, Philip and Caroline Staib, Martha Jane 
Augendobler, Adam Leighler, Jacob Zeh, John 


This organization was effected in an old Methodist Church, 
located on the corner of Third and Chess streets, which had been 
bought by Lewis Staib for $4,000 and presented to the Luther- 
ans. It is not clear who organized the congregation. ‘The first 
pastor was Rev. D. L. Ryder, but he did not take charge until 
after the organization, The second pastor was Rev. H. H. Hall, 


620 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


ray who made the following 
aS a i statement concerning his 


iz i pastorate: “I was there 
Zam ae 


five years, and succeeded 
pane /Q) aN 


tl very well. During that 
CUS, cia 


. 






ieee 





time the Sunday School 
was much larger and the 
membership of vthe 
church was trebled. But, 
unfortunately, Mr. Lewis 
Staib, the mainstay of 
the church, failed finan- 
cially. He was a man of 
noble character and re- 
markable liberality. He 
owned the church build- 
ing, and a house and lot 
SIS =e) = ve ene which he intend- 

ed for a parsonage; and 
of course, when he be- 
came involved, all was 
lost. Had we been able to get some help from the Church Board, 
we could have gone on, but funds were extremely low and I had 
to abandon the field. I am sure that if it had not been for the 
interruption we would have a good strong congregation in Mon- 
ongahela City now.” 



































It was the failure of Mr. Staib to give the congregation a 
deed for the church property at the time of the donation that 
caused the trouble. When he recovered from his financial loss, 
he bought the Primitive Methodist Church, and presented the 
congregation with a deed, June 26, 1884, sc that a measure of its 
former prosperity was recovered under the leadership of Pastor 
J. W. Breitenbach. This pastor served from March 1, 1883, to 
August 1, 1887, building up a congregation of seventy- four mem- 
bers, but no successor could be secured, and the congregation 
was compelled to disband. After a vacancy of fifteen years, dur- 
ing which a remnant remained faithful, the congregation was re- 
organized as Grace English Evangelical Lutheran Church, 
August 14, 1902, with thirty-two members. The first regular 
pastor of the reorganized congregation was Rev. H. E. Berkey, 
1902-1908, who laid foundations for a permanent work. A bet- 
ter location was bought for $2,800 in 1904, and the proceeds of 
the sale of the old church were applied on the new purchase. The 
first story of a new chapel was used for the first time, March 5, 
1905, and the second story was dedicated by Pastor Berkey, 
May 31, 1908. ‘The first story of this chapel was built of cement 


HISTORY ORSLHE, PIDISBURGH SYNOD 621 


blocks, and the second story of shingled frame, at a total cost of 
$6,700. The successor of Pastor Berkey was Doctor M. M. All- 
beck, 1908-1919, during whose pastorate the mission became self- 
supporting, the parsonage was bought for $4,000, and the chapel 
enlarged into a roomy church, 56x60, at an added cost of $10,200. 
The enlarged church was dedicated by Doctor Allbeck, Decem- 
ber 16, 1914, when he was assisted by Doctors George W. Englar 
and C. B. King. Grace Church in 1923 had a property valued 
at $37,000, a Sunday School of 235 scholars, and an enrollment 
of 310 confirmed members, The pastorates, from the time of 
the first organization, have been the following: Rev. D. L. Ryder, 
1869-1872; Rev. H. H. Hall, 1872-1877; Supplies, 1877-1883 ; 
Rev. J. W. Breitenbach, 1883-1887; Dormant, 1887-1902; Stu- 
dent L. P. Young (Supply), 1902; Rev. H. E. Berkey, 1902- 
1908; Rev. M. M. Allbeck, D.D., 1908-1919; Rev. Paul M. Kin- 
ports, 1919-1924; Rev. D. K. Fetterly, 1925-. 


CHRIST ENGLISH EVAN. LUTHERAN CHURCH 
Chen ERO Te BAl 


The first attempt to organize a congregation in this town 
was made in 1901, when a two-day canvass revealed a number of 
Lutherans ready for an organization. The first public service 
was conducted by Student F. R. Wagner, June 2, 1901, and a 
congregation of 31 members was organized by Rev. S. J. Mc- 
Dowell, September 22, 1901. The Sunday School was organ- 
ized two months earlier. One of the most pleasing features of 
the work of this mission at the beginning was the large number 
of interested men, no less than ten of them being included in 
thesfirst Church Councile» The first- resident pastor was Rev. 
Harvey M. Leech, who served from December 1, 1901, to June 
24, 1906. Three fine corner lots were bought in 1902, but the 
mission was rather slow about undertaking the work of building. 
During the pastorate of Rev. Chalmers E. Frontz, 1907-1911, a 
beautiful stone church was erected at a cost of $29,000. This 
building was dedicated by Pastor Frontz, May 30, 1909, when 
Doctor A. J. Turkle preached the sermon. The frame parson- 
age, adjoining the church, was also secured during the pastorate 
of Rev. Frontz at a cost of $3,800. At the time of dedication 
the value of the property was estimated at $42,000, but a great 
debt of $32,800 proved a heavy burden for many years. ‘This 
debt was gradually reduced to $21,425 in 1924, and then Doctor 
C. B. King began a campaign for its cancellation. The following 
pastors have served here: Rev. H. M. Leech, 1901-1906; Rev. 
Cary Prontz 907-101. )* ReveCrr Bastian, 1912-1919: Rev: J. 
MW alter Dressler, 01919-1923" Rey. C.-B: King, 8D iD, 1924-. 


622 HISTORY ORSTHESPULT S BURGH SS Y NOD 


GERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN .CHURGH 
McDONALD, PA. 


This congregation was organized by Pastor Michael Schwet- 
gert as a part of the Panhandle Mission of the Pittsburgh Synod 
in 1873. Services were held at first in the Bulger school house. 
Rev. Joseph Rechsteiner, pastor of the congregation from 1878 
to 1879, reported that large numbers of German miners were 
moving into the community, and that the prospects of the mis- 
sion were very bright. The next pastor was Rev. Solomon 
Munsch, 1880-1891, who built up a congregation of sixty mem- 
bers. When the school board denied the use of the Bulger school 
house to a congregation, a neat frame church was built near 
McDonald. This church was dedicated by Pastor Munsch, June 
20, 1884, when he was assisted by Rev. J. K. Melhorn and Doc- 
tor Edmund Belfour. During the pastorate of Rev. George 
Dietz the church was connected with the Jeannette Parish; since 
the beginning of the pastorate of Rev. John H. Tarnedde, it has 
been connected with McKees Rocks. There were 99 confirmed 
members in the congregation in 1922, and the services of the 
church were then conducted entirely in German. The pastors have 
served in the following order: Rev. Michael Schweigert, 1873- 
1878; Rev. Joseph Rechsteiner, 1878-1879; Rev. Solomon 
Munsch, 1880-1891; Rev. R. R. F. Boethelt, 1891-1892: Rev. 
Carl Mildner, 1893-1896; Rev. George Dietz, 1896-1901; Rev. 
Jebelarnedde 1901s 


MOUNT CALVARY EVAN. LUTHERAN Sad 
SCENERY HILL, PA: 


Mt. Calvary Church is beautifully located on one of the 
highest hills of the county, overlooking many miles of the sur- 
rounding country. It occupies the high point in the town of 
Scenery Hill, formerly called Hillsboro, where Lutheran pastors 
resided long before the: congregation was organized, Pastor 
Abraham Weills lived here from 1846 to 1850, and it was dur- 
ing that time that the site of the present Mount Calvary Church 
was deeded by Adam Weaver and wife to the Lutherans and 
Presbyterians. A brick church was erected by members of these 
two bodies on this ground about the year 1850, which was used 
by Pastor Weills as a preaching station of his parish. It is said 
that he preached here regularly once a month in 1861. Pastor 
J. Q. Waters held similar services in 1863. This meant the as- 
sumption of a debt of several hundred dollars, and the Presby- 
terians eventually gave the Lutherans a quit-claim deed for the 
property, September 20, 1892. A congregation was regularly or- 


Hin lORYOn elLoe PITTSBURGH SYNOD 623 


ganized by Pastor Alfred Ramsey with 21 members, December 
17, 1885. Nearly all the original members were former com- 
municants of Bethlehem Church. The first four deacons were 
Christian Booze, Demas Wonsettler, George Crumrine, and 
Jacob Gerline. A Lutheran Sunday School was organized in 
1886, with Doctor F. B. Winnett as the first superintendent. A 
parsonage was built by Bethlehem Church in Scenery Hill in 
1867, so that the congregation was always in close touch with the 
pastor. After securing a charter, November 21, 1892,-the old 
union brick church was torn down, and a new frame church 
erected at a cost of $3,500. The corner stone was laid, August 
18, 1892, and the church dedicated by Pastor Wilson Yeisley, 
March 5, 1893. A church bell was donated by Doctor Byron 
Clark, which was dedicated on September 9, 1899. This church 
was heavily damaged by lightning, March 22, 1922. The loss 
was only partly covered by insurance, but the people raised added 
funds and greatly improved the building at a cost of $2,000. The 
church bell was replaced by Thomas Hosack. The church was 
rededicated by Pastor I. N. Dundore, October 29, 1922, when 
addresses were made by Pastors H. F. Obenauf and H. B. 
FEirnest. The pastors have served in the following order: Rev. 
Alfred Ramsey, 1885-1890; Rev. Wilson Yeisley, 1891-1899; 
Rev. W. S. Ulrich, 1900-1907; Rev. A. H. Keck, 1908-1909; 
Rev. J. H. Young, 1910-1912; Rev. W. E. Arnholt, 1912-1916; 
Rev. H, F. Obenauf, 1917-1921: Rev. I. N.-Dundore, 1922-. 


REN NIE NA NGETICADSLUTHME RAN CHURCH 
DONGQRA GEA: 


The first Lutheran work in this town was begun in 1902, 
but the organization of the congregation was not effected until 
August 11, 1903. Nearly all the men connected with this new 
organization worked in the steel mills, where Sunday work was 
imperative, and this made regular church work very discour- 
aging. While the original membership was fifty, the early pro- 
gress of the mission was slow. Pastor H. E. Berkey of Monon- 
gahela, who organized the congregation, served it until Septem- 
ber 1, 1904, when he surrendered it to the care of Pastor M. M. 
Allbeck of Monessen. This arrangement continued only for a 
short time, and the mission was reported vacant in 1905. The 
town was canvassed a second time in the summer of 1906 by 
Student L. F. Gunderman, who reported that he had found fitty- 
one Lutheran families. Rev. Wilbur C. Mann became supply- 
pastor of Elrama and Donora, December 1, 1906, and found a 
small and discouraged flock in the latter place; but he persisted 
in his work and reorganized the congregation with thirty mem- 


624 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


bers, April 19, 1908. A 
Ladies’ » Guid) sander 
Young #) People sw eG@ir 1. 
were also_ organized, 
and these helped to give 
permanency to the mis- 
sion. Pastor Mann re- 
signed, October ly alvuy, 
and was succeeded by 
Rev. L. R. Haus,nwhose 
pastorate continued for 
but a few months. The 
next pastor was Rev. J. 
Walter Shearer, under 
whose leadership a cor- 
ner lot was bought for 
$2,800. His successor 


oy Wack Revit Will anim 









































Brown, who led the con- 

gregation in the work of 

building their church. 
The corner stone of this church was laid, November 30, 1913, 
and the building dedicated, April 19, 1914, It, was built of 
frame, 32x55, at a total cost of $8,/00. After the resignation of 
Pastor Brown, August 1, 1920, Doctor J. E. Dietterich of Mon- 
essen became the supply pastor, serving in that capacity until 
February 1, 1921, when he. accepted a call and the church de- 
clared itself a self-supporting parish. At that time the congre- 
gation numbered 145 confirmed members. A list of pastorates 
follows: Rev. H. E. Berkey, 1903-1904; Rev. M. M. Allbeck, 
D.D., 1904-1905; Rev. W. C. Mann, 1906-1909; Rev. L. R. 
Haus, L909; Rev. J0W. Shearer, 191051912 : Rewa VWs conn 
1913-1920; Rev. J. E. Dietterich, D.D., 1920-. 


EXTINCT CONGREGATIONS 


1. Trinity Church, Upper Ten Mile. This was commonly 
known as the Horn Church, and was located in the country, 
about one mile south of Zollarsville. It was organized by Rev. 
A. G. Deschler in 1791, but was served by Pastor Johannes 
Stauch from 1791 to 1806. One of the earliest records tellsiof 
the confirmation of a class of nineteen catechumens by Pastor 
Stauch, November 12, -1791, in the -home of Ludwig Praker, 
The first log church was built in 1798, and a fine brick church 
was dedicated by Doctor’: W. O. Wilson, June 27, 1869. Some 
of the old family names, connected with this church, were 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 625 


Hayden, Cox, Lynch, Horn, Koutz, Praker, Crumrine, Mone- 
smith, Young, Gantz, Garrett, Lohr, Booze, Ulery, Wise, and 
Gaymen. No services have been held regularly since 1907, and 
only the brick building remains to tell the story of the sacrifices 
of the past. | 


2. Mt. Zion Church, Ginger Hill. This church is located 
about four miles from Monongahela. It was organized by Pas- 
tor Johannes Stauch in 1796, and commonly called Stechers. 
This was the home church of Rev. G. Heinrich Weygandt, and 
the church in which the first conference of pastors was held, that 
eventuated in the organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Joint 
Synod of Ohio. A good church building was dedicated in 1848. 
It was served by General Council, General Synod, and Joint 
Synod pastors, but, despite their best efforts, was finally com- 
pelled to close its doors. 


Omeebcthelm Ghirchwyriceon Oreck sl his was another. of 
the pioneer churches of Washington County, organized by Pastor 
Johannes Stauch. No definite date of organization can be given, 
but it was not later than 1800. At the time of the organization 
of the Pittsburgh .Synod, it was served by Pastor Abraham 
Weills. A good church was dedicated by Pastor Solomon Weills 
in 1849, when the congregation numbered 40 members. Since 
the year 1867, it has been served by both General Council and 
General Synod pastors. It was disbanded about the year 1886. 


4. Trinity Church, Elrama. This congregation was organ- 
ized with thirty members, April 16, 1906, in which pastors 
from Monongahela and Donora held services for several 
years. The chapel was located on the hill, and this made 
the work hard for the pastors, who were trying to reach the peo- 
ple living down in the town. Before this fault was corrected, 
other churches were established in the town, and the hill church 
was then disbanded. 






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CHAPTER XX 
CHURCHES OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY 
1772-1924 
“The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” 


REVIOUS to 1758, Westmoreland was a great un- 
broken wilderness rarely trodden by the foot of 
man. .After the opening of the Forbes military 
road in that year, a number of daring settlers be- 
gan to take up lands along the route under mili- 
tary permits; but ‘net ‘a7 fews of. them lost; their 

lives at the hands of the resentful Indians. In 1768 a treaty 

was made with these Indians at Fort Stanwix, N.-Y.; and the 
state purchased all the land west of the Laurel Ridge, and 
east and south of the Allegheny River and a line drawn from 

Kittanning to Cherry Tree. At the time of the purchase this 

land was included in Cumberland County; from 1771 to 1773 

it was included in Bedford County; since February 26, 1773, 

it has been a part of Westmoreland County. When the land 

was regularly opened to settlement, April 3, 1/69, there was a 

rush of settlers to the land office, and 2/790 applications were 

filed on the first day. The first warrant was issued to Abra- 
ham Smith for 300 acres “at the mouth of a large run where 
it empties into Ligonier Creek.” Among these first applicants 
were many who bore such distinctly German names that it 1s 
plain that a large proportion of the pioneers were Germans. 

Some of the histories of Westmoreland County ignore this 

German element, and speak of it as a Scotch-Irish settlement. 

It is admitted that the greater part of the original settlers 

were of. that hardy race; but the Germans came as early as 

their Presbyterian neighbors and were not greatly outnum- 
bered. In the southern part of the county there was a large 
colony of German Mennonites; and the majority of the set- 
tlers of Hempfield Township were of German Reformed and 
[utheran stock. Apart from those of the Mennonites, all the 
churches of the German pioneers of the county were union 
organizations, in which Lutherans and Reformed had equal 
rights regardless of their relative strength. In some cases 
one part was eventually absorbed by the other, but both were 
established on the same footing at the beginning. In the 
majority of instances there was a friendly separation between 
the two denominations, each erecting its own building; only 





628 HISTORY, ORs LH EAE EU PS BURGH ES WNOD 


three of the pioneer churches, Brush Creek, Middle, and 
Swopes, retain their original union organization. No less 
than eleven German churches were established in Westmore- 
land before the close of the eighteenth century, nearly all of 
which retain their original vitality to the present. In not one 
of them, however, is a word of German heard. The language 
of the children displaced that of the fathers, and the German 
churches of the county are of comparatively recent origin. 
The oldest churches are: Harold’s, Brush Creek, Ridge, and 
Greensburg. The first Lutheran pastor of the county was 
Rev. Anton Ulrich Luetge, who came to Harold’s settlement 
in the spring of 1782; the first Reformed pastor was Rev. 
Johann Wilhelm Weber, who preached his first sermon a few 
weeks later. This Reformed pastor was the organizer of the 
first Protestant church of Pittsburgh. The development of 
the Lutheran Church in Westmoreland County has been 
steady and substantial. In 1903. there were 55 Lutheran 
churches in the county with 7,489 members; in 1919 there 
were 59 churches with 11,862 members. At the time of the 
Pittsburgh Synod merger these churches were classified as 
follows: 


General ¢Cotnen ae ek nee eens ot eae 37 churches, 7,685 members 
General "Syn0d' fe. 0. eee ee ee 14 churches, 3,137 members 
ATP usta nas tOvitOd, cet ae ete eee eee 3 churches, 389 members 
Missouriy Sy node vars. eee eee eee 2 churches, 135 members 
ORION DO GA ae nook ot ae er ee eee 1 church, 162 members 
Slovaks Zioned Synod ke eae, | eee ee tas 1 church, 150 members 
SUOMI so pnOd fee eee ces ene tne ee ae ee 1 church, 204 members 


Of the above churches, one uses the Italian language; 
one, Finnish; three, Swedish and English; one, Slovak; five, 
German and English; and forty-eight, English. The Church 
of the Reformation fills a large place in the religious life of 
Westmoreland County. 


THE ZION -EVANGELICAL: LUTHERAN SCHUR GEES 
HEMPFIELD TWP., WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PA. 


The history of these two congregations reaches so far back 
into the past that it is difficult to trace its beginnings.. In 1768 
all the land now included in Westmoreland County was the 
property of the Iroquois, who resented every effort at settlement 
on the part of white men as a hostile intrusion. When the army 
of General Forbes captured Fort Duquesne in 1758, a few men 
were bold enough to take up the forbidden land, either by mili- 
tary permit or tomahawk right, in spite of their Indian owner- 
ship. One of these men was Andrew Bauerle, who settled on 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 629 


Brush Creek in 1759, and 
had many narrow escapes 
from the Indians. Among 
those who seized lands in 
Hempfield ‘Township in 
the same manner were 
John Herold, Christo- 
pher Rodebach, John 
hereto. Mites lets] Ohit 
Rodebach, John Detar, 
John > Wegele and 
Christopher Waldhauer. 
John Herold and others 
preempted a tract of 158 
acres for the Evangelical : 
Lutheran Church, which - 

they styled “Good Pur- es 


pose.’ This tract, pre- ee ee 
a 
































empted about the year 

1765, and patented, May 

23, 1789, is the only case 

on record in which land was secured for Lutherans alone, with- 
out reference to the Reformed, in a pioneer settlement of Ger- 
mans in western Pennsylvania. All dates prior to 1769, touching 
the settlement of this township, are hard to verify, since official 
records are lacking. In November, 1768, a treaty was made with 
the Iroquois at Fort Stanwix, by which all the land, west of the 
Laurel Ridge and east and south of the Ohio River and the old 
Kittanning line, was secured by the state. This land was opened 
for settlement, April 3, 1/69, when there was a great rush of 
settlers asking for land warrants. ‘The land office records indi- 
cate that no less than a score of Germans took out warrants dur- 
ing that month, calling for surveys in this section of the new 
country. Within a few years about seventy German families, 
the majority of whom were Lutheran, settled in this vicinity. 
The task before these pioneers was tremendous. In the face of 
an Indian peril that would have appalled weaker hearts, they cut 
down the great trees, built cabin homes, cleared away the under- 
brush and quickly reduced the land to a state of cultivation. 
From 1769 to 1794 every settlement in Westmoreland was ex- 
posed to the ravages of the Indians, The massacre of the Hein- 
rich family in 1779, and that of the Klingenschmidt family in 
1781, both within the limits of Harold’s settlement, are examples 
of the danger to which the people were exposed. For their pro- 
tection large block houses were built of green logs, to which they 
could run for safety when warned of coming war parties; but 
the Indians moved with such stealth that few were aware of 


630 HISTORYIOR Tith PECTS DU RCE ASIN GID 


their approach until they were ready to strike. Every man was 
compelled to rely upon his own rifle. in 1774 a meeting was held 
at one of these block houses, known as Fort Allen and located 
near Harold’s Church, at which a petition to the Governor was 
prepared, asking for more adequate military protection. This 
petition was signed by 78 persons, practically all of whom were 
Germans. After the year 1794, when General Wayne defeated 
the Indians in Ohio, permanent peace was established. As soon 
as the settlers had built cabin homes for their families, probably 
as early as 1770, they built a log school house on the church 
land, which served the double purpose of church and school until 
better accommodations could be secured. ‘This old school house, 
the first in Hempfield Township and one of the first in West- 
moreland, was located about one hundred yards south of the 
present public school building. It had but one door and one 
window, and the latter had greased paper for window lights. 


1About the time John Michael Zundel became schoolmaster, 
probably in order to furnish him a home, a second story was 
added to the school house. This second story extended beyond 
the main building, in order to afford protection to the doorway 
of the school room and also to give room for an entrance to the 
second story. This entrance to the second story was not elabor- 
ate..- It consisted of a trapdoor in} the Moor ois thewextenaea 
second story and a ladder which could be drawn up at night.” 


The first schoolmaster was Balthaser Meyer, who came to 
the settlement in 1769. He was a man of considerable learning, 
and proved to be a strong leader. As soon as the school house 
was built, he gathered the people together for religious services, 
at which he would lead them in singing the church songs of their 
Fatherland and read an approved gospel sermon, These re- 
ligious services of 1770 may reasonably be regarded as the be- 
ginnings of Zion Church. Church organizations were not ef- 
fected in those days as they are now. If a congregation had a 
schoolmaster to teach the children and serve as an elder, and a 
treasurer to pay the few necessary bills, this was all the organi- 
zation that was needed. In this manner Zion Church was born. 
On August 2, 1772, at the request of the congregation, Balthaser 
Meyer opened the Church Record of “Zion Settlement,” in which 
he wrote the names of all children brought for baptism. The 
first name on this baptismal register is that of John Peter Walter, 
born, September 11, 1771, baptized, August 2, 1772; but the first 
baptism was evidently that of Christian Frederick Kuemmel, 
born,. January 8.) 1772), baptized.,.P ebtuary plan l/7 2a eres 
worthy fact connected with this list of baptisms is that no child 


1—History of Old Zion Church, W. A. Zundel, page 36. 





FIRST PULPIT OF HAROLD’S CHURCH 


632 HISTORY, OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


was born earlier than February 6, 1769, supporting the claim 
that only a few pioneers brought their families over the moun- 
tains before the spring of 1769. All these baptisms are entered 
in the handwriting of Balthaser Meyer up to June 4, 1792, when 
he removed to Brush Creek; but in 1784 the insertion of a new 
heading, “Record of such children as were baptized in Zion’s 
Church, in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, in the 
State of Pennsylvania, by the Reverend preachers,” indicates the 
arrival of the first pastor. This first pastor was Rev. Anton 
Ulrich Luetge, who came to the settlement in 1782. Because he 
had received a liberal education at Halle in preparation for the 
foreign field, he was urged by the schoolmaster to preach for 
Zion Church. His services were so acceptable that the people 
asked him to become their regular pastor. He declined on the 
ground that he was not ordained; but the schoolmaster persuaded 
him that it was within the power of an Evangelical Lutheran 
Church, under the stress of a great emergency, to ordain her own 
. pastors. He therefore accepted ordination at the hands of 
- Balthaser Meyer in the presence of the school house congrega- 
tion in 1784. The year 1784 is assigned as the date of this his- 
toric ordination, for the reason that the baptismal record indi- 
cates that the “reverend preachers” began to baptize the chil- 
dren in that year. 


2In 1785 Pastor Luetge appeared before the Ministerium of 
Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, and asked to be received as an 
ordained minister, but that body resolved that it could “have 
nothing further to do with him.” Undaunted by this rebuff he 
renewed his request in 1788, when the Ministerium consented to 
give him a license to preach and baptize, provided he would im- 
prove his knowledge of Greek, keep a diary of his official acts, 
and present to the Ministerium testirnonials from the elders and 
deacons of the congregations for which he preached. This license 
was renewed annually, but he was never ordained. It was dur- 
ing his pastorate that the first log church was completed. The 
erection of this church was undertaken soon after the building 
of the school house, but Indian troubles led to its abandonment. 
When work was resumed the young saplings had grown up 
through the floor, so that it was necessary to clear the ground a 
second time. ‘The church was much larger than the school build- 
ing, but had only one door. The floor was of puncheon; the 
seats were made of hewn logs; the altar was a rough table; and 
the high pulpit was made after the wine-glass pattern. 


’ 


3“Tt was,” says the pastor, ‘a shaky affair that rocked and 
swayed a good deal as you mounted its lofty height. It was 
2—Documentary History of the Evangelical Lutheran Ministerium of Pennsyl- 


vania, page 201. 
3—History of Westmoreland Classis of the Reformed Church, page 43. 


HISTORY_OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 633 


surmounted with a small sounding board, painted in blue color, 
with a canopy showing the sun, moon and stars, in white. The 
window glass of the church were often broken, and the windows 
left unrepaired; so that the squirrels and birds had free access to 
the inside of the house of worship. And they were frequently 
seen, sporting about and diverting themselves as well as the 
younger part of the audience, during the hours of regular 
service, « | 


In order to provide funds for the completion of this log 
church, one hundred acres of the church land was sold to: Rev. 
Luetge for sixty pounds. In order to give a deed, a special Act 
of Assembly was passed in 1801, giving to the trustees the neces- 
sary authority. In the meantime Pastor Luetge had died, so that 
an agreement was made with his executors, whereby the land 
was deeded to Alexander McKinney. Pastor Luetge served the 
congregation until the summer of 1789, when he accepted a call 
from churches in the Cumberland Valley. His death occurred 
about the year 1795. His successor in Zion was Rev. John 
Michael Steck, who began his work in September, 1791, and con- 
tinued until death, July 14, 1830. On September 24, 1791, a 
compact was signed by representatives of the Lutheran and Re- 
formed congregations, specifying their rights and_ privileges. 
This compact permitted each congregation to elect its own elders, 
to select and dismiss its own pastors, prohibited the individual 
members of either congregation from introducing strange 
preachers without the consent of their elders, required the pastors 
of both congregations to baptize all such children as might be 
presented to them without distinction of religion, except where 
objections were made by the elders, provided for the election of 
a schoolmaster by the elders of the two congregations, and re- 
quired this schoolmaster to instruct the children in the doctrines 
of either the Heidelberg or the Luther catechism as their pa- 
rents might elect. This compact may be regarded as a reorgani- 
zation of the congregation, inasmuch as the number of officers 
and their respective duties were specified therein for the first 
time. ‘The terms of this compact were faithfully kept by both 
congregations for more than a century. On the day that this 
reorganization was effected, September 24, 1791, the Lutherans 
agreed to give the Reformed a half interest in the fifty-eight 
acres that remained of their original church farm. A deed of 
transfer was made for the same, November 28, 1819. Pastor 
John M. Steck, like his predecessor, came to Harold’s settlement 
unlicensed and unordained. *The statement of Rev. W. F. Ulery 
that he was licensed in 1784 cannot be verified from synodical 
records. He preached here for five years before he applied to 


4—History of the Southern Conference, W. F. Ulery, page 335. 


634 HIS FORYs OF SEH ESPLLLS BURGH SYNOD 


the Ministerium of Pennsylvania for a license. °In 1796 he ap- 
peared before the Ministerium at York, Pa., when that body re- 
solved, ‘““That Mr. Johann Michael Steck, as licensed candidate, 
serve Greensburg, Herold’s, Brusch Krik, Ridge, at Jacob’s Krik 
and at Allegany in Westmoreland County.” In 1806 Jacob 
Ruch accompanied Pastor Steck to the meeting of the Minister- 
ium in Hagerstown, Md., where he was ordained. The first re- 
corded communion service of Zion was conducted by Pastor 
Steck, October 11, 1791, when 80 persons received the sacra- 
ment. ‘The number was greatly increased within the next two 
years, since Lutherans from all parts of the county were pleased 
to visit Zion on such occasions. From October 11, 1792, to April 
20, 1794, no less than 355 names are found on the communion 
register of this congregation. Since some of them came from 
other communities, and since many of the children of these 
families are now found in the fellowship of other churches of 
the synod, this list is given in full. The spelling of the family 
names follows the original as closely as possible. 


Adels, Anna Maria Beyer, Philip Eisemann, Christina 

Alms, Andreas Beyer, Margaretha Eisemann, Nicolaus 

Alms, Anna Katharina Beyer, Christian Eisemann, Anna Katharina 

Altmann, Johannes Beyer, John Philip Eisemann, Peter 

Altmann, Anna Elizabetha Beyer, Susanna Ellinger, Anna Maria 

Altmann, Andreas Beyer, Anna Elizabetha Eschbaugh, Eva Elizabetha 

Altmann, Anna Best, Heinrich Fransz, Georg 

Altmann, Wilhelm Best, Anna Margaretha Fransz, Anna Barbara 

Altmann, Anna Barbara Best, Johann Wilhelm Fritschmann, Johannes 

Altmann, George Peter Best, Anna Elizabetha Froehlich, Johannes 

Altmann, John Peter Beyer, Christophel Froehlich, Martin 

Altmann, George Jacob Beyer, Margaretha Froehlich, Anna Margaretha 

Altmann, Anna Katharina Beyer, Anna Margaretha Fuchs, Jacob 

Altmann, David Boenisch, Christian Fuchs, Katharina 

Altmann, Maria Bolinger, Anna Margaretha Fuchs, John Peter 

Altmann, Sophia Margaretha Bricker, Anna Elizabetha Fuchs, Anna Margaretha 

Altmann, Barbara Breinich, Anna Maria Fuchs, Christophel 

Altmann, Susanna Brinker, Barbara Fuchs, Susanna 

Amelang, Anna Katharina Burchard, Anna Katharina Fuchs, Philip 

Amelang, Anna Maria Burger, Anna Margaretha Fuchs, Anna Katharina 

Amelang, Anna Elizabetha Diener, Christina M. Fuchs, Anna Elizabetha 

Amelang, Elizabetha Diener, Anna Maria Gangewehr, Philip 

Bachmann, Johannes Diener, Anna Elizabetha Gangewehr, Anna Marga- 

Bachmann, John Adam Dorninger, Georg retha 

Bachmann, Anna Maria Dorninger, Katharina Gangewehr, Johannes 

Bachmann, Anna Katharina Dorninger,- Andreas Gangewehr, Maria Elizabetha 

Bassert, John Jacob Dorninger, John Jacob Gangewelir, Joseph 

Bauerle, Franz Dorny, Margaretha Gangewehr, Michael 

Baum, Anna Magdalena Dogny. Barbara Gangewehr, Hannah 

Baumgartner, Jacob Dorny, Magdalena Georg, John Jacob 

Baumgartner, Anna Katha- Dorny, Anna Margaretha Georg, Anna Katharina 
rina Ehret, Johannes Georg, Daniel 

Baumgartner, John Jacob Ehret, Anna Barbara Georg, Anna Maria 

Baumgartner, Rosina Ehret, Christian Georg, Conrath 

Baumgartner, Anna Magda- Eisemann, Anna Margaretha Georg, Anna Elizabetha 
jena Kisemann, Anna Katharina Georg, Anna Margaretha 

Bandschwert, Matthias Eisemann, Barbara Gold, Margaretha 

Bandschwert, Maria Barbara Fisemann, John Peter Haack, Sara 

Bandschwert, Christina Eisemann, Anna Barbara Hag, George 

Bender, Anna Elizabetha Eisemann, John Michael Hag, Anna Elizabetha 

Bender, Maria EFisemann, Anna Hag, Jacob 

Best, Nicolaus Eisemann, Christian Hag, Anna Katharina 

Best, Maria Katharina Eisemann, Susanna Hag, Anna Margaretha 

Best, Anna Magdalena Eisemann, Heinrich Haarbach, Anna Magdalena 


5—Documentary History of the Evangelical Lutheran Ministerium of Pennsyl- 
vania, page 287. 


Haarbach, Wilhelmina 
Hartmann, Wilhelm 
Hartmann, Anna Barbara 
Hartmann, Christian 
Hartmann, Barbara 
Hartmann, Johannes 
Hartmann, Susanna 
Hartmann, Rosina 


Hartmann, Anna Elizabetha 
Hartmann, Anna Katharina 
Heilman, Heinrich 

Heins, Katharina 

Heins, Anna Maria 
Hermann, Abraham 
Hermann, Sibilla 

Hermann, Barbara 

Herold, Anna Maria 
Heubach, Dorothea 

Hinsel, Anna Katharina 
Huber, John Peter 

Huber, Anna Maria 
Huber, 
Huber, 
Huber, 
Huber, Anna Katharina 
Hubler, Peter 

Keck, Johannes ; 
Klingelschmidt, Philip 
Klingelschmidt, Margaretha 
Klingelschmidt, John Philip 
Klingelschmidt, Anna 
Klingler, Johannes | 
Klingler, Anna Maria 
Klingler, Georg 

Klingler, Magdalena 
Klingler, Maria Barbara 
Koch, Friedrich 

Kunkel, Johannes 

Kunkel, Anna Maria 
Kunkel, John Peter 
Kunkel, Sebastian 


Simon 
Abraham 
Peter 


HISEORY OF THE RITTSBURGH SYNOD 635 
Meyer, Conrath Scheury, Anna Maria 
Meyer, John Jacob Scheury, Maria Barbara 
Meyer, Anna Margaretha Schatz, Heinrich 
Meyer, Margaretha Schatz, Esther 
Mieleisen, Anna Margaretha Scheibler, Anna Margaretha 
Muckendoerfer, Johannes Scholl, Barbara 
Muckendoerfer, Susanna Scholl, Veronica 
Mueller, Nicolaus Scholl, Katharina 
Mueller, Anna Katharina Schoener, Rebecca 
Mueller, Jacob Schmeltzer, Jacob 
Mueller, Anna Maria Schmidt, John Jacob 
Mueller, John Peter Schmidt, Anna Katharina 
Mueller, Anna Katharina (2)Schmidt, Anna Margaretha 
Mueller, Philip Schneider, Adam 
Mueller, Anna Maria (2) Schneider, Johannes 
Mueller, Johann Peter Schneider, Christina 
Mueller, Anna Margaretha Schneider, Anna Maria 
Mueller, Christian Schneider, Anna Maria 
Mueller, Johannes Siess, Georg 
Mueller, Katharina Siess, Anna Maria 
Ottermann, Ludwig Steiner, Valentin 
Ottermann, Maria Esther Steiner, Anna Katharina 
Ottermann, John Georg Steiner, Adam 
Ottermann, Esther Steiner, John Adam 
Rab, Anna Maria Steiner, Anna Barbara 
Reisz, Friedrich Steinmetz, Jacob 
Reisz, Eva Katharina Steinmetz, John Georg 
Reinbold, Siegfried Steinmetz, Susanna 
Ritschert, Samuel Staudenhauer, Ludwig 
Ritschert, Juliana Staudenhauer, Elizabetha 
Ritschert, Margaretha Stroh, Jacob 
Ritschert, Anna Stroh, Maria Katharina 
Rosenstiehl, John Georg Stroh, Sarah 
Rosenstiehl, Johannes Stroh, Michael 
Ruch, Peter Stroh, Susanna 
Ruch, Margaretha Stroh, Maria Barbara 
Ruch, John Michael Truby, Sibilla 
uch el uciawes Uber, John Peter 
Ruch, John Jacob Uber, Anna Maria 
Ruch, Sara Uber, Johannes 
Ruch, George Uber, Abraham 

Kunkel, Anna Barbara Ruch, Anna Katharina Ugger, Johannes 

Kunsz, Philip Ruch, Heinrich Uhrig, Christophel 

Kunsz, Anna Margaretha Ruch, Christian Uhrig, Anna Katharina 

Kunsz, Bartel Ruch, Anthony Uhrig, Adam 

Kunsz, Anna Christina Ruch, Anna Elizabetha Uhrig, Anna Katharina 

Kunsz, Georg Ruch, Anna Magdalena Uhrig, Susanna 

Kunsz, Johaunes Ruch, Anna Maria Uhrig, Anna Katharina 

Kunsz, Regina Ruch, Anna Margaretha Wack, Anna Maria 

Kunsz, Margaretha Ruch, Katharina Wagner, Anna Christina 

Kunsz, Anna Katharina Rueggel, Nicolas Walther, Philip 


Lautenschlager, Martin 
Leonhard, Katharina 

Link, Conrath 

Link, Anna Maria 

Link, Katharina 
Mahnenschmidt, John Jacob 
Mahnenschmidt, Johannes 
Mahnenschmidt, Susanna 


Mattheis, Anna Katharina 
Mattheis, Anna Magdalena 
Mechling, Michael 
Mechling, Anna Maria 
Mechling, Jacob 
Mechling, Anna Maria 
Mechling, Georg 
Mechling, Friedrich 
Mechling, Dawald 
Mechling, David 
Mechling, Johannes 
Mechling, Heinrich 
Mechling, Katharina 


Meyer, Adam ; 
Meyer, Katharina 


Rueggel, Anna Maria 


Rueggel, Peter 

Rueggel, Anna Katharina 
Rueggel, Johannes 
Rueggel, Daniel 

Rueggel, George 
Rueggel, Philip 

Rueggel, Theobald 
Rueggel, John George 
Rueggel, Ludwig 
Rueggel, Heinrich 
Rueggel, Anna Elizabetha 
Rueggel, Elnora 

Rueggel, Anna Maria (2) 


Rueggert, John Peter 
Rueggert, Anna Katharina 
Saxmann, Christian 
Scharris, Susanna 

Scharris, Sara 

Schaurer, Christophel 
Schaurer, Anna Margaretha 
Schaurer, Anna Katharina 
Schaurer, Susanna 


Walther, Anna Katharina 
Walther, Jacob 

Weber, Susanna 

West, Wilhelm 

West, Katharina 
William, Daniel 
William, Anna Katharina 
William, Wilhelm 
William, Anna Margaretha 
Wolf, Johannes 

Wolf, Anna Maria 

Yehl, Sara 

Yerg, Anna Katharina 
Yerian, Maria 

Yerian, Anna Elizabetha 


Zaehner, Jacob 

Zaehner, Katharina 
Zaehner, John Georg 
Zaehner, John Jacob 
Zaehner, Maria Elizabetha 


Maria Magdalena 
Maria Katharina 
Anna Elizabetha 


Zaehner, 
Zaehner, 
Zeugler, 


636 HISTORY, OF THE PITTSBURGH. SYNOD 


The name of Balthaser Meyer does not appear on this list, 
since he was a communicant of Brush Creek Church. The first 
confirmation class of Zion was “confirmed and blessed” by Pas- 
tor John M. Steck, May 26, 1792. It numbered forty-three 
young people, ranging in age from thirteen to nineteen, indicat- 
ing that the congregation had not been denied the means of 
grace. Classes were confirmed by Pastor Steck every two years. 
Near the close of his pastorate, the stone church of the congre- 
gation was erected at a cost of $3,000. The corner stone was 
laid, May 28, 1829, and the church dedicated in 1830, Rev. H. E. 
F. Voigt and Rev. J. G. C. Schweizerbarth preaching the ser- 
mons for the occasion. ‘This church was a large square stone 
building, with a gallery on three sides. The pattern was much 
the same’as that of Brush’ Creek Church. [here was a large 
altar, painted white, in the center of the chancel space, behind 
which was the high wine-glass pulpit with steps leading up to it. 
When Pastor J. M. Steck’s health failed in 1829, his son, Pastor 
Michael John Steck, was called as his assistant. Upon the 
death of the father the son became regular pastor, serving until 
death, September 1, 1848." Pastor M-" J. Steck *participatediin 
the organization of the Pittsburgh Synod in 1845 and was 
chosen as the first president. His successor was Pastor Jonas 
Mechling, 1849-1868, who remained in the fellowship of the 
Ohio Synod. The next pastor was .Rev. George A. Bruegel; 
1868-1872, who put out the hymn book of the General Synod 
and introduced the Church Book of the General Council. This 
act was the first step in the division. The next pastor was Rev. 
Enoch Smith, who secured the adoption of a new constitution 
that led to more serious trouble. While the constitution was 
fairly adopted, it was highly objectionable to so many that a con- 
gregational meeting was called, March 10, 1877, to determine 
whether it should stand. The vote was 46 to 26 against the con- 
stitution; but the Pastor ruled correctly that a two-thirds vote 
was necessary to rescind and that the constitution was sustained. 
This ruling led to his resignation, April 23, 1877, but he con- 
tinued to preach for some time for the supporters of the new 
constitution in the school house. Pastor W. F. Ulery supplied 
the church, 1877-1880, but the storm continued because of the 
objectionable constitution. On April 30, 1880, nine days before 
Pastor Ulery’s resignation went into effect, the council appealed 
to the Pittsburgh Synod of the General Synod for a pastor. It 
was answered by Pastor A. C. Ehrenfeld of the Alleghany 
Synod, who supplied them from July 11, 1880, to November 15, 
1882, and by Pastor P. G. Bell of the same synod, who served 
from 1882 to 1883. On August 22, 1880, a congregational meet- 
ing was held to determine synodical relations, but this broke up 
in confusion. Another meeting was held, October 2, 1880, at 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 637 


which it was decided to join the General Synod. On October 18, 
1880, that part of the congregation upholding the constitution of 
1877 began legal proceedings to oust the General Synod party 
from the church. Judge Hunter of the Westmoreland County 
court decided in favor of the General Council congregation; but 
his decision was reversed by Judge Sharswood of the supreme 
court, who awarded the property to the General Synod party. 
Pastor Ulery claimed that this reversion was due to the fact 
that the General Council party failed to make a complete state- 
ment to the supreme court. ‘The General Council congregation 
then rallied under the leadership of Pastor J. C. Kunzmann, 
secured a new building site on the original church farm, and 
built a brick church at a cost of $8,000. This church was dedi- 
cated by Pastor Kunzmann, June 14, 1885. The membership 
gradually rallied from the shock of division, and numbered 163 
at the time of the merger of 1919. The General Synod con- 
gregation continued to worship in the old church until July 6, 
1884, when they dedicated a new church on the Daniel Altman 
farm, about half a mile to the west. The service of dedication 
was conducted by Pastor Isaiah Irvine, sermons being preached 
in German and English by Pastors A. C, Ehrenfeld and G. W. 
Leisher. A parsonage lot was bought from Daniel Altman about 
the same time, on which a pastor’s home was erected:at a cost of 
$1,000. .The cost of the new church was about $10,000. Their 
interest in the old church property was sold to the Reformed for 
$2,000, July 30, 1888, and the proceeds invested for the use of 
the congregation. Zion has lost but little of her former vitality, 
except for the fact that so many of her young people have moved 
to the cities and towns. In 1919 the confirmed membership 
numbered 178. It is the cherished hope of many friends that 
both congregations may soon worship together again, as heirs of 
their common heritage. The following pastors have served here 
since the division: 


UPPER CHURCH LOWER CHURCH 
Rey A. @ eee Erenield.t 2... 1880-1882 SUD PILES ee ee ne ne eee eae 1880-1882 
Mevesberer Cy ubell.t ees ee 1882-1883 Reverie Ga ounzmant,.) Dee, 1882-1887 
Revem sda elrvines 22a. seer 1884-1887 RG Vame Vege Ele ein ce eee 1887-1894 
Rev. See (aly Wyvawiedohe ba eA 1888 - 1897 Rev. Jonathan Sarver, D.D.......1895-1903 
Rev. LSM treaniera ss se 1897-1903 Rev. Joshua A. Vouh teeta 1904-1904 
Rev. im ee Peetlassinver sa 1903-1912 Revigel ty Oe Glenna: san nee ee 1904-1910 
Rev. L. M. Daubenspeck.............. 1912-1913 Review Ey ht Ela Io hriseete es ee eee 1911-1913 
Rev. apne Pca ti rn oe ee 1913-1918 Rey is Tsaac. Ky sWismerca so. 1913-1922 
Revie Geasky Courtney. 5b 1918-1921 Se Piet) olay ee 1922-1923 
Ie ered kN Weta es ee 1921- IRCohy ee LD ae NSU Eee gd oases Dee 1923-1925 


BKVAN. LUTHERAN BRUSH CREEK SALEM’S CHURCH 
HEN PE Eel WP VES PMORTVAND COUNTY, (PA. 


The two chief German settlements of Hempfield Township, 
Harold’s and Brush Creek, were contemporaneous. Pioneers of 


638 HISTORY. OF THEY PLitsBURGHSAYNOD 


the first named applied 
for lands in the early 
spring of 1769, when 
they were opened to 
settlement by the state; 
the same thing can be 
said of a few families of 
the second. The Bauerle 
family, closely identified 
with the pioneer history 
of Brush Creek, was es- 
tablished in this vicinity 
dt least’ ten years berg@nc 
the land was purchased 
from the Iroquois. Of 
the two churches estab- 
lished in these settlements 
Harold’s is given first 
place because it was first 
to secure lands, first to 
erecta ‘“buildinswerow 
church and school purposes, and first to begin regular parish 
records. The first religious services, here as at Harold’s, were 
conducted by the schoolmasters; and consisted of song, prayer 
and the reading of an approved sermon. ‘Two of these school- 
masters were Michael Zundel and George Bushyager. In Brush 
Creek settlement these pioneer services were held in the Davis 
and Loutzenheiser homes, as well as at Fort Waldhauer. This 
fort was a large block house, with the upper story projecting 
over the lower, erected by Michael Waldhauer, a Lutheran, near 
the intersection of the Pittsburgh and Clay pikes, and was de- 
signed for the protection of settlers against Indian raids. From 
1769 to 1794 the settlement was in constant fear of the savages, 
and at times suffered severely. Adam Saam, whose name also 
appears on the list of early Lutheran communicants, organized a 
rifle company that did much to allay the fears of the people. 
Several persons were killed and scalped by Indians within sight 
of this old fort, but the fort itself was never attacked, since the 
Indians always depended upon surprise for success. On June 
22, 1782, after one of these raids, the Brush Creek settlers sent 
a petition to the commandant at Fort Pitt, asking for adequate 
military protection. On July 22, 1781, twenty persons in the 
home of Philip Klingelschmidt, near the present site of Jeannette, 
were cruelly murdered. The first log school house of Brush 
Creek settlement was burned by marauding Indians in 1781 or 
1782. ‘This building stood in the old graveyard, a short distance 
north of the present church. After the burning of the school 





















































BIS LURYsOrrl HESPrUrSpURGH > YNOD 639 


house a log church was erected in its place, which served also for 
school purposes. Such was the Indian menace of the times that 
for several years the men never went to church without their 
guns. ‘The first church was °‘a structure of hewn logs, with 
only one door, and that at the gable end. ‘The floor was of 
puncheons ; the seats hewn logs; there was no pulpit, no gallery ; 
and a common table served for an altar.” No provision was 
made for heating or lighting, since no evening services were held, 
and many of the hardy pioneers did not approve the idea of 
going to church to be comfortable. Not a little opposition at- 
tended the first installation of heating stoves in the second 
church. The land on which the church was erected was part of 
dettact ornle2 acres secured through) David) Marchand. | The 
deed of transfer was not made to the two congregations until 
July 20, 1797, and the consideration named was 28£ 12s. 6 d. 
The following regulations and conditions are attached to the 


deed: 


“That it is equally granted and appropriated for the use and mutual 
convenience and accommodation of those two religious denominations of 
Christians , and that I do hereby for myself and my heirs forever pro- 
hibit the trustees of said congregation from selling, bartering, or in any 
way disposing of the said granted premises or any part thereof, under 
the penalty of forfeiting the right and title of the said congregation to 
the said granted premises; and in case of its becoming so forfeited that 
it shall immediately revert to the said David Marchand, or his heirs, upon 
the reimbursement of the said consideration without interest. It is a 
further condition and stipulation in the aforesaid grant, that if either 
the ministers or the members of the said congregation, or either of them, 
shall commence and prosecute any contentious disputes or quarrels against 
each other, about any matters respecting the said congregation or any of 
the property hereby granted, or about any religious principles or tenets of 
either of the said denominations of Christians, that in such case the 
parties or persons so engaged in such controversy shall and may, by the 
opinion and decision of the trustees or majority of them, be debarred of 
all privileges of either preaching or hearing, until an ‘amicable settle- 
ment of the controversy shall take place and peace and good order be 
perfectly restored and approved by the said trustees or a majority -of 
them. And the said David Marchand, for himself and his heirs, the said 
described land and premises with the appurtenances unto the said trustees 
and their successors, under the conditions aforesaid, shall and will by 
these presents warrant and forever defend.” 


Under an Act of Assembly, January 21, 1819, it was held 
that the Marchand deed failed to name the trustees; and the As- 
sembly named John Shrum and Adam Baughman to hold the 
land in trust for the congregations, and gave them authority to 
Sellvo2. acres. | Since that time the legal affairs of Brush Creek 
Church have been managed by two trustees; one acting for the 
Lutherans and one for the Reformed. In 1864, by Act of 
Assembly, Peter Whitehead and Michael Baughman, trustees, 
were authorized to sell the coal under an additional plot of 40 


6—History of Westmoreland Classis, page 49. 


aS 


i. 


oN 


5 


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nik De reaiqen) i; ann nielelye in Der CsWvold he Arr 
Le. Sfenrin i in os ; 

i ee MW LUC hl ee ME, 


Dard) den Lrange leh Suljertiehen ie ae Tet Oi hal 2 Tet 
sal ift monde ind 1 yon Fale) Loos 


ht 


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Joly ‘heh ay / 


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PAGE OF BRUSH CREEK CHURCH RECORD, 1792 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 641 


acres and 86 perches to the Penn Gas Coal Company, for which 
the congregations received $5399.90. Practically all this money 
was used for the improvement of property. Reformed and Lu- 
theran pastors alike complained that the manner in which this 
money was used, relieving the people of the responsibility of 
giving, was more harmful than helpful in the spiritual develop- 
ment of the congregation. ’So long as the farm fund provided 
for local expenses, the grace of giving was not cultivated among 
the people as it might have been. On November 27, 1874, the 
Brush Creek Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery was incorpor- 
ated; and to this corporation, December 1, 1877, the trustees 
granted a deed for 24 acres. ‘This is a self-perpetuating cor- 
poration, and is not responsible to the church except for the fact 
that the five Reformed and five Lutheran directors must be 
members of Brush Creek Church. It is one of the best kept 
cemeteries in Westmoreland County, and its location upon a 
commanding hill top is ideal. Some of its gravestones are as old 
as 1788, and many of the nameless graves are doubtless older. 
Of the original church farm, about 74 acres yet remain in the 
possession of the church. The coal under 32 acres of this land 
has recently been optioned at $1,000 per acre. The first pastors 
of this church were Rev. Anton Ulrich Luetge of the Lutherans 
and Rev. Johann Wilhelm Weber of the Reformed. The first 
named came to the settlement in the spring of 1782 as a layman; 
and, after preaching for several months was ordained in 
Harold’s Church by Balthaser Meyer. This ordination was not 
recognized as valid by the Ministerium of Pennsylvania; but that 
body finally relented and granted Pastor Luetge a license to 
preach in 1788. In 1789 he returned to Franklin County, where 
a few years later he died of tuberculosis. This pioneer pastor 
left no written records of his ministerial acts in any of the 
settlements; such baptisms as he performed are recorded in the 
handwriting of the schoolmaster. If he ever conducted a com- 
munion service it is not of record. The first baptisms recorded 
in the Brush Creek Church Book began in 1792; the first com- 
munions in 1795. Pastor Luetge’s successor was Rev. John 
Michael Steck, who came to the Westmoreland settlements in 
the spring of 1791, in response to an invitation from Harold’s, 
Brush Creek, Greensburg, and Ridge. He found the Brush - 
Creek congregation fully organized. Just when the first organi- 
zation was effected would be difficult to state, since the methods 
of organization were not the same then as now. If we accept the 
date of beginning religious services in the settlement as the time, 
then it can be said that there was a provisional organization here 
about the year 1773. Such other organization as may have been 


7—Centennial History of Brush Creek Church. 


642 HiISTORV@QOR WDE Wer iL ois Uik G He Sy AND 

considered necessary, such as the appointment of almstakers and 
a treasurer, was likely effected by Pastor Luetge after his licen- 
sure in the year 1788. All dates’ for the founding of Brush 
Creek Church are conjectures. At ithe time of his coming ‘to 
Westmoreland, Rev. John M. Steck, like his predecessor, was 
unordained; he was not even granted a license to preach until 
1796. He was a man of sterling character, however, and during 
a pastorate of thirty-eight years rendered a service of inestimable 
value. In response to the call of the scattered Germans, he trav- 
elled on horseback far and wide, ministering to thousands and 
laying the foundations of scores of Evangelical Lutheran 
churches. His first communion service at Harold’s was _ held, 
October 11, 1791, when 80 communed; his first communion in 
Brush Creek Church was held, May 17, 1795, when 66 com- 
muned. A class of 23 young people was confirmed on the day 
of his first recorded communion service. From May 17, 1795, 
to October 6, 1799, he administered the sacrament of the altar 
in the old log church to the following persons: 


Altman, Adam Fritschmann, Johannes Kaeppel, Christian 
Amelang, Jacob Fritschmann, Mrs. Barbara Keck, Georg 
Amelang, Margaretha Fritschmann, Conrath Keck, Mrs. Catharina 
Amelang, Anna Maria Fuchs, John Peter Keck, Heinrich 
Amelang, Catharina Gangewehr, Philip Keck, Mrs. Catharina 


Amon, Anna Catharina 
Antony, Elizabeth 
Antony, Catharina 
Antony, Suszanna 


Barth, Juditha Grauszle, Catharina Klingenschmidt, Jacob 

Batz, Joh. Georg Gunkel, Barbara Klingenschmidt, Mrs. Eliza- 
Batz; Maria Eva Gunkel, Johannes beth 

Bachmann, Heinrich Gunkel, Catharina Klingenschmidt, Philip 
Bachmann, Mrs. Catharina Haack, George Klingenschmidt, Mrs Gath= 
Bachmann, John Adam Haack, Mrs. Anna Maria arina 

Bachmann, Peter Haack, Nicolaus Klingenschmidt, Jacob 
Bachmann, Heinrich, Jr. Haack, Juliana Klingenschmiadt. Mrs. Mar- 
Bachmann, Johannes Haack, Elizabeth garetha 

Baehr, Susanna Haack, Suszanna Klingenschmidt, Peter 
Baehr, Catarina Hagar, Kilian Klingenschmidt, Mrs. Anna 
Baurle, Magdalena Hamm, Elizabeth Maria 

Bauerle, Margaretha Hamm, Catharina Klingenschmidt, Johannes 
Bauerle, Catharina Hartmann, Catharina Klingenschmidt, Andreas 
Berlin, Jacob Hauser, Johannes Klingenschmidt, Margaretha 
Berlin, Mrs. Magdalena Heck, Wilhelm Klingenschmidt, Barbara 
Berlin, Anna Maria Hermann, Elizabeth Klingenschmidt, Elizabeth 
Bigele, Margaretha Hesz, Wilhelm Klingenschmidt, Cath. Marg. 
Braun, Johannes Hesz, Johannes Klingenschmidt, Catharina 
Brinker, Catharina Hieszly, Sara : Klingenschmidt, J. Philip 
Brinker, Luisa Mieszly, Anna Maria Klingenschmidt, Mar. Eliza- 
Buechle, Catharina Hill, Peter ; beth 

Diehl, Philip Hill, Mrs. Catharina Knabenbergh, Conrath 
Diehl, Mrs. Susanna Hill, Appollonia Knabenbergh, Mrs. Eva Bar- 
Drumm, Margaretha Hill, Elizabeth bara 

Eberhardt, Paul Hill, Hanna Knabenbergh, Elizabeth 
Eberhardt, Jacob Hobach, Valentine Knabenbergh, Philip 
Eberhardt, Mrs. Barbara Hobach, Mrs. Magdalena Kneiszle, Georg | 
Eberhardt, Christian Jung, Elizabeth Kneiszle, Mrs. Catharina 
Fherhardt. Mrs. Anna Maria Jung, Barbara Kunz, Daniel 

EHiszenhardt, Jacob Jung, Catharina Kunz, Mrs. Christina 

Finck, Jacob Kaeppel, Andreas Kunz, Philip 

Finck, Mrs. Margaretha Kaeppel, Mrs. Anna Maria Kunz, Bartel 

Finck, Michael Kaeppel, Andreas, Jr. Kunz, Mrs. Christina 

Frey, Michael Kaeppel, Jacob Kunz, Barbara 

Frey, Mrs. Anna Kaeppel, Georg : Kuepler, Georg 

Frey, George Kaeppel, Mar. Veronika Kuepler. Mrs. Elizabetha 
Frey, Maria Dorothea Kaeppel, Suszanna Kuepler, Suszanna 


Gangewehr, Mrs. Margaretha Keck, Philip 


Gimmel, Barbara 
Georg, M. Catharina 
Gottleib, Catharina 


Keck, Abraham 
Keck, Joh. Georg 
Kaufer, Anna Maria 


HISTORY ORS E: PLLTSBURGH S¥ NOD 


Kuepferschmidt, Michael 
Kuepferschmidt, Catharina 
Kuester, Philip 

Kuester, Catharina 
Leonhardt, Michael 
Leonhardt, Mrs. Elizabetha 
Leonhardt, Adam 
Leonhardt, Mrs. Sara 
Leonhardt, Anna Barbara 
Leonhardt, Anna Maria 
Leonhardt, Barbara 
Leonhardt, Christian 
Leonhardt, Elizabetha 
Leonhardt, Margaretha 
Ludwick, Jacob 

Ludwick, Conrath 
Ludwick, Barbara 
Meyer, Balthaser 

Meyer, Nicolaus 

Meyer, Mrs. Catharina 
Meyer, Christian 

Meyer, Peter 

Meyer, Georg 4 
Meckmillen, Dorothea 
Moser, Elizabeth 
‘Moser, Luisa 

Mueller, Joh. Peter 
Mueller, Mrs. Catharina 
Mueller, Daniel 
Muensigler, Philip 
Muensigler, Mrs. Catharina 
Naelich, Nicolaus 

Patz, Johann 

Patz, Mrs. Christina 
Regert, Anna Maria 
Reisz, Jacob 

Reimar, Fr. Albrecht 


Reimar, Mrs. Suszanna 
Reitenauer, Mrs. Christian 
Remehlich, Mrs. Christina 
Remehlich, Mar. Christina 
Remehlich, Georg 

Ringel, Juliana 

Ritchert, Martin 

Ritchert, Mrs. Catharina 
Ritchert, Michael 
Ritchert, Christina 

Rubel, Magdalena 

Rubel, Christina 

Ruchs, Eva 

Saam, Adam 

Sallmann, Salome 
Schellhammer, Peter 
Schellhammer Mrs. Catharina 
Schellhammer, Catharina 
Schreyack, Helena 
Schaefer, Jacob 

Schaefer, Elizabeth 
Schneider, Abraham 
Schneider, Mrs. Esther 
Schneider, Jacob 
Schneider, Mrs. Eva 
Schneider, Johannes 
Schneider, Mrs. Maria 
Schneider, Helena 
Schneider, Suszanna 
Scneider, Lea 

Schneider, Elizabetha 
Schneider, Catharina 
Schcneider, Maria 
Schneider, Abraham, Jr. 
Schneider, Anna Catharina 
Schneider, Juliana 
Schneider, Adam 

Schrum, Catharina 


643 


Schoener, Christina 
Schuster, Gerhardt 
Schuster, Mrs. Anna Barbaia 
Schuster, Margaretha 
Schuster, Catharina 
Stehry, Valentin 

Stehry, Mrs. Margaretha 
Stehry, Martin 

Stehry, Mrs. Margaretha 
Stehry, Anna Maria 
Stehry, Anna Margaretha 
Staudenhauer, Ludwick 
Staudenhauer, Mrs. Elizabeth 
Thormeyer, Andreas 
Thormeyer ,Mrs. Margaretha 
Thormeyer, Georg 
Thormeyer, Jacob 
Thormeyer, Martin 
Thormeyer, Anna Maria 
Thormeyer, Catharina 
Thormeyer, Elizabetha 
Ulrich, G. P. 
Waldhauer, Michael 
Waldhauer, Christoph 
Waldhauer, Joseph 
Waldhauer, Esther 
Waldhauer, Catharina 
Waldhauer, Juditha 
Waldhauer, Dorothea 
Walgenbach, Reinhardt 
Walter, Peter 

Walter, Mrs. Esther 
Walter, Suszanna 
Walter, Margaretha 
Walter, Catharina 
Wannemacher, Georg 
Ziegler, Juliana 


Although several names are repeated in the above list, the 
manner of keeping the record shows that they were different 


persons. 


ing in the records of Harold’s Church. 


The similarity of Christian names is even more strik- 


It is worthy of note 


that no less than twenty-six of these persons attended the com- 
munion services in Harold’s Church between October 11, 1791, 
and April 20, 1794, showing the close connection between the 
two communities. During the pastorate of Rev. John M. Steck 
the congregation outgrew the restricted quarters of the old log 
church, and it became necessary to erect a larger and more 
permanent building. In 1815 the two congregations decided to 
build a substantial brick church; and, on the occasion of the lay- 
ing of the cornerstone, August 17, 1816, adopted the following 


agreement. 
ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT 


“Tn the name of the Trinity of God have we, the Christian congrega- 
tions near Brush Creek, united ourselves to erect by the help of God a 
house to the honor and service of the Lord on our jointly owned church 
land in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, in the State of 
Pennsylvania. Since up to the present the necessary preparations and 
mutual labor, under the guidance of our jointly elected contractors, viz., 
Peter Bachmann and Abraham Wagle on the Evangelical Lutheran, and 
Heinrich Kaufer and Conrad Krack on the Evangelical Reformed side, 
terminated in peace and good order, and, on the 17th day of August, in 
the year of our Lord, 1816, the ceremonies for the laying of the corner 


644 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


stone, with religious services and prayers to God that he would bless our 
labor and let us complete same in peace; in order to prevent all possible 
dissatisfaction and irregularities, we, the Elders, eet have unani- 
mously decided on the following arrangements: 


1. This church shall solely and forever belong to and remain the 
property of the two High German congregations, Evangelical Lutheran 
and Evangelical Reformed, to be erected and kept in repair by these, and 
shall be known under the name of the Brush Creek Salems Church. 


2. There shall be no religious services held therein until the com- 
pletion of the building. 


3. The Church Council shall consist of, and are to be elected from, 
the following persons: each of the congregations shall have in service 
continuously two elders and at least two deacons. The elders shall be 
elected for life time, so long as they shall fulfill their duties. Every 
two years, about New Year’s Day, a new deacon shall be elected by each 
side, and the one who has served longest shall resign if he is not again 
elected. The right to elect the councilmen shall be the privilege of each 
of the congregations. 


4. The duty of the Council, on each side for itself, shall be to take 
care at all times that the congregation shall have a competent preacher 
and provide for his sustenance; to provide all fixtures for the church and 
make arrangements for the best welfare of each congregation; also to 
provide for all needed things not contained in these articles. However, 
they shall not have permission to engage the yearly services of another 
preacher unless he be under the order of the Coetus. 


5. The set rules of this church, with regard to a preacher for both 
congregations, shall be as follows: One half of the days of the year, 
especially Sundays and holidays, shall be devoted to the services of the 
Evangelical Lutheran, and the other half of the days of the year, espe- 
cially Sundays and holidays, shall be devoted to the services of the 
Evangelical Reformed congregation. However, alternately, so that each 
second day, Sunday or holiday shall be devoted to the services of one or 
the other in the following order: the minister who first arranged for the 
service shall also have the right for that day to hold service; and like- 
wise, in holding communion, whoever ordered it first shall have the right 
to the church for preparatory services the previous Sunday. ‘The same 
in funerals. Should occasion arise that one of the preachers accepted by 
us has arranged services and the other has a funeral in the churchyard, 
the preacher who has the funeral shall have the use of the church. 


6. In conducting the instruction of children the following exception 
shall take place: whereas, it often occurs that the ministers of both con- 
gregations have set the same time for the instruction of children, the 
preacher who first began these instructions shall have the use of the 
church the first three days of the week, and the other the last three days, 
up until the last week, when the one who has finished his instructions, 
and will hold Holy Communion, shall have the use of the church for the 
entire previous week and also the Sunday on which he holds Holy 
Communion. 


7. Since it often occurs that strange preachers desire to hold serv- 
ices in our church on a day when one of our regular preachers has ar- 
ranged services, it shall be for the congregation to decide if they wish to 
hear the strange preacher. The Council shall consult with the regular 
preacher at such times, and, if found suitable, the church shall be turned 
over to the strange preacher. With reference to strange preachers at any 
other time, it shall always be left to the Council to decide whether he 


Ps LOM OPSEHETPI DT SBURGH SYNOD 645 


shall be permitted to preach or not. And, in general, every unexpected 
event not covered by this agreement shall be submitted to the two joint- 
councils for decision. 


__ We have this day and year, as above written, made and entered into, 
with the approval of both congregations, signed our names.” 


Peter Bachmann, Chairman Heinrich Kaifer 


Abraham Wagle Conrad Krack 
Christian Gross Casper Waldhauer 
Daniel Gorths Adam Horn Jr. 
Jacob Smith Bastian Gunkel 


Owing to scarcity of funds the work of building was slow, 
so that the church was not dedicated until 1820. Pastors John 
M. Steck and Nicholas P. Hacke conducted the dedicatory serv- 
ice and Rev. Henry Gerhart preached the sermon. The founda- 
tions were imbedded on the solid rock, so that the walls have 
stood without a flaw for more than a century. It was built of 
brick, 40x50, with a gallery on three sides and a high pulpit in 
the rear of the altar, at a cost of $5,000. In order to raise the 
needed funds, portions of the church farm were sold by the trus- 
tees at prices ranging from $15 to $19 per acre. Pastor John M. 
Steck continued to serve the church until July 14, 1830, when his 
labors closed in death. In the fall of 1829, his son, Rev. Michael 
_J. Steck was called as his assistant; and on the death of the 
father the son became the pastor. His ministry was even more 
fruitful than that of his father; and when his pastorate closed in 
death, September 1, 1848, thousands mourned his loss. After his 
death the language question became a burning issue in Brush 
Creek Church. This settlement was so thoroughly German that 
many of the fathers believed that it would always remain Ger- 
man. ‘They used German in their homes, taught the children 
German in their schools, and confirmed them in German in their 
church. The introduction of the public school system in Penn- 
sylvania created the first breach in this order. Gradually the 
young people of the community became more familiar with 
English than German, and began to demand English services. 
To many of their elders these demands seemed like undermining 
the foundations of their religion; and pastors were compelled to 
exercise care in granting them. Here and there young people 
left the church because they could not understand the services, 
and their distressed parents then began to share their demands. 
The first English services in Brush Creek Church were con- 
ducted by Rev. Michael J. Steck, but even this highly esteemed 
pastor did not dare to oppose the convictions of the substantial 
conservative men of the. congregation. Sectarian influences 
never gained great headway in this settlement, but that only 
made the language question more acute in the church. It came 
to an issue in 1848, in connection with the election of a successor 


646 HISTORY (OF 2HEF PIPTSo BURGH eSYNOD 


to Pastor Steck. The English element voted for Rev. Henry 
Ziegler, since they believed that he would give them more 
English preaching; but the conservative party voted solidly for 
Rev. Jonas Mechling and made it plain that Brush Creek Church 
should remain German. 


8Efforts were made by representatives of the Pittsburgh 
Synod to effect a compromise of some kind; but these were 
futile, and the English element withdrew and organized Trinity 
Church of Adamsburg. For a number of years, an English and 
a German church ministered to the Lutherans of the settlement ; 
then English services were gradually introduced into the old 
church until German became extinct. As increasing provisions 
for English were made in Brush Creek Church, the strength of 
Adamsburg Church was weakened; and the last service was held 
in the fire September 27, 1908. Naturally, this conflict be- 
tween the two languages created personal antagonisms, and some 
of these have not been healed to the present day. Rev. Jonas 
Mechling served the congregation from 1848 to April 2, 1868, 
when his pastorate like those of his two immediate predecessors 
closed in death. His services were in such demand throughout 
Westmoreland County that his parish at times numbered nearly 
2,000 communicants. He was not only a devoted pastor, but 
especially gifted as a catechist. He was a staunch member of 
the Ohio Synod throughout his entire ministry. From 1859 to 
1865, his son, Rev. George W. Mechling, was assistant pastor; 
and it was through his efforts that regular and permanent 
English services were introduced in this church. The congrega- 
tion prospered so greatly under his ministry that, when he ac- 
cepted a call to Lancaster, Ohio, in 1865, one of the leading 
members of Brush Creek Church offered him a fine farm if he 
would remain. After the death of Rev. Jonas Mechling in 1868 
the large parish was divided; and Rev. J. S. Fink accepted a 
call to a parish consisting of Brush Creek, Hill’s, and Denmark 
Manor, This division enabled the pastor to give more service 
to the congregation, and proved highly beneficial. On January 
5, 1870, a new “Formula of Government and Discipline’ was 
adopted; and in 1875 the congregation was admitted to the 
Pittsburgh Synod. Rev. Fink demitted the ministry in 1881 to 
the deep regret of many friends. His successors in the parish 
have been: Rev. E. G. Lund, D.D., 1881-1883; Rev. Charles H. 
Hemsath, 1883-1886; Rev. Charles S. Seaman, 1887-1889; Rev. 
G. S. Seaman, 1889-1896; Rev. Philip Doerr, 1897-1908; Rev. 
FE. H. Daugherty, 1909-. 


All these pastors proved themselves fine leaders; and the old 
mother church has lost none of her vitality, despite heavy losses 


8—Ulery’s History of the Southern Conference, page 77. 


HISTORY OFFI HE /PIVLSBURGH SYNOD 647 


by removal. The pastorate of Rev. Charles $. Seaman was 
closed in death, September 7, 1889, and that of Rev. Philip Doerr 
in the same manner, December 31, 1908. Brush Creek Church is 
a mother of churches: Denmark Manor; Zion, Harrison City; 
Holy Trinity, Irwin; Unity, Manor; Penn; Holy Trinity, Jean- 
nette; St. Marks, Arona; and Trinity, Adamsburg; may all be 
regarded as her offspring. In addition to those who entered the 
membership of these churches at the time of organization, many 
others have found a place of service in a score of other congre- 
gations throughout western Pennsylvania. ‘The annual Brush 
Creek reunion brings hundreds of them back to the mother 
church every year, to honor the work of their fathers and re- 
consecrate themselves to the cause of their holy faith. 


ibe VANS LW LE BRRAN CHURCH OE ’S hi ePAUL 
DIRAUIGE RPA: 


This is one of the four churches that composed the original 
parish of the pioneer Lutheran pastors of Westmoreland County. 
When sturdy German settlers were building their first log cabins 
in the wilderness of Hempfield Township, others were engaged 
in a similar task around the foothills of Chestnut Ridge. When 
Rev. Johann Wilhelm Weber, pioneer Reformed pastor, visited 
western Pennsylvania in the summer of 1782, he preached trial 
sermons at Pittsburgh, Brush Creek, Harold’s, and Mount 
Pleasant Township, and 
became pastor of those | 
congregations in 1783. : 
The testimony of Doctor 
Nicholas P. Hacke of the 
Reformed Church 1s that 
the Mount Pleasant 
Township congregation 
fede wt ed. toy was | st. 
Pan cue ince jot Alls 
Church extended a regu- 
lar call to Pastor Weber, 
there must. have ..been 
some kind of an organi- 
zation; and this organt- 
PLuonmenecomnizedi. the 
equal rights of Luther- 
ans and Reformed from 
the beginning. The first 
ented eu DastOl «10 
preach; for this congre- 


io 
























































648 HISTORY, OF STHEAERIVTCS BURGH SYNOD 


gation was Rev. Anton Ulrich Luetge, who came to Westmore- 
land in the spring of 1782. ‘The first synodical record of Rev. 
Luetge’s parish includes the Greensburg, Harold’s, Brush Creek, 
and Ridge churches; and there is reason to believe that he 
preached at the Ridge as early as Rev. Weber. No reference is 
made to these four churches of Rev. Luetge in the synodical 
record of 1782 for the reason that this pastor began his work here 
as a layman. He was refused ordination by the Ministerium of 
Pennsylvania in 1785, but granted a license by the same body in 
1788. Since he left Westmoreland County in 1789, six of the 
seven years of his pastorate were spent without synodical recog- 
nition. ‘This does not alter the evident fact, however, that he 
was the accepted pastor of the Ridge church from 1782 to 1789. 
The name Ridge was applied to the church because its members 
lived near the western base of Chestnut Ridge. Later it was 
called Frey’s after a family which lived in the vicinity of the 
second church. The first log church was located about one and 
a half miles east of the present St. Paul’s on the farm of Casper 
Weaver, a relative of the first Reformed pastor. It was prob- 
ably erected before the year 1782, for there is a well established 
tradition that Rev. Weber preached his trial sermon in it on the 
occasion of: his first visit. It was little more than a rude log 
school house, such as was erected in each of the German settle- 
ments of that day. 


°“Some time in 1790, a desire was expressed by a few peo- 
ple for better church accommodations, and for a permanent loca- 
tion for a church and graveyard. Three locations were pro- 
posed: the old site where the old log church stood, one on the 
Pollins farm west of the present church, and the present site. 
This selection was therefore a cormpromise, as it was considered 
more central. The land was owned by Henry Clever, adjoining 
lands of John Spielman, John Griffin and others. The deed was 
made to Matthias Ringle, Christian Lobingier, Jacob Christman, 
and Rudy Baer, trustees, in trust for St. Paul’s Church, June 6, 
1796, for three and a half acres of land, for the consideration 
of 5£ 17s 6d. In 1833 the trustees made an exchange of 205 
perches of land with Michael Fry and Regina, his wife, for the 
same number of perches, in order to straighten their lines and 
get their plot of land in better shape.” 


The second church was built on this new site before the 
close of the eighteenth century. 1!°This church was built of logs, 
and was for a long time without altar or pews. Subsequently, 
through the exertions of some of the leading members, these 





9—Ulery’s History of the Southern Conference, page 98. 
10—History of Westmoreland Classis, page 101. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 649 


were supplied. Afterwards the building was also plastered on 
the outside, which made it for a time look more respectable.” 
The Lutheran pastor, at the time of the dedication of the 
second church, was Rev. John M. Steck, who conducted services 
in German once every month from 1791 to 1829. He saw hut 
little of the Indian troubles of the settlers, since these were 
definitely stopped in 1794, but was compelled to endure many 
hardships in order to minister to the scattered people. Much ot 
his time was spent in the saddle. It is to be regretted that the 
old Church Book, in which his ministerial acts were recorded, 
was lost during the Civil War. His successor was Rev. Jonas 
Mechling, who served as regular pastor, 1829-1848, and as sup- 
ply, 1848-1855. During the pastorate of Rev. Mechling the third 
church was dedicated. The building committee was composed ot 
Christopher Lobingier and Abraham Rumbaugh of the Luther- 
ans, and William Fisher and Jacob Christman of the Reformed. 
The corner stone was laid, June 17, 1846, and the church dedi- 
cated by Pastors Hacke and Mechling in the fall of the same 
year. It was built of brick, 44x65, at a cost of $5,000; and was 
considered one of the best churches in the county at that time. 
hemextatounepastors;wereshev,, yO Py Bakers tReve Ga w. 
Busby, Rev. Enoch Smith, and Rev. S:'L. Harkey, D.D., each 
of whom gave helpful service. After the resignation of Doctor 
Harkey in 1882, Mount Pleasant Parish was divided; and St. 
Paul’s Church with a membership of 140 undertook to support 
a pastor alone. Rev. A. D. Potts served as the pastor, 1883 to 
1896, during which he built up a strong congregation. During 
this pastorate the congregation was incorporated, and a small 
frame parsonage was purchased in Pleasant Unity for $1,700. 
Student E. M. Potts spent the summer of 1896 with the congre- 
gation; and then a call was extended to Rev. Jesse Dunn, who 
served from October 27, 1896, to December 15, 1903. Before 
Pastor Dunn resigned, the two congregations worshipping in St. 
Paul’s Church agreed to a friendly separation. The old church 
was tfnsafe for use; and it was sold to Adam Siemon, The last 
Lutheran service in this church was conducted by Rev. Jesse 
Dunn, March 30, 1902. The cemetery was still held in common 
by the two congregations; but the church lot was divided, and 
the Reformed at once built a new church on their part. The 
Lutherans then purchased a six-acre tract on the opposite side 
of the road for $1,500, the purchase price being given to the 
tritstees by Joseph’ C. Koontz#ingthemiorm of anvannuity, ‘A 
building committee was then appointed, consisting of Levi Silvis, 
M. L. Fausold, H. F. Beistel, George A. Armel, J. M. Keck, and 
C. H. Smith, by whom plans were secured for a modern church. 
.This church was dedicated by the former pastor, Rev. Jesse 
Dunn, assisted by Doctor W. J. Miller and Rev. G. W. Spiggle, 


650 HISTORN OF SLANE TPL UC SBURGH rs YNOD 


May 1, 1904. It was built of brick and stone at a cost of 
$17,500. The Pleasant Unity parsonage was sold for $1,500, 
May 28, 1906, and a brick parsonage was erected on the church 
ground during the pastorate of Rev. Frank P. Bossart at a cost 
of $6,000. St. Paul’s Church has an endowment of $6,000, 
$4,000 of which was bequeathed by Jacob Rumbaugh and $2,000 
by John Henry Bash. ‘The complete list of pastorates is as fol- 
lows: Rev. Anton Ulrich Luetge, 1782-1789; Rev. John M. 
Steck, 1791-1829; Rev. Jonas Mechling, 1829-1855; Rev. I. O. P. 
Baker, 1855-1862; Rev. G. W. Busby, 1863-1869; Rev. Enoch 
Smith, 1869-1873; Rev. S. L. Harkey, D.D., 1874-1883; Rev. A. 
D. Potts, Ph.D., 1883-1896; Rev. Jesse Dunn, 1896-1903; Rev. 
D. W. Michael, 1904-1907; Rev. F. P. Bossart, 1907-1916; Rev. 
Gi Eabozery 1916-192 ee Revatins pebenrerses OZ 1a 


BIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN. CHU Git 
GREENSBURG, PA. 


This church enjoys the distinction of being one of the four 
congregations that composed the parish of the first Lutheran 
pastor of western Pennsylvania. Some of its founders were 
numbered among the pioneers of 1769, who took up lands as 
soon as they were opened to settlement. There were Lutherans 
living in this community before the town of Greensburg was con- 
ceived, and seventeen years before it received its present name. 
The mere presence of 
Lutherans in a commun- 
ity, however, does not 
mean the establishment 
of a church; such an or- 
ganization came only 
with, the processeswuad 
time. The first step to- 
ward such an organiza- 
tion was made, not in the 
immediate neighborhood 
but wats, blarold’ssiniee 
summer of 1770, when 
alluthe German “settlers 
united in building a log 
school house for the edu- 
cation of their children. 
Here the only Lutheran 
services of western Penn- 
sylvania for a number. 
of years, aside from the 





















































HISTORY OF THE: PITTSBURGH SYNOD 651 


customary family devotions, were held; and here the Lutheran 
mothers of Greensburg did not hesitate to take their children for 
baptism at the hands of the pious schoolmaster, Balthaser Meyer. 
Colonel Christopher Truby, one of the two original land own- 
ers of Greensburg, had his son Johannes baptized by this school- 
master, January 24, 1773. ‘They had but little reason to mistrust 
lay baptism, since even the men whom they regarded as “regular 
ministers’ were unordained. ‘Their first pastor, Rev. Anton 
Ulrich Luetge, was never ordained by a Lutheran synod, and did 
not even possess a license to preach during the first six years of 
his pastorate in Westmoreland County. It is to be regretted that 
Pastor Luetge left no records of his ministerial acts, so that we 
are unable to determine the number of Greensburg Lutherans, 
who journeyed to Harold’s Church during those early days to 
receive the communion. Nor can it be proven that he did not 
administer the sacrament at stated times in Greensburg during 
the seven years of his pastorate. In the minutes of the Minis- 
terium of Pennsylvania for 1796, it is definitely stated that Rev. 
Luetge had served the congregations at Greensburg, Harold’s, 
Brush Creek, and Ridge. This indicates that there must have 
been some kind of an organization here before 1789, when Pas- 
tor Luetge returned to the Cumberland Valley. In 1784 a com- 
munity school house was built near the St. Clair spring, in which 
Rev. Luetge held regular services; and it would not be far from 
the truth to say that this was the year of the first provisional 
organization. 


The second pastor was Rev. John M. Steck, who came to 
Westmoreland County in 1791, and held his first communion 
service at Harold’s in October of that year. Like his predeces- 
sor he was unordained, working for the first five years of his 
pastorate without even a license to preach; but he was one of the 
most useful and influential men in the Lutheran Church of west- 
ern Pennsylvania. With the spirit of a true bishop of souls, he 
journeyed far and wide in his ministrations, and thousands of 
people learned to speak his name with reverence. 


11In August, 1792, a joint meeting of the Lutheran and 
Reformed congregations was held for the purpose of electing 
trustees, to purchase property as a site for a church and ground 
for a grave yard. The records of the court house show that 
the following named persons were elected, Peter Rugh, Philip 
Kuhns, Dewalt Mechling, Ludwig Oderman, John P. Miller, and 
William Best, on the part of the Lutherans, and Christopher 
Truby, Simon Drum Jr., Henry Hiesley, William Barnhart, 
Daniel Turney (Dorney), and John Wensel, on the part of the 


11—Ulery’s History of the Southern Conference, page 47. 


652 HISTORY OF THESPIDISBURGH AoVINOD 


Reformed, then also called Calvinists. ‘These trustees, under this 
authority, purchased from Christopher Truby, February 28, 
1795, for four pounds and ten shillings, a town lot and a halt, 
90x100 feet, on the corner of Main and Third streets. On the 
same day they also bought from Christopher Truby and John 
Peter Miller, for four pounds and ten shillings, two acres and 
sixty-six perches on South Main street for a burying ground.” 


Because of the disorganized condition of the country, due 
largely to the Whiskey Insurrection, this purchase was not made 
until three years after the congregation had given them the 
authority. As soon as the purchase was made, however, a plain 
log church was erected, which was the first church building of 
Greensburg. In this log church Rev. Johann Wilhelm Weber 
held the first communion service for the Reformed, April 22 
1796, when nineteen members communed. Pastor John M. Steck 
may have held a communion service for the Lutherans about the 
same time, but no record was made of it. The first service of 
this character recorded was held, April 14, 1799, when forty-five 
communed. The first confirmation service was held, October 20, 
1799, when thirty-two were confirmed. From that time to the 
close of his pastorate, Rev. John M. Steck recorded two com-: 
munion services a year. The strength of the Greensburg Church 
was manifest from the beginning. Including the members of 
the first confirmation class, 120 received the sacrament of the 
altar during the year 1799, ‘Their names are as follows: 


Andrea, Philip Keppel, Daniel Ruch, Mrs. Margaretha 
Andrea, Mrs. Anna Maria Keppel, Mrs. Elizabetha Ruch, Jacob 

Andrea, Michael Keppel, Elizabetha Ruch, Elizabetha 
Baer, George Klein, Catharina Ruch, Francisca 
Baer, Mrs. Susanna Kraushar, Magdalena Ruch, Jacob 

Baum, Anna Catharina Klingenschmidt, Andreas Ruhe, Sacksman 
Bender, Catharina Klingenschmidt, Barbara Ruhe, Maria 
Bernhardt, Catharina Klingenschmidt, Georg Ruhmelig, Christina 
Bossert, Sara Klingenschmidt, Catharina Sacksman, Christian 
Bossert, Catharina Klingenschmidt, Anna Sacksman, Christina 
Brendel, Catharina Kuntz, Philip Sacksman, Barbara 
Cherry, Sara Kuntz, Mrs. Margaretha Sacksman, Anna Maria 
Cherry, Susanna Kuntz, Anna Maria Sacksman, Matthias 
Dorny, Magdalena Kuntz, Jacob Schechtel, Catharina 
Dorny, Margaretha untZee be bilipees it Scheury, Johannes 
Errett, Heinrich Lint, Anna Maria Scheury, Maria 
Ferris, Ebi Lutz, Catharina Scheury, Nicolaus 
Franz, Elizabetha Mahnenschmidt, Christian Scheffer, Dorothea 
Haub, Conrath Mahnenschmidt, Susanna Scheffer, Eva 

Haub, Mrs. Elizabetha Mahnenschmidt, Heinrich Scheffer, Magdalena 
Haub, Michael Mechling, Michael Scheffer, Anna Maria 
Hays, Catharina Mechling, Mrs. Anna M. Scheffer, Maria ~ 
Hebel, Catharina Mueller, Michael Schneider, Jacob 
Hebel, Anna Maria Otterman, Ludwig Schneider, Mrs.’ Eva 
Hess, Johann Otterman, Elizabetha Schneider, Elizabetha 
Hess, Barbara Otterman, Georg Silvis, Elizabetha 
Hess, Anna Reiss, Maria Streher, Catharina 
Hess, Jacob Reiss, Eva Stroh, Jacob 

Hess, Michael Reiss, Elizabetha Stroh, Mrs. Martha 
Heyl, Jonathan Rosensteel, Andreas Stroh, Johann Peter 
Heyl, Mrs. Margaretha Rosensteel, Jacob Stroh, Mrs. Maria 
Huch, Peter Ruch, Michael Stroh, Justina 
Keppel, Nicolaus Ruch, Mrs. Luisa, Thom, Elizabetha 


Keppel, Mrs. Anna Maria Ruch, Peter Thom,, Catharina 


HISTORY OF ‘THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 653 


Uber, Peter Walter, Frederich Williams, Daniel 


Uber, Mrs. Maria Walter, Johannes Williams, Mrs. Christina 
Uber, Maria Wannemacher, Georg Williams, Johannes 
Uhrig, Catharina Wannemacher, Mrs. Anna Williams, Elizabetha 
Uhrig, Christina Wegele, Maria Williams, Christina 
Wagner, Anna Williams, Thomas Ziegler, Philip 


At least thirty-one of these received the sacrament in 
Harold’s Church before 1795. ‘The spelling of family names 
varies so much on the same page of the record that it is some- 
times difficult to determine the facts. Some of the fathers 
changed the spelling of their names two or three times, but this 
was not their own fault so much as that of their English friends, 
who found it difficult to accommodate themselves to the German 
spelling. 


Additional ground adjoining the church lot was purchased, 
May 15, 1815, for $300; and a large two-story brick church was 
built on this at an approximate cost of $6,000. The corner stone 
was laid in the summer of 1815; but times were so hard that it 
was impossible for the congregation to furnish material to the 
builders, so that the church was not completed and dedicated 
until 1819; and even then the debt incurred was so heavy that 
the corner lot on which the old log church stood was sold in 
order to pay it. The price secured was $421. This does. not 
seem like a large sum, but in those days, when farm products 
were not marketable, when many farms were sold at a sacrifice, 
when the notes of the so-called Greensburg Bank became worth- 
less, it seemed a small fortune. The entire debt was not paid 
until 1830. In 1829 the health of Pastor John M. Steck began to 
fail, and his son, Rev. Michael J. Steck, was called as assistant. 
When the father was summoned to his reward, July 14, 1830, 
the son was able to carry on the work of the parish without any 
of that confusion which often follows a change of pastorate. 
Tike the father, Rev. Michael J. Steck served. the parish until 
death, September 1, 1848, completing a joint pastorate of fifty- 
seven years, The influence of these two pastors is felt in the 
church life of Westmoreland County to the present day. Rev. 
Michael J. Steck with his parish entered heartily into the organi- 
zation of the Pittsburgh Synod in 1845, and his unexpected 
death was one of the heaviest blows the synod received in its 
earlier history. Plans for a large educational institution at 
Greensburg were abandoned; and the strongest churches of the 
county, under the leadership of Rev. Jonas Mechling, returned to 
the Ohio Synod. The Greensburg Church formally sanctioned 
this return, August 22, 1849, by the following action: ‘Resolved 
that we are willing that our preacher, J. Mechling, shall remain 
a member of the Ohio Synod, and that we also are willing to 
remain in its fellowship.” For a time pastors of the Ohio Synod 
held to the conviction, expressed in the columns of the Lutheran 


654 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


Standard, that all the Lutheran churches of the county would 
eventually seek their fellowship. In this they were greatly mis- 
taken, for when Pastor Mechling was gathered to his fathers, 
April 2, 1868, after a ministry of forty-eight years in his home 
county, all the Ohio Synod churches of the section turned to the 
Pittsburgh Synod for their pastors. ‘The Greensburg Church 
returned, August 25, 1882. After the death of Pastor Mechling 
his large parish was divided; Greensburg and Harold’s forming 
a parish. The first pastor of this restricted parish was Rev. 
George A. Bruegel, who was called with the understanding that 
one half of the services should be conducted in English. Twenty 
years before, during the pastorate of Rev. M. J. Steck, an effort 
had been made to introduce English services into the church; and 
the result was a rupture and the organization of Zion’s Church, 
January 16, 1848. Profiting by experience the officers determ- 
ined to hold the English work under the control of the congre- 
gation; and the language problem was handled so judiciously 
that all German services ceased after the pastorate of Doctor 
J. C. Kunzmann. Pastor Bruegel’s successor was Rev. Enoch 
Smith, during whose pastorate the union between the Lutherans 
and Reformed was amicably dissolved. Both congregations, 
after much persuasion, agreed to buy or sell. The Lutheran 
representative bid $11,600, and the Reformed were paid $5,025 in 
final settlement, August 26, 1881. Pastor Enoch Smith collected 
the necessary funds, and also secured $4,000 for a parsonage on 
West Third street, “His: successon was Rev: |h Ciktunzimana 
whose outstanding task was the building of a new church. The 
associations of the old building, in which the congregation had 
worshipped for sixty-four years, were deeply ingrained; and 
many of the older members were slow about giving assent. 
Pastor Kunzmann first secured permission from the Church 
Council to make a test canvass ; and, when this yielded pledges of 
$19,000, the congregation voted to rebuild. A building committee 
was appointed, consisting of John Rugh, J. J. Mechling, M. CG. 
Blank, C. Holtzer, John Bortz, Charles Baker, and Pastor Kunz- 
mann; and the contract for the building was let to H. H. Griese 
of Cleveland, O. The corner stone was laid, August 11, 1883; 
the basement was occupied for services, March 30, 1884; the 
completed church was: dedicated, April 11, 1886, Doctor W. A. 
Passavant preaching the dedicatory sermon. This church was an 
imposing Gothic structure, built of brick and stone, with a grace- 
ful spire 164 feet in height surmounted by a Latin cross. The 
entire cost, $39,000, was provided in advance of the dedication. 
Pastor Kunzmann ministered to the congregation for nine years, 
during which substantial progress was made. Huis _ successor 
was Rev. A. L. Yount, D.D., who served from June 1, 1891, to 
December 14, 1914, when his pastorate was closed in death. 


HISTORY GFIDTHE PITTSBURGH: SYNOD 655 


During the twenty-three years spent in this field, Doctor Yount 
baptized 1020 children and added 1140 persons to the communing 
membership of the church. During the same time a pipe organ 
was placed in the chancel at a cost of $2,500, and a Gothic altar 
erected in front of the organ. His successor, Rev. Charles P. 
MacLaughlin, D.D., served the congregation during a_ short 
period, and was highly esteemed as a forceful preacher. After 
the resignation of Doctor MacLaughlin there was a protracted 
vacancy; but Doctor Frederick C. Martin accepted a call, Sep- 
tember 1, 1919. Under his leadership the church building was 
thoroughly renovated at a cost of $15,000, and the congregation 
has made a new record for itself in synodical benevolence. The 
Sunday School work of the church was conducted for many 
years in connection with the Reformed. After the separation of 
the two congregations, a Lutheran school was organized by 
Doctor Kunzmann, May 14, 1882. The church reported 1039 
members in 1925. The following is a connected list of 
the pastorates: Rev. Anton Ulrich Luetge, 1784-1789; Rev. 
Honuem\leroteck. 1/91=1330 9 Kev. Michaels}. Steck,” 1830- 
1848; Rev. Jonas Mechling, 1848-1868; Rev. G. A. Bruegel, 
1868-1872; Rev. Enoch Smith, 1872-1881; Rev. J. C. Kunzmann, 
abe loocalo wm hey aval my OUNLwL) Digi sol Olt Reva CMP: 
Maclaughlin, D.D., 1916-1918; Rev. F. C. Martin, D.D., 1919-. 


Die vio ANG RICA Pi hE RANT CHURCH 
LIGONIER PA: 


This historic community received its name from the old 
frontier fort, erected by the soldiers of Colonel Henry Bouquet 
in 1758. This fort was named Ligonier in honor of Sir John 
Ligonier of the English army; and was erected on the banks of 
the Loyalhanna within the limits of the present borough. Here 
one of the most decisive battles of the French and Indian War 
was fought; and here the conspiracy of Pontiac was checked 
and defeated. An old barn on the north bank of the creek now 
marks the position of the front walls of the fort that meant so 
much to the advance of the American pioneers. Naturally a 
number of settlers decided to take up lands in the vicinity of the 
fort, since it was recognized as a great protection in the time of 
Indian uprisings. Some of these early settlers were Germans; 
and it is likely that some took up their lands by military permit 
before they were purchased from the Indians. Other Germans, 
together with some Holland Dutch and French Huguenots who 
could speak German, came later; and their number was such as 
to attract the attention of Rev. John M. Steck. There is a tra- 
dition to the effect that a church was organized by this pastor in 


656 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


1790, but no supporting 
record. Pastor Steck did 
not come to Westmore- 
land County until 1791; 
and then for a while 
seems to have concen- 
trated his attention upon 
the churches of Greens- 
burg, Harold’s, Brush 
Creek, and Ridge, “which 
the late Rev. Luetge had 
served.” When Pastor 
Steck was given his first 
license to preach by the 
Ministerium of Penn- 
ft sylvania in 1796, he was 

jes ermitted to serve the 

. ek eee Nee! cate churches above 
ie “¢ named, and the churches 

) “at Jacob’s Krik and in 
Allegany.) s1iGR as tucsn 

Steck preached at Brandt’s in 1796, it was certainly not one of the 
regular appointments. His missionary spirit, however, carried 
him into many communities far removed from the center of his 
parish; and Rev. W. F. Ulery may be right when he assumes that 
there may have been a provisional organization effected here in 
1793. The records are silent. ‘The first log church of the Brandt 
settlement was built by Lutherans and Reformed sometime be- 


tween 1818 and 1822. 


12“Tt was a rude house, but a sacred place to the fathers of 
artless, unassuming piety. Doctor Hacke’s impression is that it 
, contained but one window. ‘The pulpit was in one corner of the 
church. Doctor Hacke thinks that they placed the pulpit to one 
side for the sake of convenience. They wanted a high pulpit, 
and, not wishing to place it before the only window so as to ex- 
clude the light of the sun, they concluded to put the light of the 
gospel not under a bushel but up in the corner. Here the 
pioneers assembled to worship God. It was quite customary for 
them to go armed with their guns. This had become necessary 
in earlier times on account of Indians and wild beasts. ‘The habit 
probably clung to them after there was little danger from either 
source. Sometimes game was killed on the way to Zion.” 

The first official record of any Lutheran service in: this 
community is found in the old Greensburg Church Book in the 
writing of Pastor John M. Steck. It is a record of the com- 













































12—History of Westmoreland Classis, page 110. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 657 
munion service of “both congregations of Ligonier Valley,” 
June 15, 1817. The reference to both congregations is obscure, 
since it was not the custom of Pastor Steck to administer the 
sacrament to the Reformed. ‘The persons who partook of the 
sacrament on that occasion were the following: 


Ambros, George Eichelberger, Barbara Matheus, Crofel 
Bonno, George Gelenhe, Anna Barbara Read, Heinrich 
Bonno, Elizabeth Kraft, Sophina Weller, Barbara 
Buch, Christian Matheus, Frederick Werne, Barbara 
Eichelberger, Gottfried Matheus, Anna Maria Yung, John and wife 


Pastor John M. Steck surrendered the care of the church 
to Pastor Jonas Mechling in 1820. 


13“Rev. Mechling had just been licensed to preach, and 
therefore was only beginning his ministry here in connection 
with a few other points. He faithfully ministered to the con- 
gregation in word and sacrament, and his services were also ap- 
preciated by the people. He held only one service a month, as 
was the custom of that time, and gave catechetical instruction 
and had confirmation once in two or three years. There was a 
new interest awakened under his ministry, and souls were added 
to the church of such as were in condition to be saved. Mr. 
Mechling was an earnest and conscientious man and a faithful 
minister; but as he conducted his services nearly all in the Ger- 
man language, this was a serious drawback to the success of his 
work, especially in the closing years of his pastorate, as the peo- 
ple were being rapidly anglicized. The fault was not that the 
people had too much German, but that there was no English 
for those who needed English services.” 


The first recorded communion of Pastor Mechling was held, 
September 11, 1825, when the sacrament was received by the 
following: 


Ambros, George and wife Jueli, Elizabetha Lichtenberger, Katharina 
Ambros, Susanna Jueli, Katharina Matheus, Friedrich 
Ambros, Margaretha Jueli, Adam Matheus, Maria 
Baron, Katharina Kraft, Friedrich Matheus, Samuel 
Baron, Abraham Kraft, Mrs. Katharina Matheus, Susanna 
Bitner, Maria Kraft, Johannes Matheus, Susanna (2) 
Bitner, Sara Kraft, Jacob Schaeffer, Susanna 
Bitner, Katharina Kraft, Christina Stahl, Barbara 
Bitner, Elizabetha Kraft, Katharina (2) Weller, Barbara 
Brandt, Susanna Kerns, Christina Wolf, Phillebina 
Eckert, Rosina Lichtenberger, Jacob Yung, Rosina 


When Pastor Jonas Mechling was called to Greensburg 
Parish in 1848, he was compelled to surrender the three churches 
ofthe valley to the care of Pastor J. J. Sutter, but this: pastor 
could not meet the language problem successfully, and his pas- 
torate lasted but one year. The next pastor was Rev. Joseph R. 
Focht, who made many changes and established the Ligonier 
congregation on a firm English basis. An English constitution 


13—History of the Southern Conference, W. F. Ulery, page 150. 


658 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


was adopted in 1851, in which the congregation assumed for the 
first time the name it now bears. It was also at his suggestion 
that a fine church site was secured in the town of Ligonier at a 
cost of $50. Here a brick church was built at a cost of $3,000. 
After its dedication, November 12, 1851, services in Brandt’s 
were discontinued. ‘The next three pastors were young men 
from the seminary: Rev. William H. Wynn, 1854-1856; Rev. I. 
O. P. Baker, 1857-1859; and Rev. George W. Mechling, 1859- 
1865. ‘The last named was given a warm welcome by the parish 
because he was the son of their former pastor, Rev. Jonas Mech- 
ling, and the young man returned their devotion with a service 
that yielded the richest of spiritual results. Such was his mis- 
sionary zeal that he hunted up all the Lutherans of the valley as 
far as Stahl’s school house, where he sometimes held services ; 
and his heroism in looking after the sick and dying during 
serious epidemics was long remembered. In 1867 a house with 
three acres of ground, a short distance north of the church, was 
bought for a parsonage. When Rev. J. L. Smith became pastor 
in 1882, his refusal to occupy this parsonage led to important 
consequences. ‘The parsonage property was sold, and ground 
adjoining the church bought from W. H. Covode. Then came 
the question of investing large sums of money in improvements, 
while the congregation was bound by its charter to a Reformed 
congregation, which had ceased to exist in 1859. The pastor was 
firm in his conviction that this union should be legally dissolved, 
and the result was that the Lutherans bought the interest of the 
Reformed and formed a new corporation. The money was paid 
to a trustee,,acting for*the Retormed under” order somecour 
After this matter was settled, a parsonage was built for $3,000. 
All the churches of Ligonier Parish united with the Pittsburgh 
Synod, August 22, 1883, supporting a general movement that did 
much to solidify the Lutheran Church of Westmoreland County. 
In 1892 the parish was divided; and Ligonier and Darlington 
were placed together, ' Durine the pastorate of KeyeAy bimeoate 
tholomew, 1894-1898, plans were made for the erection of a 
better church. The corner stone was laid by Pastor Bartholo- 
mew, August 7, 1898, but the pastor resigned three weeks later. 
The building was dedicated by Pastor H. L. McMurray during 
his second term, February 12, 1899. His building committee 
consisted of William Hays, I. M. Graham, W. J. Potts, Dr. J. 
TL, Ambrose, 11. A. shoup, BR Robb,vand) Jaya Kettename ioe 
new church was built on the old site, utilizing part of the walls 
of the old building. It was built of brick and stone, Queen Anne 
style, at a cost of $9,000. The pipe organ was the gift of 
Andrew Carnegie; and the chancel furniture also was provided 
by friends not members of St. James. A number of improve- 
ments were made to this property during the pastorates of Pas- 


HISTORM OM THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 659 


tors C. A. Naumann and Theodore Buch. While the first named 
was pastor, part of the parsonage property was sold, and the 
proceeds used for repairs. Under Pastor Buch the basement 
was completed for Sunday School work. A two-manual Moller 
pipe organ was installed at a cost of $4,000, and dedicated by 
Pastor Buch, October 14, 1923. The old organ was rebuilt in 
the Darlington Church. The Sunday School of St. James was 
organized in 1871; the Women’s Aid Society in 1887; the Young 
People’s Society in 1891. The pastors were: Rev. J. M. Steck, 
1793-1820; Rev. Jonas Mechling, 1820-1848; Rev. J. J. Suter, 
1848-1849; Rev. J. R. Focht, 1850-1853; Rev. W. H. Wynn, 
1854-1856; Rev. I. O. P. Baker, 1857-1859: Rev. G. W. Mech- 
ling, 1859-1865; Rev. Daniel Worley, 1865-1866; Rev. J. H. 
Smith, 1866-1874; Rev. A. D. Potts, Ph.D., 1875-1876; Rev. H. 
Ee MeMurray, 13877-1882: Rev]? smith, Dis 41882-1892 - 
Rev. Philip Doerr, 1893; Rev. A. H. Bartholomew, 1894-1898 ; 
DeveniieeleavicVvittray. (second: tery) alovs- 1907 ¢) Revi AS 
Naumann, 1908-1913; Rev. Theodore Buch, 1913-. 


ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
HAS! HUNTINGDON TOWNSHIP, WESTMORELAND 
@GUINTAY ea DAN 


This church is located about two miles from Ruffsdale, 
near the Ragantown road. It was usually called Schwab’s or 
Swope’s by the pioneers, probably because of that section of 
the Fatherland from which the first settlers came. The oldest 
FeCOLds#O Metneaconeresduonmbean. tue dateroiylo22; * but there 
is a strong tradition to the effect that it was organized by 
Rev. J. M. Steck in 1793. A log school house was built in the 
grave yard in 1793, and this was also used from the beginning 
achat placesoleworsnip. Atter themresionation ofvPastor J? M. 
Steck in 1822, Pastor Jonas Mechling took charge of the 
church and served until 1855. All services for the first 62 
years were held in German. During the pastorate of Rev. 
I. O. P. Baker, 1855-1862, the log school house was abandoned 
for the present church. It is a plain brick building, 35x60, 
costing $3,000, and was dedicated by Pastor Baker in 1862. 
The ground on which it was built was donated by Jacob 
Leighty.. The church was'a part of the Mt. Pleasant Parish . 
from 1882 to 1906, but has since been served by the pastors 
of Scottdale Parish. The following pastors have ministered 
iieiOMmam evan) Ww teckel A032 822 kev |onas Mechling, 
1822-1848; Rev. Jonas Mechling (supply), 1848-1855; Rev. I. 
OR Pe Baker 1855-1862; Kev. G: We Busby; 186321869; Rev. 
POG oMith al cO7- lose. sRev. or liarkéyal)D.) 1873-18825 


660 HISTORY OF THEVPICISBURGHI SYNOD 


Rev. Jonathan Sarver, 1883-1886; Rev. J. R. Groff, 1888-1891 ; 
Rev. C. L. Holloway, 1891-1896; Rev. Herbert Martens, 1897- 
1900; Rev. W. R. Swickard, 1901-1905; Rev. B. F. Hankey, 
1906-1907 ; Rev. D. W. Michael, 1907-1911; Rev. F. E. Stough, 
1912-1917; Rev. J. O. Glenn, 1917-1925; Rev. W. J. Seiberling, 
1925-. 


ST. JOHN’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN. CHURCH 


MT. PLEASANT TOWNSHIP, WESTMOREVAND 
COUN YI EA: 


St. John’s Church is located on the Latrobe road about two 
miles north of Mt. Pleasant, and is commonly known as one of 
the Middle Churches. In early days it was called Kintig’s, 
probably because services were held in the barn of Daniel 
Kintig, a prominent member of the Reformed part of the con- 
gregation. ‘The church land was donated by four men, whose 
farms joined at this point: Daniel Kintig, Henry Fisher, Andrew 
Smail, and John Deeds. Each man donated half an acre. The 
deed of transfer was not made until November 13, 1813, but the 
land was used for the purposes named probably 30 years before 
that time. Many graves of the pioneers are unmarked, but some 
are known to be older than 1800. ‘The first building erected on 
this church land was a log school house, which was used on 
Sundays for worship. It stood a short distance east of the 
present church, and was used for many years after the building 
of a better church, first 
as a school house and 
then as a janitor’s resi- 
dence. When Pastor J. 
W. Weber took charge 
of the Reformed congre- 










a f=9 
re) 




















Sis 

If | gations of Westmoreland 
ss] in 1782, he began at once 
‘| to preach in this neigh- 
BAR borhood, and it is gener- 
I ally believed that he or- 
{,\» ganized the congregation 





in the following year. If 
so it was a union church 
of Reformed and Lu- 
therans, for such was 
) the custom of the times. 
ime, Rev. W. F. Ulery is au- 

ui thority for the statement 
that the church was or- 
ganized by Pastor J. M. 





























HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 661 


Steck, January 3, 1793, and from that time on was one of his 
regular appointments. This, however, does not preclude the 
fact that Pastor Anton Ulrich Luetge may have supplied the 
people alternately with Pastor Weber of the Reformed from 
1782 to 1789. The first recorded communion service was con- 
ducted by Pastor J. M. Steck, June 1, 1800, when the following 
communed : 








Alerman, Charlotta Fuchs, Sophia Ledig, Esther 
Brehmer, Veronica Holzer, Johannes Momeyer, Katharina 
, Elizabetha Holzer, Barbara Rambach, Heinrich 
Dietz, Magdalena Jack, John Reiss, Bernhard 
Fuchs, Peter Klozzinger, Elizabetha Stockberger, Matthias 
Fuchs, Abraham Koehler, Katharina Zehner, Juliana 
Fuchs, Kathrina Koehler, Magdalena Zehner, Katharina 


At a similar service in 1809 Pastor Steck gave the sacra- 
ment to 56 persons, showing that the number of German families 
was steadily increasing. The family names recorded up to that 
time were: Albrecht, Alerman, Armbrust, Bohlams, Bossart, 
Brauning, Brehmer, Bleistein, Barman, Diemer, Dietz, Fischer, 
Fuchs, Gratha, Gumber, Hams, Heil, Heindel, Herfer, Holla- 
bach, Holzer, Jack, Klozzinger, Koenig, Koehler, Ledig, Lingel, 
Lobingeyern, Lohr, Loesch, Momeyer, Oberlig, Pfaul, Poersch- 
ing, Prielmann, Purman, Rambach, Reddert, Reichert, Reiss, 
Ruft, Schaeffer, Schettler, Schneider, Stockberger, Zehner, and 
Zolleberger. Some of these are known to have settled in this 
community before 1774, so that it may be classed among the old- 
est of the German settlements of Westmoreland. The Scotch- 
Irish were a few years ahead of the Germans, and the neighbor- 
ing Presbyterian Church has continuous records from 1776. The 
log school house served as a place of worship until 1827, when 
a brick church was built for $2,000. Rev. Jonas Mechling was 
then pastor of St. John’s, and the churches of his parish, as re- 
ported to the Ohio Synod for that year, were ‘“‘Kintig’s, Henke’s, 
Jacob’s, Schwab’s, Salem’s, Hoffman’s, Brandt’s, and Donegals.” 
The? third church was dedicated by Pastor I. O. P. Baker in 
1861, the cost being about $3,500. This building was destroyed 
by fire, October 30, 1909, and there was some hesitancy about 
rebuilding. The corner stone of a new church was finally laid 
by Pastor Michael, June 26, 1910, and the building dedicated, 
October 8, 1911. During the pastorate of Rev. Jonathan Sarver 
the church was transferred from the Ohio Synod to the Pitts- 
burgh Synod. St. John’s has never had a large membership, and 
in recent years losses to city churches have been large. ‘The 
Rev. George J. Gongaware is a son of St. John’s. The pastors 
served in the following order: Rev. J. M. Steck, 1793-1822; Rev. 
Jonas Mechling, 1822-1855; Rev. I. O. P. Baker, 1855-1862; 
Rev. G. W. Busby, 1863-1869; Rev. Enoch Smith, 1869-1873; 
Rev; 8: L. Harkey, D.D., 1873-1882; Rev. Jonathan Sarver, 


662 HISTORY OF VIHE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


D.D., 1883-1886; Rev. J. R. Groff, 1888-1891; Rev. C. L. Hollo- 
way, 1891-1896; Rev. Herbert Martens, 1897-1900; Rev. W. R. 
Swickard, 1901-1905; Rev. R. L. Leatherman, 1905-1916; Sup- 
plies, 1916-1919; Rey. G. Ll. Himmelman, 1919-1922; Rev. Jak: 
Flegler, 1922-1923; Rev..A. W. Trumpeter, 1923-. 


MOUNT “=ZION* EVANGELICAL (LUTHERAN sCH ORG i 
DONEGAL, PA. 


Along the eastern border of Westmoreland County, between 
the clearly defined ranges of the Chestnut and Laurel Ridges, 
runs a beautiful valley, sixty miles long and from two to ten 
miles wide, in which Lutherans have played a large part since 
the days of settlement. The lower end is called Indian Creek 
Valley, and here Good Hope Church was organized in 1788; the 
upper end is called Ligonier Valley, and there the Brandt Church 
was built in early days; the central part is known as Donegal 
Valley, in which Mt. Zion Church was established about the 
year 1792. The first of the early settlers was Andrew Harman, 
a Lutheran, who was killed by the Indians at Fort Williams, 
about two miles east of Donegal. It is believed that he came 
alone to this valley in 1765. ‘Two of his sons were carried into 
Canada by the Indians, and the older brother lived to return to 
his home. No other section of the county suffered more at the 
hands of the savages, since it was easy for them to slip past the 
fort at Ligonier in the 
deep woods, strike at the 
settlement, and then get 
away under the same 
cover, «The ereatertpant 
ofis the originalstsetttens 
were German Lutherans, 
with only a few Reform- 
edi, Their -chrstyr eigen 
was built on the McEI- 
vain farm, a short dis- 
tance north of the high- 
way. In common with 
the customs of the times 
it was built of logs, with 
a gallery and high pul- 
pit, but its furnishings 
were the simplest. The 
timber was so well se- 
lected that it served the 
congregation as a house 
































Pio lORY Our E PIEYSBURGH SYNOD 663 


of worship until 1837. Because of the scarcity of pastors and 
the isolated position of the church, it is difficult to fix the dates 
of the first pastorates. The pioneer pastors were Rev. John M. 
Steck and Rev. Johannes Stauch. Pastor J. F. W. Lange of 
Somerset County also gave them service between 1797 and 1811, 
after which his license was revoked by the Ministerium of Penn- 
sylvania. The first regular pastor was Rev. Jonas Mechling, who 
took charge in 1825, and preached in German every four weeks 
until 1848. Pastor Mechling was a remarkable catechist, and 
his strong Bible teaching was the one thing that stood between 
the Lutheran Church and dissolution, when the: revival fever 
swept the valley in later years. Adam Byerly donated a lot in 
Donegal during this pastorate, and a brick church was dedicated 
in 1838 by Pastors Mechling and Voigt. About this time there 
arose a strong demand for Eniglish preaching, and neither Pastor 
Voigt nor Pastor Mechling was able to furnish it. Many young 
people were lost to the Lutheran Church because of this, but the 
Reformed were the heavier losers and discontinued services in 
1870. The pastor to whom chief credit belongs for bringing the 
congregation through this transition stage was Rev. Joseph R. 
Focht, who prepared the first English constitution in 1851, when 
the name Mt. Zion was assumed. He conducted special services 
that successfully counteracted the proselyting methods of the re- 
vivalists, and built up a church of 150 members. One of the 
most successful pastors was Rev. George Gaumer, 1856-1868, 
who led the parish into the Pittsburgh Synod. The parsonage 
was built during the pastorate of Rev. John Welfley. After a 
renovation, the church was rededicated by Pastor David Earhart, 
November 4, 1877. The present church was erected during the 
pastorate of Rev. J. A. Boord. The corner stone was laid on 
the First Sunday after Trinity, 1896, and the building dedicated 
by Pastor Boord, October 18, 1897. It was built of brick and 
stone in cruciform shape, 42x59, and cost $3,500. Mount Zion 
Church has filled a large place in the spiritual life of this com- 
munity, and, with a membership of 180, is proving herself 
worthy of the faith and heroism of the fathers. The pastors 
were: Rev. J. M. Steck, Rev. Johannes Stauch (supplies), 1792- 
ZO 7euleve ele ances | /O/ 7 shies hkeva eG. lLarniprecht, 
[Sl321815- Rev, J. M.steck, 1815-1619. Rey. J- K. Rebenach 
(supply), 1820-1824; Rev. Jonas Mechling, 1825-1848; Rev. J. 
Je Suter, 1848-1849; Rev. William Uhl) 1849-1850; Rev. J. R. 
Focht, 1850-1853; Rev. W. H. Wynn, 1854-1856; Rev. George 
Gaumer, 1856-1868; Rev. J. S. Fink (supply), 1868; Rev. John 
Welfley, 1869-1875; Rev. David Earhart, 1876-1882; Supplies, 
1882-1885; Rev. R. G. Rosenbaum, 1885-1888; Rev. Samuel 
Stouffer, 1888-1894; Rev. J. H. Kline, 1894-1895; Rev. J. A. 


664 HISTORY OF THESPIPTSBURGH SYNOD 


Boord, 1895-1898; Rev. D. W. Michael, 1898-1901; Rev. J. O. 
Glenn, 1901-1905; Rev. Jesse Dunn, 1905-1908; Rev. D. L. 
Miller, 1909-1913; Rev. Jesse Dunn (second term), 1913-. 


HOPE MEMORIAL EVAN. LUTHERAN CHURCH 
SMTP TON PA’ 


This is none other than the old historic Hoffman’s Church 
of Baron Run, transferred by a long but natural process to 
Smithton, about two miles distant from its first place of wor- 
ship. The Germans settled in this township before the Revo- 
lutionary War, but did not build a church for several years. 
Both Lutherans and Reformed attended religious services in 
private homes until they were able to build a church. Their . 
first public building was a log hduse, in which services were 
conducted by Pastors Johannes Stauch and John M. Steck 
as early as 1794. In 1/96 Jacobs. Krik. was) onewioreaie 
churches reported by Pastor Steck to the Ministerium of 
Pennsylvania. The time of the first organization is not easily 
determined, but it is an established fact that Henry Hoffman 
made his will in 1798, directing that his farm of forty-nine 
acres should be sold after the death of his wife and the pro- 
ceeds applied to the building of a church. This would imply 
the existence of some kind of an organization at the time, and 
the date of organization is usually given as 1798. Henry 
Hoffman died in 1802, and a few years later the proceeds of 
the sale of the farm were used in building the first brick 
Lutheran church of western Pennsylvania. This church was 
dedicated by Reformed and Lutheran pastors about the year 
1813. It was dedicated as Hope Church, but was usually called 
Hoffman’s. Lutherans and Reformed worshipped within its 
walls, but the Reformed were soon absorbed and discontinued 
their services in 1846. Communion services were held here 
by Pastor John M. Steck in 1816, 1818, and 1819, at which the 


following persons communed: 


Abel, George and wife Hohenschild, Susanna Meyer, Katharina 
Bachtell, Katharina Hohenschild, Anna Maria Pfeifer, Michael 
Bennett, Barbara Klein, Barbara Pfeifer, Mrs. Michael 
Bender, Martin Koder, Conrad and wife Pfeifer, Margaretha 
Frick, Magdalena Koder, Philip and wife Saxman, Sara 

Frick, Maria Koder, Martin and wife Schmidt, Eva 
Grimm, George and wife Koder, Jacob and wife Schowalter, Katharina 
Hebler, Daniel Koder, Katharina Toms, Joseph 

Hebler, Mrs. Daniel Koder, Elizabetha Waltz, Elizabetha 
Heid, Maria Kreis, Johannes and wife Waltz, Katharina 
Heim, Anna Maria Kreis, Anna Maria Wagner, Barnabas and wife 
Heltebrand, Christina Lyons, Daniel and wite Werner, Solomon 
Herr, Heinrich and wife Miller, Jacob and wife Werner, Michael 
Hartmann, Dorothea Meyer, Juliana Yehl, Christina 


The first recorded catechetical class was confirmed by 
Pastor John M. Steck, July 4, 1819, but this record is found 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 665 


only in the Greensburg Church Book. ‘The communion serv- 
ices of Pastor Jonas Mechling date from October 28, 1821, 
when 14 communed, to April 23, 1842, when 65 received the 
sacrament. All services by Pastors Steck and Mechling were 
held in German about once a month. The next pastor was 
Rev. G. S. Hussy, 1842-1843, during whose pastorate the rise 
of Universalism in this community began. An entry in the 
Church Record, April 6, 1850, refers to two libertines, who 
“injured the cause of Christ here, the evil of which will take 
time and grace to remedy”. Pastor Hussy however deserves 
the credit of securing the adoption of the first English con- 
stitution of “Hoffman’s Evangelical Lutheran Church”, April 
1, 1843. After Rev. C. A. T. Selle of West Newton had served 
the church for a short time, 1843-1844, Rev. Michael J. Steck 
took charge and served from September 29, 1845, to Decem- 
Domieetot/ el bee pastorate Oletheview of wemery extended 
from Wecempber 1; 1847,)to April: 1, 1858:) “Uhey next’ three 
Pacters were hev es bh. Lawson, Wey), Ee-renta cand, kev. 
Piet oeimckers Wurimoethe pastorate ol the last named,..a 
new lot was bought for $50, on which a new brick church was 
built at a cost of $1,750. The corner stone was laid by Pastor 
Lemcke in the summer of 1866, and the church dedicated by 
the same pastor, October 16, 1866. When a new parish was 
formed of West Newton and Connellsville in 1872, Hoffman’s 
was connected with Seanor’s and served by Rev. Jacob 
Singer, 1873-1876, and Rev. J. S. Fink, 1877-1881. After a 
pastorate of Rev. 5S. K. Herbster of West Newton, 1882-1891, 
Rev. J. H. Kline was commissioned by the synod to do mis- 
sionary work in the coke region, and gave his chief attention 
to Scottdale and Hoffman’s, 1891-1895. This pastor persuaded 
the congregation to buy and pay for a lot in Smithton, but 
services were continued in Hoffman’s for the reason that the 
old place of worship was as dear to them as it had been to |. 
their fathers. A Sunday School was conducted in rented halls 
in Smithton with varied success, but no church organization 
copld be effected. Pastor J. C. F. Rupp of Scottdale served 
the congregation, 1895-1899, and then surrendered the field 
to Rev. W. F. Ulery. Pastor Ulery followed the policy of 
Pastor Kline, endeavoring to persuade the members of Hoff- 
man’s to reorganize in Smithton, but the best he could do was 
to organize “St. Stephens’s Evangelical Lutheran -Church” 
with 12 members, March 24, 1902. When the leading families 
of Hoffman’s Church refused to attend or encourage it, it 
died a tiatural death in a short time. Rev. B. F. Hankey of 
Scottdale was the pastor, 1903-1905, who made a confirmation 
class of 20 young people the nucleus of “Memorial Evangel- 
ical Lutheran Church of Smithton”, organized with 32 mem- 


666 His lORY.OR LAESPLTSBURGHESYNOD 


bers, January 1, 1904. The successors of Pastor Hankey 
preached at both Hoffman's and Smithton. Rev. John Shunk 
was the first resident pastor of Smithton, but made the mis- 
take of allowing the people to sell their church lot to pay 
current expenses. For a long period the church was depen- 
dent on supply pastors, and during that time the members of 
Hoffman’s gradually transferred their allegiance to Memorial, 
so that the last service was held in the former church in 1917. 
In spite of this fact there was never any legal disbandment 
of the country congregation, and title to the property was not se- 
cured by the Pittsburgh Synod until 1925. The burial ground is 
controlled by the “Hoffman’s Cemetery Company”, incorporated 
in 1889. On April 10, 1921, the large brick church of the Free 
Methodists was bought for $3,000. About $12,000 was needed to 
put this church in good condition; and it was dedicated as Hope 
Memorial Church by Doctor EF. B. Burgess, August 3, 1924. Stu- 
dent Adam Simon was in charge of the church at the time, 
rendering a service that greatly endeared him to the hearts of the 
people. The following pastors have served here: Rev. Johannes 
Stauch and Rev. John M. Steck, 1794-1820; Rev. Jonas Mechling, 
1821-1842; Rev. G. S. Hussy, 1842-1843; Rev. C. A. T. Selle, 
1843-1844; Rev. M. J. Steck, 1845-1847; Rev. W. S. Emery, 1847- 
1858; Rev. Simons, 1858-1859; Rev. S. B. Lawson, 1859-1865; 
Rev. J. BP» Hentz, 1865-1866; Rey:.H. J) Hiigemcke, 1866sta72e 
Rev. A..G:-Wilson, 1873 ; Rev: Jacob Singer, 18/3418763 Reva 
S. Fink, 1877-1881; Rev. S. K. Herbster, 1882-1891; Rev. J. H. 
Kline, 1891-1895; Rev. J. C. F. Rupp, 1895-1899; Rev. E. L. 
Reed, 1899; Rev. William F. Ulery, 1899-1903; Rev. B. F. 
Hankey, 1903-1905; Rev.-B He stough, 1905 sRevai) sAs Bourg 
1906-1907; Rev. John Shunk, 1907-1909; Rev. A. H. Bartholo- 
mew, 1909-1910; Rev. J. A. Boord (second term), 1910-1915; 
Rev. D. D. Miller, 1917-1923; Student Adam Simon (supply), 
1923-. 


ob JAMES EVANGEDICAT,: VUE RANG GHW R Gia 
YOUNGSTOWN» PA 


This is one of the oldest boroughs of the county, and was 
named after Alexander Young. Many of the first settlers 
were Scotch-Irish, and the .Unity Presbyterian Church was 
founded in 1774. Since it was located along the line of the 
old Forbes military road, it attracted a number of German 
pioneers, some of whom settled at a very early period. For 
a number of years the more pious families attended church in 
Greensburg, but a local provisional organization was effected 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 667 


in 1800, when Pastor John M. Steck made it one of his regular 
appointments. ‘Tradition says that the first services were 
held in a log school house and in the homes of Daniel and 
Henry Kuhns. Early in 1815 the people decided to build a 
union church in company with the Reformed, and this was 
done under an agreement signed by representatives of both 
denominations, January 14, 1815. 


AGREEMENT 


“We, the members of the Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed con- 
gregations of Youngstown, Pennsylvania, agree to build a union church 
to the giory of God, and for the congregation of his word; and it shall 
be built and governed by the following rules and regulations: 


1. Both congregations shall have equal rights in the church. Each 
shall hold services at their time without interference of the other. 


2. The money now in the treasury, and the fruits and gifts donated, 
shall be applied to the erection of the church, and shall not be used for 
any other purpose. 


3. All money collected as offerings in the church shall remain in 
the common treasury for necessary expenses. 


4. No minister shall be allowed to preach in the church unless he 
comes properly recommended. 


5. Should the officers of the congregation decide to build a 
parochial school house on the church lot, they shall not be hindered. 


6.. Both congregations shall strive to keep peace in the church; 
and if any one disturbs the peace, and refuses after proper warning to 
be reconciled and live in harmony with his brethren, he shall be ex- 
cluded from the congregation.” 


DANTE IS KUT NOs OlUN I BRINDEE, SWILLIAM HUGUS 


4“This historic document of 1815 is evidence that both 
the Lutheran and Reformed congregations existed and were 
permanently organized before this time. The church was 
completed and dedicated in the autumn of 1815, Pastors Steck 
and Weber conducting the dedicatory services. It was 30x40 
feet in size, built of hewn logs after the style of churches of 
that day, plainly finished and simple and primitive in all of its 
appointments. It stood more than fifty years, and served two 
generations as a place of worship.” 


The first communion service held in this log church, of 
which we have any record, was conducted by Rev. John M. 
Steck, November 16, 1817, and was attended by the following 
persons: 


Mr. and Mrs. Heinrich Kunz Martin Suess Christian Saxmann 
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Kunz Wendell Geiger Catharina Saxmann 
Christina Kunz Margaretha Bruethern Sophina, Saxmann 
Margaretha Kerns Eva Schmidt Susanna Scheury 


These first communion services are recorded in the 
Greensburg Church Book in the handwriting of Pastor John 


14—History of the Southern Conference, Rev. W. F. Ulery, p. 188. 


668 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


M. Steck. In the same church book is found the record of 
the first confirmation service, June 27, 1819, when nineteen 
persons, ranging in age from 15 to 32, were. confirmed. The 
older members of this class were in the majority, showing 
that these families had not been in closest touch with the 
means of grace up to this time. Rev. John M. Steck con- 
tinued to serve the church until 1829, when failing health 
compelled him to surrender it to the care of Rev. Jonas Mech- 
ling. ‘This faithful pastor, with a field as large as that of 
his predecessor, served the congregation from 1829 to 1858, 
preaching about once a month and building up a membership 
of more than one hundred. He was more judicious in hand- 
ling the language question than the Reformed pastor, Rev. 
Voigt, and the result was that many Reformed children were 
confirmed in the Lutheran faith. The next three pastors were 
Rev [f O; PaBakerwReveG ww eBusby,andikevsGawVesecus 
ling. Rev. Mechling served as the associate pastor of Rev. 
Busby, ministering particularly to the older members of the 
congregation who still desired German services. In 1868 the 
union between the Lutherans and the Reformed was dis- 
solved, the log church abandoned, and the lot on which it 
stood made part of the cemetery. The Lutherans then bought 
a lot near the old log church, and erected a substantial brick 
building, which was dedicated by Pastor Busby in the fall of 
1868. This church cost about $6,000. The next two pastors 
were Rev. Amos Poorman and Rev. W. A. Weisman, during 
whose pastorates the questions of language, secret societies 
and pulpit fellowship caused sharp division of sentiment and 
threatened rupture. This danger was averted under the wise 
leadership of Rev. H. L. McMurray, who served the church 
as part of Ligonier Parish from. 1877 to 1882. Hus successor 
was Rev. J. L. Smith, by whom the congregation was led into 
the Pittsburgh Synod. From 1892 to 1902 the church was 
served by -Revs. I. -K:, Wismer, as ¢a. part/of” Latrobe Pariaos 
Since November 1, 1902, the church has supported a pastor of 
its own, even though many of the older members were fear- 
ful of the venture at the beginning. The problem of self- 
support was made ‘easier to solve by: Mrs. Caroline Fritz 
Johnston, who donated her commodious home for a parson- 
age, June 6, 1903. One of the conditions of this gift was that 
the property should never be used for anything else than a 
parsonage, but this objectionable restriction was removed, 
October 11, 1909, when Mrs. Johnston, at the suggestion of 
Rev. I. M. Wallace, conveyed the property to the church in 
fee simple. Previous to that time she also deeded to the 
church an adjoining fruit lot and right of way to a valuable 
spring for a consideration of $50. ‘Rev. Wallace also rendered 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 669 


great service to the congregation in urging the necessity of 
building a new church. his was not done during his pastor- 
ate; but, soon after the installation of his successor, the mem- 
bers of the congregation took hold of the work and remod- 
elled the old church at a cost of $5,383. The church was re- 
dedicated by Pastor F. A. Weicksel, December 15, 1912, Doc- 
tor William J. Miller preaching the dedicatory sermon. When 
all bills for this work were paid, a surplus of several hundred 
dollars was reported; and this was used in making needed im- 
provements to the parsonage. Under the leadership of Rev. 
W. E. Bauer the congregation continued to develop, not only 
in the grace of giving but also in those churchly graces which 
delight the heart of an Evangelical Lutheran pastor. Services 
are held regularly every Sunday, and the pastor also supplies 
the Bethel Church over the ridge. The Sunday School was 
organized at the time of the building of the first church, and 
now has an enrollment of 125. The present membership of 
the church is 295. The following is a list of pastorates: Rev. 
John M. Steck, 1800-1829; Rev. Jonas Mechling, 1829-1858; 
Rev. I. O. P. Baker, 1859-1862; Rev. G. W. Busby, 1863-1869 ; 
Rev. G. W. Mechling (associate), 1863-1865; Rev. Amos Poor- 
man, 1869-1871; Rev. W. A. Weisman, 1871-1876; Rev. H. L. 
McMurray, 1877-1882; Rev. J. L. Smith, D.D., 1882-1892; Rev. 
I. K. Wismer, 1892-1902; Rev. G. W. Spiggle, 1902-1909; Rev. 
I. M. Wallace, 1909-1910; Rev. F. A. Weicksel, 1911-1915; 
Reve Wik Bauer, 1910-1923; Rev. Henry Voegtley, 1923-. 


Sl JAMES EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
BELL TOWNSHIP, WESTMORELAND CO., PA. 


The oldest. German settlements of northern Westmore- 
land were made in Allegheny and Bell townships. The Luth- 
eran sentiment of the first crystallized in the organization of 
the Klingensmith Church, a few miles south of Leechburg; 
it manifested itself in the second in the organization of the 
St. James Church near Perrysville. Among the oldest fami- 
lies of the St. James settlement were the Hines, Rumbaughs, 
Smeltzers, Yockeys, Clawsons, Bowmans, Kuhns, Pauls, Rughs, 
Hiltys, Whitesels, Wiesters, Householders, and Longs. The 
first three families lived on lands bordering the Kiskiminetas 
River; and Simon Hine, Sr., made an effort to establish a 
church on his land early in the nineteenth century. !?When 
this effort failed, the ground on which St. James Church now 
stands was donated by Christian Yockey. For this reason the 
church was familiarly called “Yockeys” for more than a cen- 


15—History of Avonmore Church, page 705. 


670 HISTORY OF THH PITESBORGH SYNOD 


tury. Y It is*mtch to vbe resretted=that all thelearly teconus os 
this congregation were lost or destroyed, so that much re- 
lating to its history is shrouded in doubt. Upon the ground 
donated by Christian Yockey, a log church was built sometime 
before the year 1808, which was used by both Lutherans and 
Reformed, according to the custom of that day. 


16The first church was of moderate size, and was built 
after the pattern of Harold’s Church, a two-story with gal- 
lery and high wine glass pulpit, with an old fashioned sound- 
ing board above the pulpit. One of the fathers of St. James 
Church, Mr. John Smeltzer, who has a distinct recollection of 
the old log church and all its appointments, has given us a 
minute description of it. It was built like all the others we 
have described, of hewn logs, with logs for the seats at the 
first, as well as split logs for the floor, but later some im- 
provements were made. This church was built a few years 
after the other attempt which failed (perhaps three or four 
years), quite likely between 1803 and 1806. We know it was 
built before 1808. It was used for one generation at least. 
It stood about 33 years, when it was replaced by a new brick 
church. The ground on which it stands was not conveyed 
until 1815, and the same year that the union constitution for 
the mutual regulation of the two congregations was adopted, 
which has been the organic law of St. James Church ever 
since. The present church was begun in 1837, and was com- 
pleted in 1838. Jacob Smeltzer, John Ringle, and John White- 
sel were the building committee, who let the contract for the 
building of the church to Matthew Cullen and John Paul, 
April 9, 1838, for the sum of $2,200. It was finished before the 
end of the year and dedicated to the worship of God, as soon 
as it was completed, by the two pastors, Rev. M. J. Steck and 
Rev. William Weinel. This new brick church is a plain one- 
story building, 50x60 feet in size, very different in its plan and 
architecture from most of the churches built in those early 
times. It had no gallery and therefore needed no high wine 
glass pulpit. The fathers of our church in Bell Township 
worshipped in the old log church. Father John M. Steck 
preached in it during all the years of his ministry, and Rev. 
Michael J. Steck spent nearly ten years of his pastorate here. 
The people of Bell Township were not as progressive as some 
others, and perhaps not as well to do. It took a long time to 
develop the land and bring the people up to a point where they 
felt the need of better church accommodations. As long as 
the fathers lived in very plain houses, many even in rude log 
cabins, they could not be expected to give much attention to 


16—Ulery’s History of the Southern Conference, page 178. 


HIS TORN OFTHE PULTSBURGH SYNOD 671 


the architecture and finish of their churches. But one of the 
principal reasons why the church work and church building 
progressed so slowly was because the people had too little 
service and pastoral care. This St. James Church was only a 
mission station during the pastorate of Father John M. Steck, 
and the same was true in a great measure of Rev. Michael J. 
Steck. He had at least eight churches and preaching stations, 
and the communicant membership of his parish was at one 
time about 1,400. St. James was one of his distant points. He 
could hold only one service a month in his largest and best 
congregation, and some of his outside stations were not 
reached oftener than once in two or three months; hence it 
is easy to see that there could not be rapid growth. There 
was a great lack of ministers in our church at that time. Poor 
as the people were, they could have supported twice as many 
ministers just as well as the number they did support, and, 
with proper care and management, they could have done it 
better.” 


InmecDiLemorthisnineacecr=sclvice, theresmwas amlutheran 
congregation of 200 members worshipping in St. James 
Church at the time of the organization of the Pittsburgh 
synod. Some of these people, however, came many miles to 
hear the word ot God, receive the sacrament, or lay away 
their dead in the adjoining cemetery. All the Lutherans of 
the Maysville district at one time attended services here, as 
the old grave stones attest, and three entire congregations, 
Fennelton, Saltsburg, and Avonmore, were organized out of 
her members. Many others removed to Vandergrift, Leech- 
burg, and Apollo, and entered Lutheran congregations in those 
places; so ‘that 1f the present membership of St. James is 
Dreatyerdcepictcd thet carts Ramereasom. = Duringuithe years in 
which St. James was served by the Stecks, it was a part of 
Greensburg Parish. In 1847, it was surrendered to the care 
of Rev. John Rugan, who served it in connection with the 
newly organized Zion Church of Greensburg. His ministry, 
however, was confined to the English language, and this was 
by no means satisfactory to the older members. Yet during 
his pastorate St. James reached the high water mark of her 
prosperity and reported a membership of 300. During the 
latter part of his pastorate the church was connected with 
Maysville and Springs. From 1853 to 1876 it was connected 
with Delmont Parish, since which time, with the exception of 
a few years, it has been a part of Saltsburg Parish. During 
the period of the rupture, there was considerable difference 
of opinion among the members of the congregation as to their 
proper synodical relations, but this question was finally de- 


672 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


cided by remaining in the Pittsburgh Synod, in connection 
with the General Council. The following pastors have served 
the congregation: Rev. John M. Steck, 1806-1826; Rev. Jonas 
Mechling, 1827-1829; Rev. Michael J. Steck, 1829-1847; Rev. 
John Rugan, 1847-1850; Rev. J. N. Burket, 1851-1853; Rev. C. 
H. Hersh, 1853-1856; Rev. Aaron. Yetter, 1856-1866; Rev. J. 
D. English, 1866-1868; Rev. V. B. Christy, 1868-1876; Rev. 
John Y. Marks, 1876-1879; Rev. R. M. Zimmerman, 1879- 
1884; Rev. D. M. Kemerer, 1884-1887; Rev. W. G. D. Hudson, 
1888-1896; Rev. A. M. Strauss, 1896-1901; Supplies, 1901-1905 ; 
Rev. Go LL. Baker> 19052 Rev... ©: Pearch #19051 906 sa 
Charles D. Miller, 1907-1909; Rev. C. E. Schweikert, 1912- 
1914; Rev. F. W. Ash, 1914-1919; Rev. A. W. Trumpeter, 
1919-1923. 


ST. JOHN’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
BOUQUET, PA. 


The town in which the present St. John’s Church is lo- 
cated was named in honor of the intrepid British officer, 
Colonel Henry Bouquet, who inflicted a decisive defeat upon 
the red warriors of Pontiac at Bushy Run, August 5-6, 1763. 
One of his trusted scouts was Andrew Byerly, a Pennsylvania 
German, who settled in the community in 1759. This was nine 
years in advance of the formal purchase of the land from its 
rightful owners; and he consequently had many narrow escapes 
from the angry Indians. Between the year 1769 and the out- 
break of the Revolutionary War, many other Pennsylvania 
Germans settled in this vicinity, among whom were the Ber- 
lins, Brinkers, Hufnagels, Lauffers, Finks, Keppels, Kemerers, 
Snyders, Knappenbergers, Neighleys, and Eberhardts. Almost 
without exception, these people belonged to either the Re- 
formed or Lutheran Church; and their descendants are found 
in many of the Lutheran congregations of western Pennsyl- 
vania. For the most part they came from Northampton, 
York, and Cumberland counties in eastern Pennsylvania; al- 
though it 1s probable that they were not long in America be- 
fore they found permanent homes in the Manor. This entire 
district owes its name to the original, proprietariesof ‘the 
state. It was a reservation of the Penns, known as Den- 
mark Manor, and contained 4,861 acres of Penn Township 
lands. At the time of the Revolution, title to all this land was 
taken over by the state. For forty years after the opening 
of the settlement, all these Germans attended at Harold’s or 
Brush Creek. They built a log school house, in which they 
supported a German schoolmaster until an efficient public 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 673 


school system was devised. In this school house, occasional 
services were held by neighboring pastors; but the people 
considered it no hardship to travel to Brush Creek in order 
to attend divine service. So no one thought of erecting a 
church in the Manor. '’A local organization of some kind 
may have been effected in 1808, although no official record of 
it was ever made. Such an organization would naturally be 
quite informal. Two treasurers would be appointed by a few 
representative men, one to act for the Reformed and another 
for the Lutherans. Then an article of agreement would be 
written, defining the rights of both parties in the church 
property; and, when this agreement was signed by men of 
both sides, the organization would be considered complete. 
Years later a constitution would be adopted, but it is not just 
to say that the date of adopting the constitution is the true 
date of organization. The congregation functioned harmoni- 
ously long before they had a constitution. The first step to- 
ward building a church in the Manor was made in December 
of 1809, when Paul Neighley, Adam Kemerer, and Christian 
Eberhardt were appointed as the building committee. Jacob 
Brinker was treasurer for the Reformed, and Michael Fink 
for the Lutherans. Instead of building a log church accord- 
ing to the custom of that day, they determined to build of 
brick; but this meant greater expense and time. At first they 
thought they could raise the money by the use of a lottery, 
but the state effectively vetoed that proposition. This rebuff 
probably accounts for the fact that building operations were 
not begun until May 15, 1811. 


18T’he committee furnished all materials and also board- 
ing for the workmen. The corner stone was laid with appro- 
priate services, June 3, by the pastors, Revs. J. M. Steck and 
J. W. Weber. The offerings on this occasion were $99.08. 
Jacob Dry was the contractor for the carpenter work as well 
as painting, for which he was paid $600. All materials were 
furnished him by the committee, as well as a dwelling house 
during the time that he was engaged in the work. His work 
was begun, May 12, 1814, and was fully completed, June 7, 
1815, when the church was solemnly set apart to the worship 
of God. The services on this occasion were conducted by the 
two pastors, Revs. Steck and Weber. The church grounds 
had been owned by Conrad Knappenberger and Jacob 
Brinker, from whom two acres were purchased as a site for 
the church and burying ground, and, later, more ground was 
secured from Paul Brinker and Joseph Lauffer. This now 
constitutes the Union Manor cemetery.” 


17—History of Westmoreland Classis, page 73 
18—History of Southern Conference, W. F. Ulery, page 109. 


674 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH Sy NOD 


The first pastor was Rev. John M. Steck, who served 
until death, July 14, 1830; the second pastor was Rev. Michael 
J. Steck, who served until death, September 1, 1848; the third 
pastor was Jonas Mechling, who likewise served until death, 
April 2, 1868. During all-these years, the services were con- 
ducted almost entirely in German. After the death of Pastor 
Mechling his immense field was divided, and Manor and 
Brush Creek were constituted a parish. This congregation 
was then served by the following pastors: Rev. J. S. Fink, 
1868-1874; Rev. J. A. Scheffer, 1875-1876; Rev. Enoch Smith, 
1876-1877; Rev. W. F. Ulery, 1877-1878; Rev. V. B. Christy, 
1879-1880; Rev. J. D. Roth, 1880-1882; Rev. J. W. Myers, 1882- 
1886; Rev. C. L. Holloway, 1886-1891. During the latter part 
of this period, the congregation was connected with Delmont 
Parish. When Rev. C. L. Holloway became pastor he found 
the Lutherans and Reformed worshipping together in the old 
Manor Church of 1815. The people, however, were ready for 
a friendly separation; and the proposition of the Reformed to 
pay the Lutherans $1,000 for their interest in the property 
was accepted. The congregation now divided on the question 
of a new location. !?One party wanted to build near the old 
site; another proposed to relocate in the town of Bouquet, 
about a mile distant. The matter was appealed to the Con- 
ference, which decided in) favor’ of the Bouquet sites) AMior 
was then purchased from John Keppel, and a substantial 
frame church was erected at a cost of $5,253. This church 
was dedicated as “St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church”, 
January 20, 1889, when Pastor Holloway was assisted by Doc- 
tor: }/ ©. Kunzmann,sRev7 AD] Rottswand | hey eG@hdylecm 
Seaman. In the meantime the dissatisfied party, who wished 
to rebuild near the old site, appealed to a General Synod 
pastor, Rev. Jacob H. Wright, who reorganized them into a 
congregation of ninety members. This congregation at once 
secured a charter from the court of Westmoreland County, 
under the name, style and title of “The Evangelical Lutheran 
Church of Denmark Manor”; and also a decision from the 
same court, instructing the Reformed Church to give them 
the $1,000 separation money. From 1888 to 1899 they were 
served by Pastor Wright as an independent church. From 
1900. to 1912 the congregation belonged to the Pittsburgh 
Synod of the General Synod, and was served by the following 
pastors: Rev. H. C. Michael, 1900-1904; Rev. W. L. Heuser, 
1904-1905; Rev. George O. Ritter, 1906-1917. The congrega- 
tion, unable to make satisfactory headway, disposed of its 
property and disbanded, September 18, 1912. At the time of 





19—Reminiscences of Rev. J. H. Wright in Historical Collections of the Pittsburgh 
Synod, Gettysburg Seminary. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 675 


the disbandment, there were 31 members in the congregation, 
who were counselled to unite with St. Mark’s of Jeannette. 
At the time of the division of 1888, St. John’s had a member- 
ship of 140; and it has remained about the same ever since. 
There have been many accessions, but these have been equal- 
ized by deaths and removals. Since the resignation of Pas- 
tor Holloway, it has generally been connected with Harrison 
City, and has had the following pastors: Rev. Robert M. Zim- 
merman, 1891-1893; Rev. George J. Diener, 1894-1901; Rev. 
L. O. Pearch, 1901-1905; Rev. John Shunk, 1905-1907; Rev. 
EK. H. Daugherty, 1907-1909; Rev. Robert M. Zimmerman 
(second term), 1910-1915; Rev. J. A. Frischkorn, 1916-1918; 
Rey. Nathanael Scheffer, 1919-1920; Rev. .G. L. Courtney, 
1921-1922; Rev. W. F. Bauer, 1923-. . 


Sie KVANGELICALS LU LHR RAN CHURCH 
HEMPEIELD TOWNSHIP, WESTMORELAND CO.; PA. 


This church is located on the southern edge of the Ger- 
man settlement of Hempfield Township. Many families of 
this great settlement located in the vicinity of Harold’s in the 
spring of 1769; and less than ten years later men of the same 
stock were clearing the land in the neighborhood of Seanor’s. 
It is known that they were here in 1780; and some of them 
may have been here even earlier. Among these pioneers we 
find the following family names: Kopf, Zehner, Steiner, 
Mueller, Weibel, Hantz, Hartzell, Sil, Truxel, Ehret, Shu- 
maker, Waltz, Mattis, Beck, and Steiner. The spelling of 
these names differs in the same church records, especially 
about the time of the change from German to English. Some 
of these names’ are found in the older records of Harold’s and 
Greensburg, showing that the people were communing members 
of those churches. Like the people of Denmark Manor on 
the northern fringe of the settlement, they built a log school 
house for the convenience of their, children; but were satis- 
fied to walk five miles to attend church. Tradition tells how 
German mothers of this settlement would walk all the way 
to the Harold’s Church, with little children in their arms, in 
order not to miss the sacrament of the altar. Neither in sum- 
mer nor winter was it considered too far. When they built 
their first log church at Seanor’s is not clear; but it is certain 
that 16 was in use in 1812: and this-meéeans-that there. must 
have been some kind of an organization there at that time 


20“'Tradition tells us that Henry Snyder donated a lot as 
a site for a church, also a half-acre of ground to be used as a 


20—Ulery’s History of the Southern Conference, page 169. 


676 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


grave yard; but there is a court house record and a deed, 
stating that Henry Snyder conveyed to Michael Mathias, 
William Shumaker, and Solomon Wagner, trustees of St. 
Paul’s Church, a certain plot of ground containing one acre 
and thirty-seven perches, for a certain consideration, to be 
used as a burial ground. We think both statements are cor- 
rect—Henry Snyder donated a lot of ground as a site, and a 
church was built on it. Later, more ground was purchased 
for the enlargement of the grave yard, for which a deed was 
executed’ to said’ trustees. In the survey*ot this” purchase 
reference is made to the meeting house, as the church 1s called, 
which is evidence that the church was in existence before the pur- 
chase was made. In 1863 another addition was made to the 
grave yard. Two acres and five perches were purchased from 
Jacob Funk for the consideration of $76. There have been 
three churches built by the St. Paul’s congregation, including 
the present church. The first was a log church, built like the 
other log churches to which reference has been made. It was 
built of hewn logs, and was a two-story church with high pul- 
pit and gallery, but primitive in all its appointments. It had a 
better floor and better seats than the first log churches; 
otherwise it was just like them. It stood, however, much 
longer than most of the log churches in this country, except 
the ones at Hill’s and Youngstown. It was replaced by a new 
church in 1837, which was a plain brick building, about 35x50 
feet in size, costing perhaps about $2,000. It was completed 
and dedicated in the latter part of 1837”. 


The third church was built in 1875 during the pastorate 
of Rev. Jacob Singer. The corner stone of this church was 
laid, June 12, 1875, and the dedication took place, October 10, 
1875. This is a good brick church, 38-58, Corinthian in style, 
and cost $4,000. Leonard Beck, Jacob Snyder, and John Long 
were the Lutheran members of the building committee; and 
Jacob Sell, John Kintig, and Harrison Painter served the Re- 
formed.. During the first eighteen years the congregation 
made little progress. Rev. John M. Steck recorded 31 com- 
municants at the beginning, and the same number at the close 
of his pastorate. Rev. Michael J. Steck was more successful 
than his father, and succeeded in building up a congregation 
of 132 members during the eighteen years of his pastorate. 
During the time of the Stecks the congregation was a part of 
Greensburg Parish; from 1848 to 1872 it was connected with 
West Newton and Hoffman’s; from 1872 to 1877 it formed a 
parish with Hoffman’s; from 1877 to 1881 it was served by the 
Brush Creek pastor; from 1882 to 1885 it was an independent 
parish; from 1885 to 1887 it was served again by the pastor 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 677 


of Brush Creek; since 1887 it has been a part of Harold- 
Seanor Parish. On January 1, 1881, a new constitution was 
adopted; and a charter was then obtained, September 12,.1881. 
The following pastors served St. Paul’s: Rev. J. M. Steck, 
1812-1830; Rev. M. J. Steck, 1830-1848; Rev. W. S. Emery, 
1848-1858; Rev. W. F. Ulery (supply), 1858; Rev. S. B. Law- 
son, 1859-1865; Rev. J. P. Hentz, 1865- 1866; Rev. H. oe ED 
Lemcke, 1866-1872: Rev. Jacob Singer, 1873-1876; Rev. A. G. 
Wilson, 1876-1877; Reward sin" Fink, 1877-1881; Rev. George 
Gaumer, 1882-1884; Rev. C. H. Hemsath, 1885-1887: Rev. W. 
H. Zuber, 1887-1894; Rev. W. F. Ulery (supply), 1894-1895 ; 
Rev. Jonathan Sarver, D.D., 1895-1903; Rev. J. O. Glenn, 1904- 
1911: Rev. E. H. Kohn, 1911-1913: Rev. Isaac K. Wi ismer, 
1913-1922; Rev. F. L. Will, 1923-1925. 


BMANUEL’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
(Bro led hg deg 


When the land office of the state was opened for the dis- 
position of the newly acquired lands, April 3, 1769, there were 
German pioneers ready to take out warrants for land in what 
is now known as Franklin Township. Within the next ten 
years, a number of others were ready to follow. Robert Hays 
settled here in 1769; one of the Berlins in 1774; and Michael 
Rugh in 1775. Among the other early pioneers we find the 
names: Hill, Henke, Schneider, Drum, Starck, Kleyn, Kuhn, 
Hobaugh, Rubrecht, Long, Remaley, Lauffer, and Haymaker. 
Nearly all these names are found in the records of Hempfield 
and Allegheny Township settlements, indicating a closer re- 
lationship between them than is usually recognized. Because 
of its exposed position in the northern portion of Westmore- 
land, this settlement suffered more at the hands of Indian 
marauders than those in the central part. 


71“Robert Hayes and his son were taken captive by the 
Indians and held for three years. In 1778 Michael Rugh and 
his family were also carried away. They were first carried to 
Venango, later to Canada, and were held in captivity three 
yeats,)Aiter their release they weresent to New York, and 
from there returned home. Jacob Berlin came to this section 
of country in 1794, when troops were sent into Westmoreland 
County to put down the Whiskey Insurrection. He came first 
on a visit to his uncle, who had settled here many years be- 
fore, was pleased with the county and settled here soon after- 
wards. He is the grandancestor of the well known Berlin 


21—Ulery’s History of the Southern Conference, page 194. 


678 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


family in this county. Whilst this was a good settlement, yet 
no church was organized for a number of years. One reason 
was because the people were widely scattered; many how- 
ever attended services at other places, some at Manor Church, 
others at Beamer’s and Hankey’s. Services were also held for 
years in private houses and school houses. There was a pro- 
visional organization for some time before a permanent one 
was effected. Emanuel’s Church was organized in 1820, after 
which more frequent services were held. For several years 
services were held in the old log building, which had been 
used as a block house: This old log house was a landmark in 
this community, as it had served the fathers as a fort and also 
as a place of worship”. 


The majority of the German pioneers in this community 
were members of the Reformed Church, and that denomina- 
tion retains this advantage. The first effort to securera 
church was made in 1828, when Philip Drum and Peter Hill 
donated the ground for a church and cemetery. All labor and 
materials were donated by the members, so that it was fin- 
ished and furnished without debt. When this building became 
too small in 1848, an addition of fourteen feet was made to 
the end, and the entire building weatherboarded and put in 
good repair. About eleven years later it was decided to build 
a brick church; and a contract was let to John W. Kuhns, 
September 12, 1856, for $2,000. ‘This church was dedicated by 
Pastors Jonas Mechling and Nicholas P..Hacke on Easter 
Sunday, 1858. For the first twenty-three years this church 
was connected with Greensburg Parish; from 1843 to 1847 it 
was connected with the old Klingensmith Church under the 
care! of Paston- jacob" Zimmerinan. | Aiters thesdeathworsh cw 
Jonas Mechling in 1868, and during the pastorate of Rev. J. 
S. Fink, frequent English services were introduced and the 
congregation was received into the Pittsburgh Synod. In 
1868 the parish was reduced to three churches; and in more 
recent years has been restricted to Emanuel and Salem. 


22 By an article of agreement, dated September 22, 1883, 
the dispute between the Lutheran and Reformed congrega- 
tions of Hill’s Church was adjusted, and the Lutherans sold 
their interest to the Reformed people and removed to Export. 
A lot was secured from Mr. John Duff, alongside of the old 
log church known as “The Tent’. It may be interesting to 
know why this old historic place was called ‘The Tent’. 
Grandmother Holloway, of blessed memory, used to tell that, 
long before the church was built, a tent was erected in which 


22—Ulery’s History of the Southern Conference, page 198. 


HISTORY OF THE. PITTSBURGH SYNOD 679 


services were held, and that she often worshipped there. 
Hence the place, as well as the log church, was called “The 
Déent<:: 


The corner stone of the church, erected on the new site, 
was laid by Rev. J. W. Myers in 1884; and the completed 
church was dedicated, October 30, 1884. Doctor Edmund Bel- 
four and Rev. D. M. Kemerer assisted the pastor on this oc- 
casion. A new constitution was adopted, April 11, 1885, at 
which time the congregation numbered about 30 members. 
One of the most successful and encouraging pastorates in the 
history of this church was that of Rev. Ludwig Beisecker. 
Under his ministry there were large accessions to the mem- 
bership, and many needed improvements were made to the 
property. The following is a complete list of pastors: Rev. 
John M. Steck, 1820-1830; Rev. M. J. Steck, 1830-1843; Rev. 
Jacob Zimmerman, 1843-1847; Rev. Daniel Maier, 1847-1849; 
Rev. Jonas Mechling, 1851-1868; Rev. J. S. Fink, 1868-1874; 
Rev. J. A. Scheffer, 1875-1876; Rev. J. A. Bauman, 1876-1877 ; 
Reveal mocheomitilo7/7- kev, Webs Ulery, 1377-1878" (Revi 
Nem GIStye | O/O715/ meV: Potts, .15/9718383 then 
J. W. Myers, 1883-1886; Rev. C. L. Holloway, 1886-1891; Rev. 
Philip Doerr, 1891-1897; Rev. R. G. Rosenbaum, 1897-1902 ; 
Rev. Ludwig Beisecker, 1902-1907; Rev. C. E. Dozer, 1908-1912; 
Neve Gmh eo picclemioi2 1921s Revinlia Reed shepter? 1922- 
TOD See Reva aGe. onydern 1925— 


CHRIST S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
SAR DIS: BA: 


The “Hankey” settlement, as this community was called 
in early days, was one of the older German settlements of 
northern Westmoreland. As early as 1784 a number of Re- 
formed and Lutheran families had settled here, in whose 
homes Pastor John M. Steck preached and administered the 
sacrament about once a year. The devoted people were will- 
ing to send their children all the way to Brush Creek for cate- 
chetical instruction, and this sound teaching saved the life of 
the organization. The number of confirmed members gradu- 
ally increased until 1815, when a move was made to erect a 
church. The families were so widely scattered, however, that 
it was hard to agree on a location. Daniel Hankey and Mr. 
Beemer each offered a site, and the outcome was the erection 
of a log church at both places. The dedication of these two 
Ghurchessoccurnred about the year, iol/7; + lhe records, seem 
to indicate that the first Lutheran communion in the Hankey 
Church was conducted by Pastor Steck, June 11, 1820, and © 


680 HISTORY OF DH EePUCIS BURGAS yO 


some thought that this was the date of dedication. The deed 
was not executed until March 6, 1822, when the land, consist- 
ing of three acres, was conveyed to the “Trustees of the Ger- 
man Lutheran and German Presbyterian Churches”. The 
name Presbyterian was frequently applied to the Reformed. 
Pastor Jonas Mechling took charge of the congregation in 
1820, administering the sacrament to twenty persons in No- 
vember of that year. At that time the Reformed had twice 
as many communing members as the Lutherans. This pas- 
torate continued until 1839, after which Pastor Jacob 
Hoelsche gave occasion supplies for about a year. From 
1843 to 1849 Pastor Jacob Zimmerman preached for them 
once a month in German, but gave them only occasional serv- 
ices from 1849 to 1855. Only thirteen persons received the 
sacrament, December 4, 1853. Pastor C. H. Hersh supplied 
them from 1855 to 1856, and then Pastor L. M. Kuhns con- 
sented to take charge of the congregation. He found every- 
thing about the old log church in a dilapidated condition, but 
his English preaching was so attractive that he was able to 
effect a reorganization of the congregation, April 24, 1857. 
The first officers of the reorganized church were Michael 
Hankey, Daniel Long, Michael Best, and John L. Remaley. 
The development of the congregation was rapid, and the fol- 
lowing persons communed on October 26, 1857: 


Beacom, Susanna 
Best, Michael 
Best, Catherine 
Best, Martha 
Bolinger, Samuel 
Bolinger, Mary 
Bolinger, Sarah 
Bolinger, Catherine 
Briney, Susanna 
Dice, Enoch 

Dice, Christina 
Eyler, Daniel 
Davidson, Hannah 
Hankey, Michael 
Hankey, Jonas 
Hankey, G. W. 
Hankey, Michael, Jr. 


Hankey, John 
Hankey, Catherine 
Hankey, Anna M. 
Long, Philip 
Long, Daniel 
Long, Elizabeth (2) 
ong, Anna 
Ludwick, George 
Ludwick Jacob 
Ludwick, Lavinia 
Ludwick, Elizabeth 
McCully, John 
McCully, Lydia 
Means, Catherine 
Remaley, John 
Remaley, Jonathan 
Remaley, Joseph 


Remaley, Caroline 
Remaley, Elizabeth 
Remaley, Susanna 


. Ridenour, John 


Ridenour, Sarah 
Ridenour, Leah 
Ridenour, Evaline 
Smith, Elias 
Smith, Catherine 
Smith, Susanna 
Smith, George 
Smith, Simon J. 
Smith, Martha 
Stametz, Moses 
Stametz, Sarah 
Peterson, Hannah 
Walp, Andrew 


Pastor Kuhns was a tireless worker and deserved the suc- 
cess achieved. Compelled to endure not a little hardship in 
meeting his appointments, his devotion established him in the 
affections of the people, so that he was able to succeed where 
others had failed. After his resignation, April 1, 1859, a new 
parish was formed of Christ and Bethesda churches, with 
Tarentum as a mission point. This parish was served by Pas- 
tor A. C. Ehrenfeld, 1859-1861, during which the second 
church was built. This was also a union church, and was ded- 
icated by Rev. Samuel F. Breckenridge, October 16, 1866. A 
separation was effected from the Reformed, March 24, 1873, 











CERTIFICATE OF BAPTISM, HANKEY’S CHURCH 


682 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


when the Lutherans paid them $300 to relinquish all claim to 
the property. With the help of Bethesda Church, a parson- 
age was built on the church ground at a cost of $2,700 in 1891. 
After a renovation at a cost of $1,250, the church was re- 
dedicated by Pastor J. E. Lerch, December 22, 1901. During 
the’ pastorate of Rev. H. H. Flick the chancel was remodelled 
and a memorial altar installed. In recent years the congre- 
gation has suffered heavy losses by reason of death and re- 
moval, but there is still a devoted body of people, ready to 
make their sacrifices to carry on the work. The pastors have 
served in the following order: Rev. J. M. Steck, 1796-1820; 
Rev. Jonas Mechling, 1820-1839; Rev. Jacob Hoelsche, 1839- 
1840; Rev. Jacob Zimmerman, 1843- [8554-Rev.Ge He tersix 
(supply), 1855-1856; Rev. L. M. Kuhns, 1856-1859 ; Revere @ 
Ehrenfeld, 1859-1861; Rev. P. G. Bell, 1862-1864; Rev. D. M. 
Kemerer (supply), 1864-1865; Rev. S. F. Breckenridge, 1865- 
1869; Rev. Michael Colver, 1869-1876; Rev. O. F. Harshman, 
1876- 1879: Rev. D. R.iPY Barry, 1880-1881 Reva Gee 
hart, 1881-1886; Rev. J. K. Hilty, 1886- 1890 ; Rev. Carl Zinss- 
meister, 1890- 1892: Rev. Alexander Maclaughlin, 1892-1897 ; 
Rev. C. RE, Smith, 1897-18098 ; Rev. J: H.-Verch}, 1899-1903 Irene 
J. Me Stover, 1904-1909 | Reve Has licks 31910219 17 einer 
Oscar Woods, 1917-1921; Rev. H. E. Seel, 1922-1924; Rev. 
Paul J. Tau, 1924-. 


CELRIS EVANGELICAL 21: Gal Eh, Ras ING Cid RG 
WiELS EIN HW RO) New beat 


Christ Church was organized by Pastor Jonas Mechling, 
January 1, 1830, with twenty-eight members. The services 
for a number of years were held in a public meeting building. 
23Tn 1836, Christ Church and the members of the Sewickley 
Presbyterian congregation united in building a union church, 
in which the Lutherans owned a one-fourth interest. ‘This 
church was owned and used jointly by the Lutherans and 
Presbyterian for seventeen years. Owing to the fact that the 
services were nearly all in the German language, as well as 
to the fact that they were not held frequently, its growth was 
very slow. The vast extent of Rev. Mechling’s field made it 
possible to hold only one service a month and even that laid 
such a burden upon him that he resigned the charge, Novem- 
ber 20, 1847”. 

A letter written by Rev. M. J. Steck to Rev. Jacob Zim- 
merman in 1843, complains of the troubles in the “Robbstown” 
congregation, but there is no indication that he was ever the 


23—History of the Southern Conference, Ulery, p.211. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 683 


regular pastor. Pastor Mechling was succeeded by Pastor 
W.S. Emery, whose parish after the first year was restricted 
to Seanor’s, Hoffman’s, and West Newton. The union 
with the Presbyterians was dissolved in 1851, and a new 
church was built, which was dedicated by Pastor Emery 
November 30, 1851. Dedicatory sermons were preached in 
both German and English. This church was built of brick, 
36x46, and cost about $1,200. The next pastor was Rev. Sam- 
uel B. Lawson, who served from April 1, 1859, to February 7, 
1865, when his pastorate closed in death. Rev. J. P. Hentz 
took charge of the parish in the summer of 1865 and remained 
about one year. His successor was Rev. H. J. H. Lemcke, 
1866-1877, who preached alternately in German and English 
and was greatly beloved. Connellsville and West Newton 
were formed into a parish during his pastorate. Pastor Philip 
Doerr also served these two congregations, 1877-1881, after 
which the parish was divided. During the vacancy a parson- 
age was erected on ground adjoining the church at a cost of 
$1,900. The next regular pastor was Rev. Samuel K. Herb- 
ster, who served Christ and Hoffman churches from 1882 to 
1891, building up a strong congregation of 175 members in 
West Newton. The next three pastors were Rev. A. P. 
Pflueger; 1891-1893, Rev. A.'H. Kinnard, 1893-1897, and. Rev. 
E. L. Reed, 1897-1907. During the last named pastorate a 
crucitorm church was built: of brick and stone, 68-80, at a 
cost of $10,000. The corner stone was laid, July 2, 1899, and 
the church dedicated, March 18, 1900. Pastor Reed’s suc- 
cessor was Pastor Jacob F. Scholl, who was installed, August 
2, 1908. Under his leadership the church had a fine spiritual 
development, enrolling 538 confirmed members in 1925. A large 
parish house, 65x65, erected at a cost of $48,000, was dedicated 
Dye estoie choll; s|anuatyen! 74, 1926am.00 Lan -asarwescan 
learn from the incomplete records the pastors served in the 
following order: Rev. Jonas Mechling, 1830-1847; Rev. W. 
S. Emery, 1847-1858; Rev S. B. Lawson, 1859-1865; Rev. J. 
P. Hentz, 1865-1866; Rev. H. J. H. Lemcke, 1866-1877; Rev. 
Philip Doerr, 1877-1881; Rev. G. A. Wenzel, D.D. (supply), 
1881-1882; Rev. S. K. Herbster, 1882-1891; Rev. A. P. Pflueg- 
er, 1891-1893; Rev. A. H. Kinnard, 1893-1897; Rev. EF. L. Reed, 
1897-1907; Rev. J. F. Scholl, 1908-. 


TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
ADAMSBURG, PA. 


This congregation was the outgrowth of the language 
question in Brush Creek Church. During the first 66 years 


684 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


services were conducted almost exclusively in German. After 
the death of Pastor Michael J. Steck, September 1, 1848, there 
was a strong element in Brush Creek Church, who favored 
the: election of thé? Reve "Henry Areeler™ believing ms that. 
would give them more English preaching, but the conserv- 
ative Germans elected Rev. Jonas Mechling with the under- 
standing that he should preach only in German. An effort 
was made by the Southern Conference to effect a reconcilia- 
tion between the two parties, but this was resented by both 
Pastor Mechling and the officers of Brush Creek Church. The 
English party held a meeting, July 14, 1849, but their paper 
of protest was equally ineffective. A second meeting was 
held in the Adamsburg school house, July 28, 1849, when 
“The Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Trinity Church 
of the Borough and Vicinity of Adamsburg” was organized. 
The first officers were Jacob-<Steiner, Samuel Keck, J. L. 
Kunkle, Abram Harman, George Allshouse, Jacob Fry, Chris- 
topher M. Walthour, and Samuel Zimmerman. An acre of 
ground was secured from Joseph Walthour, on which a brick 
church was dedicated, December 13, 1850. Services were con- 
ducted alternately in German and English until 1866, when 
the German ceased. For a number of years the congregation 
prospered, enrolling 120 members in 1873. When more fre- 
quent English services were introduced in Brush Creek 
Church, the strength of Trinity began to decline. The Pitts- 
burgh Synod asked the two congregations to reunite in 1894, 
but no satisfactory agreement could be reached. When Rev. 
Philip Doerr was called as pastor of Brush Creek in 1897, 
Trinity Church did not unite in the call; but Pastor Doerr 
saw that the congregation might be lost to the Lutheran 
Church if he did not take care of them, and preached for them 
during his entire pastorate. When Rev. E. H. Daugherty was 
called to Brush Creek in 1909, once again Trinity did not join 
in the call; and he declined to preach in Adamsburg, believing 
that the original point of dispute had ceased to exist, and. 
that it was time for the two congregations to worship to- 
gether, Several families of) Trinity: then returned] tothe 
mother congregation, but others declined and retained title 
to their property. The brick church was sold in 1919 and 
removed from the premises. The following pastors served 
the congregation: Rev. John Rugan, 1849; Rev. Michael 
Eyster, 1849-1853; Rev. Milton Valentine, 1854-1855; Rev. W. 
F, Ulery, 1855-1863; Rev. Daniel Garver, 1863-1865; Rev. J. 
K. Plitt, 1866-1873; Rev. A. H. Bartholomew, 1874-1876; Rev. 
V. BoChristy, 18/6-1881 Rev: E.G. bond 163 Teise3i evans 
H. Hemsath, 1883-1886; Rev. C. S. Seaman, 1887-1889; Rev. 
George Seaman, 1890-1896; Rev. Philip Doerr, 1897-1908. 


HISTORY OF (LHE/ PITTSBURGH SYNOD 685 


ZION’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
GREENSBURG, PA. 


This church was organized, January 16, 1848, in response 
to a demand for more English services in the community. 
For sixty-six years the Greensburg pastors had preached the 
gospel and administered the sacraments almost exclusively 
in German. Pastor Michael J. Steck was favorably inclined 
to the introduction of English, but was compelled to handle 
the language question very carefully because of the strong 
sentiment for the German. Many of the fathers were willing 
to acknowledge the necessity of English in social and business 
life, but were unalterably opposed to using it in the church. 
At the request of Pastor M. J. Steck, Pastor John Rugan was 
called as his assistant in 1847, with the understanding that he 
should give special attention to English services. These 
services were highly acceptable to the English members of 
First Church, but sharply opposed by the more pronounced 
Germans. A meeting of the English members was held in 
First Church, December 5, 1847, at which the following reso- 
lutions were adopted: 


“Resolved, That it is proper and expedient to organize an English 
Lutheran congregation in Greensburg. 


“Resolved, That a committee be appointed to ascertain who and 
how many will be willing to enter this organization. 


“Resolved, That a committee be appointed to draft resolutions, and 
nominate officers under this constitution.” 


The committee on membership consisted of Daniel Welty, 
Martin B. Hartzel; John Kuhns, Sr.,. John L. Bierer, Daniel 
Kistler, Henry Kettering, and Lewis Trauger. The commit- 
tee on constitution consisted of Pastor John Rugan, A. Rum- 
baugh, Daniel Welty, and Henry K. Welty. 


24“The meeting adjourned to meet again, January 16, 
1848, tc hear the report of the committees appointed, and to 
further perfect the proposed organization. As the use of the 
German Church had been denied for the holding of the meet- 
ing on January 16, the use of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
was kindly granted, where the friends of the movement as- 
sembled as per adjournment. At this meeting, Rev. John 
Rugan acted as president and Lewis Trauger as secretary. 
The first committee reported that forty persons had signified 
their willingness to become members of the proposed English 
congregation. The second committee reported ,and present- 
ed a constitution, which, after it had been explained by Rev. 
Rugan, the chairman of the committee, and had been duly 





24—History of the Southern Conference, Ulery, p. 201. 


686 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


considered, was unanimously adopted. Under its provisions, 
a congregation of forty members was organized by the name, 
style and title of ‘Zion’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of 
Greensburg, Pa’. The following named persons were elected 
as the first officers under the constitution: Martin B. Hart- 
zel and Daniel Welty, Sr., elders; John L. Bierer, Lewis Trau- 
ger, John Bortz, and Henry K. Welty, deacons; Peter Rum- 
mel and Samuel Hoffman, trustees”. 


The names of the original members cannot be given, for 
the reason that the first church record was destroyed by 
fire. Services were held in the court house every alternate 
Sunday until the fall of 1848, when the Presbyterian Church 
was rented. These were humble beginnings, but the Greens- 
burg of 1848 was only a small village. In the face of the Ger- 
man opposition, the building of their first church was no 
small task. A lot on the corner of Second street and Penn- 
sylvania avenue was donated by John Kuhns, Sr., for church 
purposes, where a plain brick church, 45x65, was erected at 
a cost. of $3,300. This church was -dedicated by ‘Pastor 
Michael Eyster, assisted by Doctor W. A. Passavant and Rev. 
W. S. Emery, November 21, 1851. During the first twenty- 
eight years Zion Church was connected with Adamsburg and 
other points to form a parish, but has enjoyed the entire time 
of a pastor since 1876. The first church building was de- 
stroyed by a fire, March 8, 1877, but the congregation met 
three days later and determined to rebuild. This fire occurred 
during a vacancy, and Pastor William F. Ulery was recalled 
for a second pastorate, to lead the congregation in the work 
of rebuilding. The corner stone was laid, September 24, 1877, 
and the church dedicated by Doctor Samuel Laird and Pastor 
Ulery, August 2, 1879. Doctor Joseph A. Seiss preached the 
dedicatory sermon, and no less than ten pastors of the Pitts- 
burgh Synod were present. The church was built of brick and 
stone, with two towers, at a cost of $13,000. The church bell 
was installed in the tower by Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Trauger. 
During the pastorate of Rev. E. G. Lund a large pipe organ 
was installed as the gift of Lewis Trauger and George F. 
Huff. During the pastorate of Rev. Gomer C. Rees the chan- 
cel was refurnished. The present value of this church is es- 
timated at $60,000, and that of the parsonage at $16,000. Zion’s 
Sunday School was organized in 1848, and her aggressive 
Ladies’ Aid Society in 1833. Four of Zion’s pastors have 
closed their pastorates in death. Pastor Michael Eyster, 
August 10, 1853; Pastor Daniel Garver, September 30, 1865; 
Pastor George E.. Titzel, September 10, 1892; Pastor William 
J. Miller, December24, 1912) Durine ithe course ottheryears 


PISLORY OFSEH Pri LSBURGH SYNOD 687 


there was a steady increase in the strength of the congrega- 
tion, 739 confirmed members being reported in 1922. The 
pastors have served in the following order: Rev. John 
Rugan, 1848-1849; Rev. Michael EKyster, 1849-1853; Rev. Mil- 
ton Valentine, 1854-1855; Rev. A. H. Waters (supply), 1855; 
Rev. W. F. Ulery, 1855-1863; Rev. Daniel Garver, 1863-1865; 
Rev. J. K. Plitt, 1866-1873; Rev. A. H. Bartholomew, 1874- 
1876; Rev. W. F. Ulery (second. term), 1877-1884; Rev. E. 
G. Lund, D.D., 1885-1891; Rev. G. E. Titzel, 1891-1892; Rev. 
F. W. E. Peschau, D.D., 1893-1900; Rev. W. J. Miller, D.D., 
LO@le1912, Reve Ey Gaitlerman,, 1913-1914* Revs GiC. Rees; 
Poo LO eR evs het wey tlia ms) 1192041 972-8 R ew GC. .C. Ras: 
mussen, 1922-1923; Rev. A. W. Steinfurth, 1924-. 


Sime Woe VANGH ICAP VU DHE RAN CHURCH 
Ie Crue bes 


This congregation, commonly called Franklin, was or- 
ganized by Rev. Joseph B. Focht, March 20, 1852. The num- 
ber of original members was 29, but this was soon increased 
to 39 by the confirmation of the first class. The first church 
officers were Charles Miller, Frederick Siebel, Charles F. 
Ulery, and Benjamin Brougher. The first services were held 
in Franklin school house, and the congregation continued to 
worship there until they were able to build a church. The 
church ground was secured for a nominal sum from Simon 
Snyder. The corner stone of their church was laid, April 22, 
1853, and the building dedicated, September 1, 1854. It was 
a frame building, 30x36, very simple in both design and ar- 
rangement. So much labor and material were donated that 
the money cost was only $500. The church was practically 
rebuilt in 1887 at a cost of $900. A tower was built in front, 
the style of the windows changed, an altar recess provided, 
and such other changes made as to give it the appearance of 
a new church. It was rededicated by: Pastor R. G. Rosen- 
haum. |anes 5, 1887) -Likesinany other rural®churches/"St: 
Paul’s has received many new members into her fellowship 
only to lose them by removal to the cities and towns. The 
present membership is twenty-seven. The pastors have been 
those of Donegal. 


SALEM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
DELMONT, PA. 


Lutherans have lived in this community since the time 
of the first settlements; but, for reasons satisfactory to them- 


688 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


selves, made no attempt to organize a church for more than 
sixty years. These pioneers were willing to walk eight miles 
to Greensburg to receive the sacrament, and their successors 
considered themselves well cared for, when Denmark Manor 
Church was established within four miles in 1808. Those 
families living in the extreme north end of the present parish 
were accustomed to attend services in St. James. The first 
Lutheran pastor to hold services in Delmont was Rev. M. J. 
Steck, but his regular appointments were already so many 
that he did not advise a new organization. When Rev. John 
Rugan became his assistant in Greensburg in 1847, he was 
urged to give special attention to this part of the field, and 
began to hold services in the Methodist Church. Pastor 
Rugan continued to serve them until 1849, when he was suc- 
ceeded by Pastor Michael Eyster. As soon as he was firmly 
established in the parish, plans- were laid by the Lutherans 
and Reformed for the building of a church. This church was 
built of brick, 40x60, at a cost of $1,250, and was dedicated, 
September 11, 1850, the officiating ministers being Pastors 
Hacke, Giese, and Weinel of the Reformed, and Pastors Eys- 
ter, Zimmerman, Rugan, and Karhart of the Lutherans. Salem 
Church was organized in the dedicated building, September 
27, 1850, with thirty-six members. The first officers of the 
congregation were Caspar Klingensmith, John Lenhart, Jo- 
seph Sherbondy, Jacob Bush, and John Zimmerman. The field 
was ripe, and Pastor Eyster was able to build up a congrega- 
tion of ninety-five members within two years. His successor 
was Rev. J. N. Burket who served Salem and St. James from 
1852 to 1853. The next three pastors were Rev. C. H. Hersh, 
1853-1856; Rev. Aaron Yetter, 1856-1866; and Rev. J. D. Eng- 
lish, 1866-1868. ‘The last named pastorate marked the period 
of the synodical controversy, when there was sharp division 
of sentiment in Salem Church; but the congregation in the 
end espoused the cause of the General Council. It was during 
the pastorate of Rev. English that the Reformed congrega- 
tion built a church of their own, leaving the Lutherans in 
possession of the old union church. The condition of the old 
church was so bad, however, that the Lutherans were soon 
compelled to choose between a new church and extensive re- 
pairs. The former policy was adopted, and the corner stone 
of a new church was laid, June 24, 1868, but the church was 
only partly finished when Pastor English resigned. It was 
dedicated by Pastor V. B. Christy, January 19, 1870, when 
the sermon was preached by Doctor W. A. Passavant. It was a 
two-story brick structure, 45-65, finished and furnished at a 
cost of $6,000. Much credit was due to Pastor Christy for 
the way in which he managed the affairs of Salem Church 


HisloRW OF LHe PITTSBURGH SYNOD 689 


during those trying days. At the close of his pastorate in 
1876, Delmont and Denmark Manor were united to form a 
parish. During the pastorate of Rev. J. A. Bauman, 1876- 
1877, the Church Book of the General Council was introduced 
without opposition; during that of Rev. John D. Roth the 
basement was fitted up for Sunday School purposes; during 
that of Rev. J. W. Myers a parsonage was erected on ground 
adjoining the church; during that of Rev. C. L. Holloway the 
church was furnished with stained glass windows. The con- 
gregation is now in splendid condition, and has a member- 
ship of more than two hundred. The pastorates in their or- 
der were as follows: Rev. Michael Eyster, 1850-1852; Rev. 
We Werounket | Oo2-lso3shev. Owyhee tlersh, 1503-1856 > Rev, 
Aaron Yetter, 1856-1866; Rev. J. D. English, 1866-1868; Rev. 
V. B. Christy, 1868-1876; Rev. J. A. Bauman, 1876-1877; Rev. 
A. D. Potts, 1877; Rev. J. D. Roth, 1878-1882; Rev. J. W. My- 
ers, 1882-1886; Rev. C. L. Holloway, 1886-1891; Rev. Philip 
Doerr, 1891-1897; Rev. R. G. Rosenbaum, 1897-1902; Rev. 
Ludwig Beisecker, 1902-1907; Rev. C. E. Dozer, 1908-1912; 
Rev. C) K. spigele, 1912-1921; Rev. H. R. Shepfer, 1922-1925; 
Rev. F. C. Snyder, 1925-. 


BEE SDA EVANGELICAI; LUTHERAN: CHURCH 
PURE Ue LOW NS bw ES UM ORETAN DaCOsaPA. 


On April 1, 1850, St. James Lutheran Church came under 
the pastoral care of Rev. David Earhart of Leechburg, by 
whom it was organized. The first officers were Isaac Huff, 
Francis Johnson, John Beninger, and Henry Ashbaugh. The 
little congregation of nineteen members secured a lot from 
Samuel Ross and built a frame church, which was dedicated 
by Pastor Earhart, under the name of Bethesda Evangelical 
Lutheran Church, November 1, 1852. On November 2, 1852, 
the congregation adopted articles of incorporation, and the 
petition for the charter was signed by Rev. David Earhart, 
Adam Williams, John Beninger, Conrad Hawk, and William 
Harris..; Pastor Harharteresisned, May 1, 1853; and his suc- 
cessor, Pastor John W. Cregelo, died in August, 1854, a few 
weeks after beginning his pastorate. From 1856 to 1859 Rev. 
L. M. Kuhns served them every two weeks in connection with 
Leechburg. After his resignation the church was connected 
with different parishes, but the present association of Christ 
Church with Bethesda was begun in 1881. During the pastor- 
Arelobn eveml ac. . bellaitnwac.decidedstowclogate the church. 
A site near Yetter’s school house was bought from William 
Ashbaugh, on which a frame church was built at a cost of 
$800. This cost was low, but much of the labor and material 
was donated. The new church was dedicated, June 25, 1864, 


690 HISTORY OFSCHE Pip S bY RGE SS YG) 


when Rev. L. M. Kuhns preached the sermon. A new char- 
ter was secured in 1862. During the synodical controversy 
Bethesda was under the care of Pastor S. F. Breckenridge, 
who took an active part in the debates held in doubtful par- 
ishes. During the summer of 1920 the church was renovated 
ata cost ot, $1,735. /1t waserededicated Sbyap lL aston sOsccan 
Woods, October 10, 1920, when many of the sons and daugh- 
ters of Bethesda returned to do honor to their mother church. 
The pastors have served in the following order: Rev. David 
Earhart,21850-1853>> Rev. J. W. Cregelo, [85455 Reve Leys 
Kuhns, 1856-1859; Rev. A. C. Ehrenfeld, 1859-1861; Rev. P. 
G. Bell, 1862-1864; Rev. S. F. Breckenridge, 1865-1869; Rev. 
Michael Colver, 1869-1871; Rev. F. T. Hoover, 1871-1877; Rev. 
D. RP. Batry, 1877-1881; Rev. M. G. Earhart, 1881-1886; 
Rev. J. K. Hilty,. 1886-1890; Rev. Carl Zinssmeister, 1890- 
1892; Rev. Alexander MacLaughlin, 1892-1897; Rev C. E. 
Smith, 1897-1899; Rev. J. E. Lerch, 1899-1903; Rev. J. 7 E 
Stover, 1904-1909; Rev. H. H. Flick, 1910-1917; Rev. Oscar 
Woods, 1917-1921; Rev. H. E. Seel, 1922-1924; Rev. Paul ib 
Taue 1o24-: , 


FENNELTON EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
SALEM TOWNSHIP, WESTMORELAND: COUNTY? PA 


The movement that led to the founding of this church 
was begun by the Reformed. Since many Reformed families 
lived in the vicinity, they asked the Rev. R. P. Thomas to 
preach for them in Concord school house during the winter 
of 1858. Their original plan was to organize an exclusively 
Reformed Church, but they eventually found it more feasible 
to build a union church in company with the Lutherans. 
Ground was secured from David Shields, and the land was 
deeded to the Reformed and Lutheran congregations. The 
Lutherans of the community were members of St. James 
Church; and Pastor Aaron Yetter preached for them regu- 
larly, beginning in the spring of 1859. A union church was 
dedicated by the two pastors, February 27, 1860. It was a 
frame building, 32x45, and cost $1,000. Soon after the dedi- 
cation Pastor Yetter organized a Lutheran congregation of 
23 members, which is described as “the fifth swarm from the 
old St. James hive”. Services were held every two weeks in 
the afternoon, alternating with the Reformed. This arrange- 
ment continued until 1895, when the Lutherans bought the 
interest of the Reformed in the property, and the latter built 
a new church for themselves. From 1860 to 1876 the pastors 
of the congregation were those of St. James; since 1876 they 
have been served by the Saltsburg pastors. 


HIiStORY OH IytHE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 691 


TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
PATROBERPA: 


Lutherans have lived in this vicinity from pioneer days, but 
the development of the town and the organization of a church 
came in comparatively recent years. The building of the Penn- 
sylvania Railroad in 1853 
made a future for La- 
trobe, and efforts were 
then made to establish a 
Butheranee Church: 7iin 
1862, Michael Weis, 
Jacob Fahr, and Freder- 
ick Keiser asked Rev. G. 
W. Mechling to hold 
services at Latrobe, on 
the afternoon of the day 
of his regular Ligonier 
appointment and this was 
done every two weeks, 
the services being held in 
the United Presbyterian 
Church. After continu- 
ing this work for 
period of two years, he 
effected a temporary or- 
ganization, which was 
made permanent in April, 1865, when Trinity Church was or- 
ganized with the following members: 























: | 





ie 
i 


jet) 


‘ors 


a 


Ackerman, Sarah Fahr, Rosina Lechler, George 
Best, John Keiser, Frederick Lechler, Caroline 
Best, Karina Keiser, Katherine Pore, John 

Best, Jouise Keys, William Pore, Susanna 
Bierer, Jacob J. Keys, Sarah B. : Shirey, David 
Bierer, Catherine Keys, : Shirey, Christina- 
Eikert, Adam Klingensmith, Casper Shulz, Louise 
Eisaman, Lewis Klingensmith, Margaret Weis, Michael 
Fahr, Jacob Launtz, John Weis, Rosina 


Under their constitution the following officers were elected: 
Frederick Keiser and J. J. Bierer, elders; Michael Weis and 
Adam FEjikert, deacons; William Keys, David Launtz, David 
Shirey, Jacob Taylor, and John Pore, trustees. Michael Weis 
and his wife donated a building lot on Weldon street. Although 
their first pastor resigned about this time, they let the contract 
for the building of a church to D. D. Shirey. The corner stone 
was laid by Pastor Daniel Worley, June 6, 1865, and the church 
was dedicated by Pastor J. H. Smith, January 1, 1866. Since 
the services of that day were conducted in two languages, Mrs. 
Rosina Weis presented a German Bible and Mrs. Kate Bossart 


692 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


an English Bible for the occasion. This church was a plain brick 
structure, 35x50, and cost about $3,000. Pastor Smith was in- 
stalled on the day of dedication, and continued to serve the con- 
gregation until October 1, 1873. The next three pastors were 
Rev. A. D. Potts, 1875-1876; Rev. H. L. McMurray, 1877-1882; 
Rev. J. L. Smith, D.D., 1882-1892. The last named was a man 
of exceptional energy, who built up the congregation in both 
numbers and efficiency, although serving a large parish of four 
churches. In the face of considerable opposition, he secured a 
new charter for the church and led it into the Pittsburgh Synod. 
Two lots adjoining the church ground were also secured, to the 
great advantage of the congregation in later building operations. 
It was Doctor J. L. Smith who conceived the Idlewild Reunions, 
and made them so popular for a number of years. After his 
resignation in 1892 the parish was divided, and Rev. Isaac K. 
Wismer was called as pastor of Latrobe and Youngstown. This 
change gave more services to Latrobe, and resulted in the steady 
advancement of the congregation. The natural increase in mem- 
bership led to a demand for a larger church. It was decided to 
convert the old church into a Sunday School room and to build 
a larger church in connection with it. The corner stone was 
laid, August 1, 1897, and the church dedicated, March 13, 1898. 
Doctor A. L. Yount preached the dedicatory sermon; Doctor F. 
W. E. Peschau made a German address; and Rev. H. L. Mc- 
Murray made an appeal for funds, gathering the remainder of 
the $12,000 needed. The church was built of brick and stone, 
with two corner towers. The pipe organ was donated by 
Andrew Carnegie. During the summer of 1899 a parsonage was 
built on the lot next to the church at a cost of $3,000. This par- 
sonage was much improved in 1921, and additional ground se- 
cured. Trinity Church was made a separate parish in 1902, since 
which the congregation has grown into one of 735 confirmed 
members. The pastorates in their order were: Rev. G. W. Mech- 
ling, 1862-1865; Rev. Daniel Worley, 1865; Rev. J. H. Smith, 
1865-1873; Rev. A. D. Potts, 1875-1876; Rev. H. L. McMurray, 
1877-1882: Rev, J.J, Smith) .D.D;, 1882-1892> Rev ela tes 
mer, 1892-1906; Rev. C. H, Hemsath,'1907-1909; Rew 1. a: 
Baker, 1909-. 


ST. JOHN'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN: CHURCH 
NEW FLORENCE, PA. 


A number of Lutheran families lived in the vicinity of 
New Florence as early as 1830. Rev. N. G. Scharretts visited 
them occasionally and preached for them in English and Ger- 
man in the Presbyterian Church of Centerville, across the 
Conemaugh from New Florence. After the death of Rev. 


HISTORY OL THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 693 


Scharretts in 1836, they were occasionally supplied by Pas- 
tors John J. Suman, Peter Sahm, D.D., Augustus Babb, D.D., 
A. B. Bosserman, and Simon P. Snyder. For some reason the 
doors of the Presbyterian Church were closed against Doctor 
Sahm, and services were held by him in the Culbert school 
house about two miles east of Centerville. When Pastor 
Simon P. Snyder of Brush Valley visited them, he held serv- 
ices in an old log church belonging to the United Brethren. 
Among those interested in these first services were: Samuel 
Butler, Elizabeth Butler, John Robb, Sallie Robb, Joseph Kis- 
singer, Elizabeth Kissinger, Sidney Passavant, George W. 
Mangus, Susan Mangus, George Schrum, and John Junkin- 
son. After holding services for two or three years, Pastor 
Snyder organized St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 
September 9, 1873, with thirty members. All congregational 
records prior to the year 1876 have been lost, and it is not 
possible to give an accurate list of these original members. It 
is however known that the first Church Council consisted of 
Joseph Kissinger, George Schrum, John Junkinson, John Robb, 
JeHe Kissinger Pand! Alexander Butler. On July 19; 1873, Sam- 
uel Pershing and wife deeded to John Robb, Samuel Butler, 
and William Carnahan, acting trustees for the Evangelical 
Lutherans, three lots in the town of New Florence for the sum 
of $350. Mr. and Mrs. Pershing made a donation of $100. 
The deed antedates the organization of the church. The 
work of building a church was promptly begun, but no financial 
statement was rendered, so that the congregation never 
knew what their church cost, but it was estimated at $3,300. 
The building was not finished according to the original con- 
tract. It was dedicated, December 1, 1873, while yet unfin- 
ished. It was a neat brick church, 35x45, very pleasing in ap- 
pearance. This church was badly damaged by a storm in 
1885, but promptly repaired and dedicated, January 24, 1886, 
Rev. A. C. Ehrenfeld and Doctor J, A. Clutz officiating. Con- 
siderable money was raised in the Alleghany Synod for them 
through the efforts of Rev. Ehrenfeld. On August 9, 1898, 
a lot near the church was purchased for $225, and a parson- 
age erected at a cost of $1,800. In the summer of 1917 the 
church was renovated and provided, with a tower and bel! 
at a cost of $800. The congregation now owns property val- 
ued at $6,000.00. In 1914 the Advisory Board of Home 
Missions was compelled to aid them in the support of a pas- 
tor, but the splendid work of Student Charles E. Held gave 
them the strength and courage of a self-sustaining parish. 
The following pastors have served the church from the day 
of organization: Simon P. Snyder, 1873-1874; Rev. I. B. 
Crist, 1874-1875: Rev. B. W. Tomlinson, 1876-1879; Rev. A. C. 


694 HISTORY, OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


Ehrenfeld, 1881-1882; Rev. Solomon McHenry, 1882-1884; 
Rev. F. H. Crissman, 1886-1889; Rev. J. K. Hilty, 1890-1891 ; 
Rev. F. S. Shultz, 1893-1897; Rev. S. A. Shaulis, 1898-1907 ; 
Rev. Henry Voegtley, 1908-1910; Rev. W. M. Spangler, 1910- 
19133°Rev. D.°s. Weimef, 1913-1914 “Revs G. Wr McSherry, 
1915-1918; Student C. E. Held (supply), 1919-1922; Rev. Adam 
Boerstler, 1923-1925. 


ELOI AY el RUN TASYes EVAN LA EL Ras Ng GEL ahi 
TREN Eee 


At the earnest solicitation of a few Lutherans, most of 
whom were members of Trinity Church, Adamsburg, Pa., occa- 
sional services were held in Irwin by Rev. A. H. Bartholomew 
during the year 1873. 


25“On May 30, 1874, a meeting was held, at which Rev. A. 
H. Bartholomew presided, to consider the propriety of organiz- 
ing a Lutheran congregation in Irwin. After a full discussion 
of the matter an organization was effected. A constitution was 
adopted, officers were elected, and the following persons signed 
the constitution: Louis Eisaman, Henry K. Walthour, G. B. 
Painter, C. C. Painter; Mrs; Sarah, Wideman; Adam ljaneyes|aae: 
Blyholder, and Leonard 
Hunker’. Rev sage 
Bartholomew, with the 
assistance of a few other 
brethren, supplied this 
church until a perecuian 
pastor was called. In 
the spring of 1876, Trin- 
ity Church, Adamsburg, 
and Irwin were united 
and constituted a parish, 
and» on’ Aprilys #? 1oxe: 
Rev: 6Ve:4Bop-Ghristyasag 
Delmont was called and 
became its pastor.” 



































For the first four years 
the congregation wor- 
shipped in a hall; then a 
church was built on 
Main street. The corner 














25—Ulery’s History of the Southern Conference, page 265. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 695 


stone was laid, July 25, 1877, and the church dedicated by Pastor 
Christy, February 24, 1878. It was built of brick, 32x54, at a 
cost of $2,800. Irwin became a separate parish in 1833; later 
Manor was added for a time. A frame parsonage was built on 
Pennsylvania avenue, which was occupied by Pastor §$. K. 
Herbster, May 1, 1892, ‘The long pastorate of Rev. Samuel K. 
Herbster was rich in fruitage. The congregation developed in 
numbers and a new church was built. The corner stone of the 
second church was laid by Pastor Herbster, September 29, 1901, 
but the work dragged and the church was not ready for dedica- 
tion until November 15, 1903. It was built of brick and stone, 
octagonal in form, at a cost of $15,000. During the pastorate of 
Doctor J. H. Miller, a fund of over $2,000 was raised to reno- 
vate the church and parsonage and pay the remaining debt. In 
recent years there have been large additions to both the Sunday 
School and congregation. In 1923 the confirmed members of the 
church numbered 496, and the totai enrollment of the Sunday 
School was 325. The Ladies’ Aid Society, organized in August, 
1891, has rendered large financial assistance. ‘The pastors have 
served in the following order: Rev. A. H. Bartholomew (sup- 
ply), 1874-1876; Rev. V. B. Christy, 1876-1881; Rev. E. G. 
Lund, D.D., 1881-1883; Rev. F. W. Kohler, 1884-1886; Rev. E. 
baker locGslo0 shew kK. Llerbster 1891-1910 s Rev. O. 
Glenn 101 1eLOl7 shevasie ci Miller Rh 1913-3 


BE Loe Pak VAaONGE I TOAT LUTHERAN CHURCH 
COOK TOWNSHIP, WESTMORELAND CoO., PA. 


Pastor David Earhart of Donegal began to hold services 
here in a school house in 1876, and organized Bethel Church, 
June 9, 1879, with thirty-four members. Under the constitu- 
tion the first church officers wére: John Stahl, J..Piper; An- 
drew Stahl, and Adam Stahl. The corner .stone of a church 
was laid, June 1, 1880, and the completed building dedicated 
Dyer actoratanuart, May 20) tcc ast swasebulilt. of frame, 
34x48, at a cost of $1,200. Pastor Earhart succeeded in build- 
ing up a congregation of 75 members in a few years, since 
this was the only church in the neighborhood.’ From 1879 to 
1896 the church was served by Donegal pastors; from 1896 
to 1907 it was under the care of Ligonier pastors; since 1907 
it has been served chiefly by pastors of Youngstown Parish. 
The road over the ridge from Youngstown to Bethel is rough 
and often closed by winter snows, but the pastors have ren- 
deted staithiul service... Much “credit, is due Pastor FH. (A. 
Weicksel for the way he rallied the congregation in 1912, 
leading them in the work of renovating their church. The 


696 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


pastorates in their order were as follows: Rev. David Earhart, 
1879-1882; Rev. R. G. Rosenbaum, 1885-1888; Rev. Samuel 
Stouffer, 1888-1894; Rev. J. H. Kline, 1895; Rev. A. H. Bar- 
tholomew, 1896-1898; Rev. H. L. McMurray, 1898-1906; Rev. 
G. W. Spiggle, 1907; Rev. I. M. Wallace, Ph.D., 1909-1910; 
RevanG aan" Naeavaren 1910-1911; Rev. F. A. Weicksel, 1911- 
1915; Rev. W. E. Bauer, 1916-1923; Rev. Henry Voegtley, 
1923-. | 


LRINITY EVANGELICALS LU) HPaRAN CHU RG 
MOUNT. PLEASANT, -PA. 


Although some of the oldest churches of the synod are not 
far distant, no attempt was made to organize a church in Mount 
Pleasant until 1882. Services were begun by Rev. Enoch Smith 
in 1869 when he was pastor of neighboring churches, then in ~ 
connection with the Ohio Synod. Occasional services were 
held for a period of four years. The successor of Pastor Smith 
was Doctor S$. L. Harkey, who also held services in the town 
from 1873 to 1882. The organization of Trinity Church was 
effected shortly before his resignation, indicating that there 
may have been some opposition from the rest of the parish. 
Trinity Church was organized, January 12, 1882. The first 
church officers were Jeremiah Baker, Joseph Truxal, J. H. Rum- 
baugh, and W. F. Baker. Rev. Jonathan Sarver became pastor 

of Mount Pleasant par- 

Ug ish*in ‘Vlarchyelossaeai 

brought the three con- 

gregations, Trinity, Zi- 
on, sand, pt... .OUn sins 
the Pittsburgh Synod in 
1885. Pastor Sarver 
gathered a building fund 
of $3,000, and then be- 
gan the work of building 
a church. The corner 
stone was laid, August 
1, 1884, and the church 
dedicated) = Dy. aiauenian 
Sarver and Doctor W. 
oo A, .Passavant, Marcia 

vk 1885. It was a Gothic 

ES BARS mae brick structure, costing 

sam: Be) with the lot about $7,000. 
One of the chief hind- 
rances to the early de- 





























ih 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 697 


velopment of the church was its connection with two large rural 
churches, making it impossible for the pastor to give the same 
amount of service enjoyed by other churches of the town. This 
condition was not remedied until 1918, when Trinity was made a 
separate parish. Missionary aid was given for two years, after 
which the congregation became self-supporting with 148 mem- 
pers ln 3192737) ote. johns Church* was once moré’ taken 
into the parish. Extensive improvements were made to the 
church in 1914 at a cost of $3,000, and a service of rededica- 
tion was held by Pastor Leatherman, November 22, 1914. Dur- 
ing the pastorate of Rev. Albert W. Trumpeter the church was 
given another renovation. The following pastors have served 
here since the year of formal organization: Rev. S. L. Harkey, 
Dy Dy 1882; Rev. Jonathan Sarver, D: D7 1883-1886; Rev: J. 
ReuGrott71886-13ol' > “Reve CiaL. Holloway, 1891- 1896 ; Rev. 
Herbert Martens, 1897-1900; Rev. W. R. Swickard, 1901- 1905; 
Rev. R. L. Leatherman, 1905-1922; Rev. A. W. Trumpeter, 
1923-. 


Piaget Yer VANGH ICAL TIE PIE RAN CHURCH 
1D iar se 


The roots of Holy Trinity Church are found in the congre- 
gation established at New Derry many years in advance. 
26Services were held 
in New Derry by Rev. 
A. Babb, pastor of the ES ee : 


WatheranieaG.n itch )-at 4 ua t 
cde} es te) 
iM eaee ex : 


Hi 


1847. He and his suc- 
cessors continued to hold 
services here occasional- 
ly until 1853, when a 
congregation was organ- 
ized and a plain frame 
enurch built. After: the \ 
boundary line between 

the Alleghany Synod and 
the Pittsburgh Synod 

was. determined, the 
Blairsville pastors dis-  JILllk 
continued their work soe 


here, and ministers of the or 


Blairsville, as early as 4 

































Pittsburgh Synod took it 
up. Revs. W. A. Passa- 


26—History of the Southern Conference, Ulery, page 283. 





698 HISTORY OF SDH ESPLLLSBORGH IS YNOD 


vant, John Welfley, W. F. Ulery and others rendered service 
here before a regular pastor was secured. In the autumn of 
1862, New Derry, Fennelton, and New Alexandria were con- 
stituted a mission, and Rev. J. S. Renninger was appointed mis- 
sionary; he took charge of this field in the spring of 1863, and 
resigned January 1, 1864.” 


After the resignation of Pastor Renninger the church was 
made part of Ligonier Parish. During the pastorate of Doctor 
J. L. Smith, the congregation voted with practical unanimity to 
relocate in Derry. A lot in Derry was bought for $325, and 
preparations were made to build. This action was resented by a 
minority party in the congregation, who sought the fellowship of 
the General Synod as the original New Derry Church. The 
minority congregation was admitted to the Pittsburgh Synod of 
the General Synod in 1888, was served by Pastor J. H. Wright 
for several years, but finally disbanded in 1897. ‘The local dis- 
pute was carried into court, where a verdict was given in favor 
of the majority party. In spite of this legal decision the minority 
party continued to use the old New Derry property, and were 
not molested by the Derry congregation. The corner stone of the 
new church was laid in Derry, November 10, 1883, and the build- 
ing dedicated by Pastor J. L. Smith, August 9, 1884. It was 
built of frame, 33x55, at a cost of $2,675. As a part*of the large 
Ligonier Parish, services were held every two weeks in the after- 
noon. ‘This was not conducive to development, and it was made 
a separate mission parish after the resignation of Pastor Smith 
in 1892. ‘The first missionary pastor was Rev. G. G. Ruff, whose 
pastorate continued from 1892 to 1899. A charter was secured 
in 1892, and a constitution adopted in harmony with it. A 
Ladies’ Aid Society and a Luther League were organized and 
proved helpful auxiliaries. Zion Church of Bradenville was 
organized by Pastor Ruff, April 15, 1895, but this congregation 
disbanded about the year 1907. Hillside was another preaching 
point for a short time. During the pastorate of Rev. Wilson 
Yeisley, 1899-1902, memorial windows were placed in the church. 
The parsonage was bought for $2,500 in 1900. During the pas- 
torate of Rev. Willis Beck additional improvements were made, 
and a service of rededication was held, June 19, 1904. The 
church has been a self-sustaining parish since 1902. The follow- 
ing pastors have served the congregation since 1863: Rev. J. S. 
Renninger, 1863-1864; Rev. Daniel Worley, 1865-1866; Rev. J. 
H. Smith, 1866-1874; Rev. A. D. Potts, 1874-1875; Rev. H. L. 
McMurray, 1876-1882; Rev. J. L. Smith, D.D., 1882-1892; Rev. 
G. G. Ruff, 1892-1899; Rev. Wilson Yeisley, 1899-1902; Rev. 
Willis Beck, 1902-1905; Rev. G. B. Matthews, 1905-1906; Rev. 


PIiSstTORVOr sHiteelereSBURGH SYNOD 699 


Jonathan Sarver, D.D., 1907-1913; Rev. H. D. Whitteker, 1913- 
Pol eleva lem WallelOl/-lOolesehey 7) 3; Brubeck, 1918= 
1919; Rev. J. M. Weber, 1920-1924; Rev. W. A. Zundel, 1924-. 


ZION EVANGEL we LU n RAN CHURCH 
eines Oe LN DA? 


The founding of this church was due to Pastor Charles 
S. Seaman of Brush Creek Parish and Pastor C. L. Holloway 
of Delmont Parish, each having parishioners living in the 
community. Services were held here by both pastors when 
requested. The congregation was organized by Pastor Sea- 
man, March 13, 1887, with fiity charter members. The first 
church officers were Michael Holtzer, L. W. Gongaware, 
DlichaelgPortzer, John J. Altman, John J, Kuhns,.and W. L 
Shuster. The founder of the congregation did not become 
the regular pastor until June, 1888. A lot was bought and 
plans for the building of a church were made. The corner 
stone was laid, September 24, 1887, and the church dedicated 
By tlieas Oi peaiialnwer| une sl) loos, lt Wasmandrame —chutch; 
40x60, with basement and belfry, and cost $3,500. Pastor 
Seaman served the church until September 7, 1889, when he 
died of typhoid fever. From 1889 to 1893 the church was 
served by Pastor R. M. Zimmerman as a part of Jeannette 
Patishae Zioneand .otatjoun s then wnited’to form a, parish. 
Rev. Ceorge J. Diener was called as pastor, and served from 
1894 to 1903. For the last two years of this pastorate Pastor 
Diener served Zion Church alone. The two churches again 
entered into parish relations, and have remained together to 
{mem pnccent.. A. listyolpethe pastorates is.as follows: -Rev, ©: 
S. Seaman, 1887-1889; Rev. R. M. Zimmerman, 1889-1893; 
Rev. G. J. Diener, 1894-1903; Rev. John Shunk, 1905-1907; 
Rev. EF. H. Daugherty, 1907-1909; Rev. R. M. Zimmerman 
(second term), 1910-1915; Rev. J. A. Frischkorn, 1916-1918; 
ev erenatbanacleochetreren lO LOAlO20 ee Reve. la Courtney, 
1921-1922; Rev. W. E. Bauer, 1923-. 


Die PAU SE. VANGE UIC AAP USE RAN CHURCH 
DARLINGTON, PA. 


While Doctor J. L. Smith was pastor of Ligonier Parish, 
a number of interested persons met at the home of Charles 
Eberly to consider the question of building a church. John 
Nicely, Albert Austin, Andrew Peterson, Samuel Johnston, 
and Doctor J. L. Smith consented to serve as a building com- 
mittee. Pastor Smith prepared the plans and solicted the 


700 HISTORY -ORS THE API T SRW RGE ysy NOD) 


funds. Samuel Johnston donated the lot. John Nicely do- 
nated and hauled all the heavy timber needed. Jesse Cogan 
agreed to plaster the church as his donation. The corner 
stone was laid, June 17, 1888, and the building dedicated by 
Pastor: Smith, May 12, 1889. The little frame church cost 
about $1,200. A congregation of twenty members was or- 
ganized, May 19, 1889, the first officers being John Nicely, 
Albert Austin, Kim Johnston, and Andrew Peterson. ‘The 
Carnegie organ of the Ligonier Church was rebuilt and re- 
dedicatedvin St. Paulssby “Pastor, Buch, Decémber16,51923; 
The congregation has been a part of Ligonier Parish from the 
beginning. 


THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH#OE 
ANS BER A RKOID NG AENSENB MENS 
GAINED, Lesbian ee 


At the suggestion of Rev. A. D. Potts, this new town was 
canvassed by Rev. J. A. Boord in the fall of 1888. Pastor Boord 
remained two weeks in the field, and organized a Sunday School, 
which prospered in the face of many difficulties. The first 
church service was held in an unused packing house of the 
McKee Glass Works in October, 1888, Doctor J. C. Kunzmann 
preaching the sermon. Neighboring pastors took turns in keep- 
ing up the services until a regular pastor was secured, while Rev. 

J. A. Boord and] Hwa 
ee SAEs Zundel looked after the 
& Sunday Schook ‘lhe 


, SS OF chief difficulty at the be- 


EN 
are foc ION ginning was not lack of 
A Lutherans, but lack of a 

Pte : suitable place in which 


a to Up reach! tormithens 
Xe 


a 


CAV) 












Owners of unfinished 
? buildings kindly offered 
\ rooms, but these could 

only be used for a few 
times. . Mrs. Knappen- 
berger then ‘oifered “the 
useésOL asVacarite lotemon 
which a shanty chapel 
was built of rough 
In this humble 


imei seas = boards 

D Oe” Esele=s S Wrest 

nee “GBI “Ne building a temporary or- 
eK 





oS a ee, 
S— 


S 


























rt 





ganization was effected 
in the spring of 1889. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 701 


Doctor E. G. Lund of Greensburg was called as pastor, but lack 
of time made it impossible for him to do the large amount of 
pastoral work necessary; and the result was that the mission 
lagged. Even the promising Sunday School was disbanded. The 
Home Mission Committee of the Pittsburgh Synod then called 
Pastor Robert M. Zimmerman as the missionary. His work 
soon restored confidence; the shanty chapel was abandoned; and 
the German Lutheran Church was secured as a place of worship. 
Lots on the corner of Magee and Seventh streets, secured by 
donation from the land company, were found unsuitable for a 
church; and were exchanged for the present site on the payment 
of a bonus of $1,000. Services were held every Sunday in the 
German Church, and the “Evangelical Lutheran Church of the 
Holy Trinity” was organized by Pastor Zimmerman and Rev. 
D. M. Kemerer, April 13, 1890, with fifty-eight members. Six- 
teen Lutheran churches were represented in the original mem- 
bership, which was drawn from many different sections of the 
country. The first officers were Gabriel B. Potts, Jacob Guy, 
Charles H. Soles, Oliver P. Skelly, D. T. Knappenberger, and G. 
W. Knappenberger. 


General Synod workers also had an interest in this new 
town, and organized a church of twenty members, February 15, 
1891, but difficulty was experienced in securing a proper deed 
for their lots, and the organization disbanded. 


A building committee was appointed by Holy Trinity, and 
plans were adopted for the raising of a building fund of $5,000. 
The corner stone of the church was laid, September 18, 1892, 
but a business panic halted operations and the church was not 
dedicated until June 23, 1894. It was built of brick and stone, 
with roomy chancel and high central dome, at a cost of $12,000. 
A parsonage was erected on the adjoining lot at an added cost 
of $4,000. The completion of this double task inspired new life 
in the congregation, and fifty-five new members were enrolled 
that year. When Pastor Zimmerman began his pastorate, St. 
John’s and Zion were included in the parish, but after a few 
years the church was given the entire time of the minister. A 
review of the history of Holy Trinity Church shows that, in spite 
of a number of serious troubles, there has been a steady develop- 
ment in the strength of the congregation. In 1895 there were 
157 members; in 1902 there were 240; in 1918 there were 450; 
in 1923 there were 569. The Sunday School has kept the pace 
of the congregation. During the pastorate of Rev. J. J. Brubeck, 
1905-1918, a sharp division of sentiment occurred, resulting in 
the organization of St. Mark’s Church, November 22, 1908. 
Much stress also resulted from the decision to replace the first 
church with a better building. The old church was razed in 


702 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


1916, and a fine Gothic building erected at a cost of $30,000. 
The corner stone was laid, November 26, 1916, and the com- 
pleted church dedicated by Pastor Brubeck, September 22, 1917. 
The dedicatory sermon was preached by Doctor I. C. Hoffman. 
For a period of twenty-five years there was a German Lutheran 
Church in Jeannette. This German congregation was organized 
by Pastor Carl Mildner in 1889 with twenty members. Their 
frame church was dedicated, April 13, 1890, and furnished the 
place in which the Church of the Holy Trinity was organized. 
It was sold in 1914 when the congregation disbanded. ‘The pas- 
tors of Holy Trinity Church have served in the following order: 
Rev. EF. G. Lund, D.D., 1889; Rev. R. M. Zimmerman, 1889- 
1895; Rev. J. W. Myers, 1896-1898; Rev. F. S. Beistel, 1898- 
1902 : Rev. L. D. Reed, 1903-1904; Rev. J. J. Brubeck, 1905- 
LOTSSaR cya as Langhans, 1919- 1922; Rev.-G. Ey, Himmel 
man, 1922-. 


FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
NEW KENSINGTON, PA. 


This city was laid out in 1890 by the Burrell Improvement 
Company. Its industries were of such substantial character that 
their success was assured from the beginning. Many Lutherans 
were attracted to the new town by the promise of good work, 
and Pastor Carl Zinssmeister conducted the first service for 

them, October 18, 1891, 

= Se in the Reformed Presby- 

terian Church of @ Rar 
ae i nassus. These and suc- 
alt a ees = ceeding services were so 
Nig encouraging that he or- 
ip ganized a congregation 
of forty-two members, 


Lie December 6, 1891. Pas- 


tor Zinssmeister supplied 
NM the new congregation in 
7] \\ both German and English 
: until March 1, 1892, 
| when he was commis- 

sioned as the first regu- 


—f } ( lar pastor. Three- lots 
were donated by the Bur- 


SISSIES rell Company, which 
ee en later proved very valu- 


























able sas. sa~ church ieeites 
The corner stone of a 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 703 


church was laid by Pastor Zinssmeister, August 7, 1892, but a 
change of plans led to a relaying of the stone, November 20. 
The completed church was dedicated, October 1, 1893. It was a 
substantial brick church and cost about $8,000. A memorial bell 
was presented by the Burrell Company. The building com- 
mittee was composed of Pastor Zinssmeister, H. L. Goerman, 
John Beamer, Samuel Schlegel, and Edwin Kunkle. About six 
months before the dedication the German part of the congrega- 
tion was organized into a German Lutheran Church by Doctor 
J. D. Severinghaus, but this congregation was later disbanded. 
Pioneer work in First Church was hard and discouraging. With 
a new town, a heterogeneous population and a gain-seeking peo- 
ple, the church was given secondary consideration. After the 
resignation of Pastor Zinssmeister, Pastor Barry served as a 
supply, but found it hard to hold the people together. The debt 
was heavy and the church at one time was offered for sale. Rev. 
FE. F. Dickey accepted a call in this emergency, and by good busi- 
ness methods established the church on a firmer financial basis. 
Much of the church debt was paid and a good congregation of 
175 members gathered. Another long and trying vacancy ensued 
after his resignation in 1901, which proved almost as disastrous 
as the first. During this second vacancy, Pastor R. FE. McDaniel 
of the General Council canvassed the community and organized 
St. Paul’s Church, taking away some of the best families of the 
mission. When St. Paul’s Church disbanded in 1909, the ma- 
jority of the remaining twenty-one members united with First 
Church. Pastor Dickey’s successor was Pastor Upton A. 
Hankey, who began his work in 1902. Under his leadership the 
recovery of the congregation was much more rapid than even its 
warmest friends had dared to hope; and it became a self-sup- 
porting parish, February 1, 1904. It was only a few years until 
the old church was outgrown, and the erection of a new church 
became imperative. The parsonage was sold and removed; the 
old church was razed; and then the contract for the building of 
the new church was let to Charles Reighter. The corner stone 
was laid, June 27, 1915, and Pastor Hankey was privileged to 
conduct the first service in the basement, October 4, 1915. But 
this was the last service in the ministerial life of the devoted 
pastor. Stricken during the following week he was called to his 
reward, January 3, 1916. ‘Taking up the unfinished task of their 
leader, the congregation carried on the work of building to com- 
pletion, and the church was dedicated by Doctor George W. 
Englar, March 19, 1916. This church is a two-story brick edi- 
fice, 60x100, now valued at $75,000. Pastor Hankey’s successor 
was Pastor Taylor B. Yeakley, who began his pastorate, May 1, 
1916, and has succeeded in building up a great congregation of 
more than one thousand members and a Sunday School of like 


704 HISTORY OF THE sPIPTSBURGH SYNOD 


proportions. ‘The mission church of 1891, whose life seemed to 
hang by a mere thread, is now the largest Protestant church of 
the city, and one of the most influential churches of the synod. 
The pastorates in their order were as follows: Rev. Carl Zinss- 
meister, 1891-1893; Rev. D. R. P. Barry (supply), 1894; Rev. 
FE. F. Dickey, 1894-1901; Rev. U. A. Hankey, D.D., 1902-1916; 
Révilebeveaklev. chim amo las 


HEBRON EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
AVONMORE, PA. 


Within the corporate limits of Avonmore, upon the brow 
of a great hill overlooking the Kiskiminetas, is an old neglected 
grave yard, in which nearly a hundred human bodies have been 
laid to rest. 


27“This land, together with some more remaining unen- 
closed, was donated by Simon Hine for the purpose of a Lu- 
theran and German Reformed church and burial ground. Here, 
to the south, and outside of the enclosure, was begun the building 
of a church. The timbers had been dressed and drawn to the 
place; the day appointed for the raising of the log house; the 
members were on the ground from far and near; one or 
two courses of logs put on their foundation—just ready to 
put'.ini place’-the {joistsmitor! the (floor; \iwhenwecame msc 
. question: To whom shall 

ab AS the house and _ ground 

cS) es f be deeded? Until that 

x sree) ipa #5) was decided not another 
DZ ow es} ao hand to build was lift- 
‘ ed, and, when decided, 


the issue remained the 
same. There the few 
logs placed upon pillars 
of stone remained un- 
touched, as well as the 
large heaps lying all 
around; and there they 
are today, a decayed and 
decaying monument of 
human infirmity and 
folly. The, precise date 
cannot now be ascertain- 
ed. It was not earlier 
than 1797, nor later than 
1805”. 























27—History of Westmoreland Classis, page 149. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 705 


Such was the first effort to plant the Evangelical Lutheran 
Church in Avonmore. Its failure led to the building of St. James 
Church, about three miles distant. The second effort was not 
made until after the lapse of nearly a century. In 1890 the 
Avonmore Land and Improvement Company bought up all but 
one of the Lutheran farms lying in the bend of the river and laid 
out a town. Among the first lot purchasers were a number of 
General Synod Lutherans from Leechburg, who determined to 
establish a church. The fact that the town was laid out on Gen- 
eral Council lands did not deter them from making this effort. 
Rev. J. W. Poffinberger brought the matter to the attention of 
the Conemaugh Conference, and a special committee was ap- 
pointed to secure the erection of a chapel. Liberal contributions 
were received from the churches of the conference, and this 
‘money, together with such other funds as Rev. Poffinberger was 
able to collect, enabled them to build a small frame chapel cost- 
ing about $900. The lot was secured by donation from the land 
company; and it is noteworthy that it was located but a few 
yards from the site of the log house of Simon Hine, who donated 
the burial ground on the hill. This chapel was dedicated by Rev. 
Poffinberger, December 6, 1891, Rev. M. L. Culler preaching the 
dedicatory sermon. In this chapel, Hebron Lutheran Church 
was organized, December 13, 1891, with the following members: 


Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Sober Nevada Morrow Henry S. Anderson 
Mr. and Mrs. I. T. Klingensmith John FE. Anderson David Faulk 
Thomas §S. Morrow Mrs. Amanda Anderson 


The first Church Council consisted of Henry S. Anderson, 
D. W. Sober, and I. T. Klingensmith. It was a small but en- 
thusiastic congregation, and a number of others were soon ready 
to unite with them. A Sunday School was organized at once, and 
I. T. Klingensmith became the first superintendent. Student 
Ellis B. Burgess spent the summer of 1892 with them, and suc- 
ceeded in adding twenty-three new members to the congregation, 
among whom were some of the most influential men of the com- 
munity. In the meantime the members of St. James Church 
living in the town were fully awake to the fact that here was an 
opportunity for church extension that should not be neglected. 
Accordingly, Pastor W. G. D. Hudson held regular services for 
them, beginning in the early spring of 1891. Permission was 
given by Jacob Hine, who had declined to sell his farm, to erect 
a temporary chapel on ground adjoining his home, and here a 
congregation of twenty-seven members was organized by Rev. 
Hudson early in 1892, under the name St. Andrew’s Evan- 
gelical Lutheran Church. A Sunday School was also organized 
in connection with this mission, under the superintendency of 
Prof. Smeltzer, who for a number of years was a teacher in 
Thiel College. St. Andrew’s was made a part of Saltsburg 


706 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


Parish and served by Pastor Hudson until 1896, when he re- 
signed. Here was a condition which has not often been repro- 
duced in western Pennsylvania; a small town of not more than 
four hundred inhabitants with two small churches, both of which 
were served by an English Lutheran pastor. Naturally there 
was sharp rivalry between the two. St. Andrew’s had the ad- 
vantage of being able to secure all the Lutherans moving into the 
town from Westmoreland County, but Hebron managed to in- 
terest the others; and, after a five year period of rivalry, a pro- 
cess of absorption set in, by which all the Lutheran families of 
the community, one by one, were led into the fellowship of 
Hebron Church. The last of these families of St. Andrew’s did 
not come until after the synodical merger. The first regular 
pastorate in Hebron Church began, June 1, 1893, when Rev. 
Ellis B. Burgess accepted a call at a salary of $600, without any 
promise of aid from the Board of Home Missions. This salary 
was promptly paid because two men carried a subscription paper 
through the two factories of the town, and secured $300 from 
working men who were not members of the congregation. Dur- 
ing the second year of his pastorate a missionary appropriation 
of $160 was secured; and the mission was then united with Mays- 
ville to form a self-sustaining parish. The little chapel soon be- 
came too small, and the corner stone of a new church was laid 
by Pastor; M. 3. \Kemp,’ september 27, 5)1903e.ial bismasccona 
church was dedicated, July 24, 1904, when Rev. E. B. Burgess, 
Rev. C. F. Sanders, and Rev. J. W. Poffinberger assisted the 
pastor. This was a substantial building of brick and stone, 
50x75, that cost complete $8,750. It was built at this low figure 
only because it was done by Daniel W. Sober, an active member 
of Hebron, who ever considered the interests of the church 
higher than his own. A second house of worship was built by 
St. Andrew’s Church in the fall of 1899 during the pastorate of 
Rev. A. M. Strauss. This was a neat frame chapel, erected on 
a lot donated by the Avonmore Land and Improvement Com- 
pany, and dedicated, February 18, 1900. This property was sold 
in 1918 and turned into a private dwelling. Hebron Church has 
had too many pastors for its highest spiritual development, no 
less than twelve having been installed in twenty-seven years. 
The following is a list of the pastors of the two congregations: 


PASTORS OF HEBRON PASTORS OF ST. ANDREWS 

REV DS DULG eSS Eee tee 1893-1895 Rievam Wee Gael aeLiudson see 1892-1896 
Riewens Ce eH, SO anc €igGeee net ae eae 1895-1898 RevageAs = Vigotrauss seen ee eee 1897-1901 
Ioan AWE A Islewmaameyalpcehcsntoun: 1898-1899 Reviel hy esievenr: ea ea een 1903- 
Reval a Cae NICD Olas uae teens 1900-1901 Rev. W. A. Lambert (supply) ....1904- 
Reve aMteSsKNenp eee cee 1902-1905 Revers see bake eee eee Lia 1905- 
Reve Ee As eric hitina tees t cece ore 1905-1908 Rev ae lye OFA Peaches aes eee 1905-1906 
Reverse Re Elcinn's inc tae ne 1908-1910 Rev. Charles D> Miller.2...:.2.. 1907-1909 
Rev. Hee @aaStuckenbercies. ee 1910-1912 Supplies =n nd eee 1909-1911 
Reve Wie A mel Ocatimte nm ree 1913-1914 Reva CaE a schweikert eee sees 1912-1914 
Rev. CE Iniebesottase nee 1915-1917 Reva Eiran ae VV S Dre ee ee 1914-1917 
Rew. Ra eNe 6S Gun ieee ee ae 1917-1920 


Rey eel dwatie ee 5 Oye cee eee .. 1920- 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 707 


DS pave eh MANGHULGA LLU THERAN CHURCH 
ROMNEY OMID SG 1evet 


In 1890 Rev. J. H. Kline accepted an appointment to work 
as the missionary of the Pittsburgh Synod in the counties of 
Fayette and Westmoreland. At Scottdale he found at least 
a score of Lutherans, who were interested in the establish- 
ment of a church, and services were held in a rented hall. A 
provisional organization was effected, October 1, 1890, which 
enrolled forty members. This organization was later made 
permanent by the adoption of a constitution and the election 
Oemoticersmm lhe: pisteoticersmwerem)| ohn sow.tretts ac). M: 
Baer, John Kritschgau, Harry F. Bott, W. S. Loucks, and 
Dennis Comp. After the people were assured that they would 
be given all the time of the missionary, they bought a lot on 
Loucks avenue for $800 and made plans for the building of a 
church. The corner stone was laid, May 21, 1891, and the 
building dedicated by Pastor Kline, October 20, 1891. The 
dedicatory sermon was preached by Doctor A. L. Yount. It 
Was built) ot frame, with: corner towers, ati a cost of $3,500. 
Hoffman’s Church was made a part of the parish at the be- 
ginning. After the resignation of Pastor Kline, January 1, 
1894, Pastor J. C. F. Rupp served the congregation from Sep- 
tember 1, 1894, to April 15, 1900. Hoffman’s Church was 
dropped from the parish in 1899. A charter was secured in 
1895. The third pastor was Rev. B. F. Hankey, who served 
from October 1, 1900, to March 1, 1907. During -his pastorate 
he added 193 new members to the congregation and brought 
the parish to the position of self-support. He also served 
Zion Church in the country, an arrangement which remains 
to the present. The second church was erected during the 
pastorate of Rev. D. W. Michael, who served from July 1, 
1907, to November 1, 1911. The parsonage was sold for 
$4,600; the church lot was sold for $4,000; a new site on the 
corner of Mulberry and Grant streets was then bought for 
$4,000. The committee, which handled these important 
transfers, consisted of Pastor D. W. Michael, John Kritsch- 
gau, C. L. Holtzer, A. ©. Boyer, Edward Anderson, Charles 
Gregory, J. E. Albig, Adam Henkel, Albert Small, G. H. Brun- 
ner, Christian Meader, H. D. Stough, and C. M. Berkey. The 
corner stone of the new church was laid, June 26, 1910, and 
the completed building dedicated by Pastor Michael, Febru- 
ary 5,.1911. Doctors J. C. Kunzmann and A. L. Yount assist- 
ed the pastor in the dedication. This church was built of 
brick and stone, church and parsonage being under the same 
roof, at a cost of $20,000. A considerable debt remained, but 
this was cleared by the labors of Pastors F. FE. Stough and J. 


708 HISTORY: OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD, 


O. Glenn. Pastor Glenn was able to report a debt free con- 
gregation of 298 members in 1923. A consecutive list of pas- 
torates follows: Rev. J. H. Kline, 1890-1894; Rev. J. C. F. 
Rupp, 1894-1900; Rev. B. F. Hankey, 1900-1907; Rev. D. W. 
Michael, 1907-1911; Rev. Bw Ee Stough, 1912-1917; Rev. JO: 
Glenn, 1917-1925; Rev. W. J. Seiberling, 1925-. 


UNITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
MANOR, PA. 


While Rev. J. S. Fink was pastor of Brush Creek Church, 
he conducted regular services in this community for several 
years and started a movement for the building of a church, but a 
f serious division of senti- 
3 -4 ment on the question of 
location led to a_ long 
postponement. 






HS 





5 








tI INV 


{ya 





o 
SG atl 
G 


28Tater, a provisional 
organization was formed, 
and Manor united with 
the Irwin Parish. Revs. 
F. W. Kohler and E. L. 
Baker conducted services 
here, and some effort was 
made toward building a 
church, but it was not 
successful) On syulyeae 

| 1891, Rev. Samuel K. 











a 
EOS 
<— 




















=| g— Herbster accepted a call 
wa 7 RI Ic > from the Irwin Parish 
A MN aa ~ and entered at once on 

hy his work. On August 9 














: he organized, or reor- 
ganized, Unity Evangelical Lutheran Church. <A new constitu- 
tion was adopted and officers were elected and installed.” 


Services were conducted every Sunday afternoon by Pastor 
Herbster, but he was handicapped by the lack of a church build- 
ing. This was remedied in 1901, when a committee, consisting of 
Pastor Herbster, Doctor C. A. Shirey, William Smeltzer, B. R. 
Walthour, David Helman, and Henry Naly, let the contract for 
the erection of a church. The corner stone was laid, February 2, 
1902, and the church dedicated in the fall. It was built of frame, 
brick-cased, at a cost of $4,000. Pastor Herbster resigned, 


28—Ulery’s History of the Southern Conference, page 312. 


HISTORY OF THE, PITTSBURGH SYNOD 709 


October 30, 1910, leaving a congregation of 86 members. Unity 
Church was then added to Brush Creek Parish, and placed under 
the care of Pastor F. H. Daugherty. Enlarged at an expense of 
$17,000 it was rededicated by Pastor Daugherty, September 
Oe PALS: 


PENN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
: PENN, PA. 


This community was settled by those who helped to found 
Brush Creek Church. After the development of their local coal 
lands, which centralized the population along the railroads, it 
became necessary to provide a church organization at Penn. A 
Sunday School was organized in Weitz Hall, January 27, 1890, 
of which W. H. Landis was superintendent, and in which Ger- 
man and English classes were taught. This mission was organ- 
ized by Rev. D. M. Kemerer without missionary aid, other than 
that provided by neighboring pastors. ‘The nucleus of this con- 
gregation was composed of substantial families, intimately re- 
lated, among whom existed the greatest cordiality. The church 
was organized, August 2, 1891, when Rev. R. M. Zimmerman 
presided. The first officers were D. H. Rankin, W. H. Landis, 
and J. G. Baker. Pastor Zimmerman served the congregation in 
connection with Jeannette from August 2, 1891, to October 14, 
1894. A charter was secured, April 30, 1892, which was amend- 
ed, March 1, 1906. After the resignation of Pastor Zimmerman, 
Penn Church was made 
a. party of, Brush Creek 
Lois anderserveds jy 
Pastors G. S$. Seaman 
and Philip Doerr. It was 
during the pastorate of 
Rey. Philip Doerr that 
the church was built. 
Lots had been secured 
from the Westmoreland 
GoaleCompany. in 1895, 
SOmatiat the.) sites was 
ready. The corner stone 
was laid, October 10, 
1897, and the church 
Gedicateha Uvtul as tO Lr 
oernama inert. 91508) 
German and English ad- 
dresses were made at the 
dedication. It was a 
brick-cased building, 


























710 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


34x45, with a small annex, costing $3,500. A parsonage was 
built in 1910 at a cost of $4,115. During the pastorate of Rev. 
G. W. Spiggle the church was improved at an expense of 
$3,525. When the service of rededication was held, April 19, 
1914, Pastor Spiggle was quarantined, and neighboring pastors 
officiated. When Rev. Frank W. Ash became pastor he found 
a debt of $1,760, and this was fully paid in 1920, leaving a prop- 
erty valued at $24,000 free of encumbrance. The interior of 
the church was given a thorough renovation in 1923. The 
steady development of the church is attested by the fact that the 
close of every pastorate has shown an increase in membership 
and giving power. In 1923 Pastor Ash reported 280 members in 
the congregation and an enrollment of 184 in the Sunday School. 
Luther League work in this parish has been exceptionally good. 
After the close of the pastorate of Rev. Philip Doerr the congre- 
gation was given the entire time of their pastor. The pastorates 
in their order were: Rev. R. M. Zimmerman, 1891-1894; Rev. G. 
S. Seaman, 1894-1896; Rev. Philip Doerr, 1897-1908; Rev. G. 
W. Spiggle, 1909-1918; Rev. F. W. Ash, 1919-. 


TRINITY GERMAN EVAN. LUTHERAN CHURCH 
NEWORENSING TON, 7 Raat 


Among the first residents of New Kensington were Ger- 
mans of Lutheran faith, some of whom were included in the 
original membership of First Church. Later they were or- 
ganized into a congregation by Doctor J. D. Severinghaus 
and served by Pastor William Harder. When this congrega- 
tion failed, Pastor Theodore Walz of the Missouri Synod or- 
ganized the “First German Evangelical Lutheran Trinity 
Church? July 14551895, sl hegtirst -oicersmw etc amma ae 
Theodore Walz, president; J. Fetzer, secretary, and HiyZill- 
mer, treasurer. A charter was at once secured. On Septem- 
ber 15, 1895, a property on the corner of Walnut street and 
Leishman avenue was secured, where a small frame church 
was dedicated in July, 1896. Pastor Walz served the parish 
until March 1, 1904. His successor was Pastor Paul Succop 
of the Missouri Synod, who served from 1904 to 1908, when a 
dispute on the lodge question led to the withdrawal of Pastor 
Succop and a number of families, and the organization of St. 
Paul’s German Lutheran Church. The congregation although 
independent then returned to the Pittsburgh Synod for pastors. 
The Pittsburgh Synod pastors have been the following: Rev. 
H. P. Hansen, 1908-1912; Rev. R. R. F. Boethelt, 1912-1915; 
Rev. Johannes Burgdorf, 1915-1919; Rev. Emil Jestinsky, 
191971922; oRhevale |. lierst, 1922% | 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 711 


FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
VANDERGRIFT, PA. 


In 1894 the site of the model industrial city of Vander- 
grift was a large and well cultivated Lutheran farm. Offic- 
lals of the Apollo Iron and Steel Company saw in its broad 
acres the source of richer harvests than wheat and corn, and 
made it the site of one of the largest sheet steel mills of the 
world. The streets were laid out in sweeping curves, con- 
forming to nature’s lines, sewered, curbed, paved, and lined 
with shade trees; then beautiful Vandergrift arose almost as 
by magic. The plans of President McMurtry included the 
building of suitable churches, and the offer of three lots and 
$7,500 was made to any denomination, whose accredited repre- 
sentatives would build a church, costing not less than $15,000, 
and pay for it within a stipulated time. Lutherans were first 
in accepting this proposition. Rev. J. W. Poffinberger laid 
the matter before the Conemaugh Conference, May 27, 1896, 
and was instructed to ask the Vandergrift Company for an 
extension of time. A conference was held with President Mc- 
Murtry, June 15, 1896, when C. F. Stifel, William Pore, and 
John Fite bonded themselves to build a church according to 
the general agreement. Three fine lots were promptly deed- 
ed to them. Pastor John W. Poffinberger of Leechburg was 
chiefly responsible for the success of this venture, making 
long trips to rural parishes and collecting large sums for the 
new church. Ground was broken for the church, September 
19, 1896, when five apple trees of the Townsend orchard were 
removed from the site. The corner stone was laid November 
12, 1896, and the church dedicated by Pastor Poffinberger, 
June 22, 1897. Doctor A. Stewart Hartman preached the ded- 
icatory sermon. ‘The congregation was organized by Rev. 
TW. Poftinberger and Rev. A: J. Bean, May 16, 1897, with 
117 members, of whom 48 came from the Apollo Church. The 
first church officers were Henry Isensee, A. H. Zimmerman, 
Oscar Lindquist, B. H. Townsend, I. K. Darbaker, George A. 
Hunger, M. E. Uncapher, Samuel McKinstry, and W. G. 
Young. The church was built of brick, with a front and 
tower of cut stone, at a cost of $16,984, and the agreement 
with President McMurtry was kept to the letter. The first 
communion service was held in the new church, June 29, 
1897, and a Sunday School of 100 members was organized on 
the same day. Student W. A. Hartman supplied the church 
during the summer, and Rev. John W. Poffinberger became 
the first regular pastor, October 1, 1897. This pastor served 
until November 1, 1901, adding 436 members to the congre- 
gation and accomplishing the greatest work of his ministerial 


42 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


life. During the pastorate of Doctor Holmes Dysinger a 
parsonage was secured at a cost of $4,000. This parsonage 
was sold and the brick house adjoining the church secured as 
the parsonage during the pastorate of Rev. H. G. Snyder. 
President McMurtry presented a pipe organ to the congre- 
gation, which was dedicated by Pastor Holmes Dysinger. Ex- 
tensive improvements were made to the church property dur- 
ing the pastorate of, Rev. H: G. Snyder at a cost of +$5,000: 
Among these improvements was the cutting down of the ter- 
race and the construction of an easier approach to the build- 
ing. During these years there has been a steady development 
in the congregation, which has made a fine record in synodi- 
cal benevolence. There are now 562 confirmed members in 
the congregation and an enrollment of 424 in the Sunday 
School. The regular pastorates have been the following: 
Rev. J. W. Poffinberger, 1897-1901; Rev. Holmes Dysinger, 
D.D., 1902-1905; Rev. W. S. Dysinger, 1906-1910; Rev. H. G. 
onyder, 1911-1925 eva Rye) e Mevers 1925) 


BETHEL EVANGELIGAL, LUTHERAN CHURCH 
HYD Ber ATR An 


This community was visited by Doctor C. B. King early 
in 1899, and Bethel Church was organized by him, May 14, 
1899, with thirty members. A good corner lot, 50x120, was 
donated by the Hyde Park Land Company, on which a frame 
church was built at a cost of $2,000. The corner stone was 
laid, October 7, 1899, and the church dedicated by Doctor 
King, January 28, 1900. With his usual skill Doctor King pro- 
vided for nearly the entire cost on the day of dedication. Dur* 
ing the summer of 1901 the congregation built a parsonage at 
a cost of $1,400. For many years this church was supported 
as a local mission of the Pittsburgh Synod of the General 
Synod; then it was connected with Bethel Church of Arm- 
strong County to form a self-sustaining parish; since 1918 it 
has been served by pastors of Grace Church, Leechburg. This 
parish is restricted to the town of Hyde Park, but it is the 
church of the community and fills a large place in its relig- 
ious life. The following pastors have served here: Rev. J. A. 
Flickinger, 1900; Rev: J. H. Diehl, 1901-1902; Rev. P: T. E. 
Stockslager, 1903-1904; Rev. W. W. Frey, 1904-1905; Rev .J. 
W. Poffinberger (supply), 1905-1908; Rev. EK. F. Dickey, 1908- 
1911; Rev. Elmer Kahl, 1912-1913; Rev. J. F.. Booher, 1914- 
1918s) Rev. "ToAt Himes; D.D:,11918219207_R éve bes kepohanorm 
192031924; -Reviehl: Aro cel(hO24=, 


HISTORY OfSFRHE. PITTSBURGH SYNOD 71 


os) 


peck Sab WANGHUICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
YOUNGWOOD, PA. 


When this town was established by the Pennsylvania 
Railroad, Doctor A. L. Yount of Greensburg at once looked 
after the spiritual interests of the Lutherans. A meeting was 
held in Kennedy’s school house, July 21, 1901, which was at- 
tended by Doctor A. L. Yount, H. M. Zundel, J. E. Wineman, 
W. H. Wineman, Mrs. H. M. McFeaters, C. H. VanDyke, W. 
J. Rummel, Mrs. W. J. Rummel, Mrs. Jacob E. Wineman, A. 
C. Miller, Nettie and Mary Bair, Mary Wineman, Mary Sul- 
lenberger and others, when committees on membership, con- 
stitution and church site were appointed. Another meeting 
was held at the home of H. M. McFeaters, August 8, 1901, 
where St. Luke’s Church was organized by the adoption of 
a constitution and the election of officers. ‘The first officers 
were H. G. Wineman, H. M. McFeaters, J. Elmer Wineman, 
Wreleehummel Celi Vanbyke!lacobo be Wineman, andy A. 
CaMiallers, Doctor/Ay Ll. Yount was elected pastor. The first 
services were held in the school house, but later alternated 
between the school house and the Methodist Church. A char- 
ter was secured, December 18, 1901. Lots were purchased on 
Fourth street, and the contract for the building of a church 
was let to E. L.- Nicholson. The corner stone was laid by 
Rev. George J. Gongaware, November 16, 1902, and the 
church was dedicated by Rev. W. A. Bilheimer, November 
26, 1903. Pastor Bilheimer. served the parish from October 
1, 1903, to August 1, 1905, when he was drowned in the Alle- 
gheny River. During the pastorate of Rev. Ludwig Bei- 
secker, 1911-1914, the last of the church debt was paid, a par- 
sonage was built at a cost of $4,000, the parish became seli- 
sustaining, and progress was made along all lines. Through 
all the pastorates, there was a steady increase in the mem- 
bership, which numbered 193 at the close of the pastorate of 
Rev. E..O. Graham. The pastors served in the following or- 
der: Rev. A. L. Yount, D.D., 1901-1902; Rev. G: J. Gonga- 
ware, 1902-1903; Rev. W. A. Bilheimer, 1903-1905; Rev. H. K. 
Shanor, 1906-1911; Rev. Ludwig Beisecker, 1911-1914; Rev. 
EO; Graham, 1914-1922: Rev. C: Fi Frank, 1922-. 


ST. MARK’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
ARO NAS AY 
Arona is a mining town, located in the heart of the old 


German settlement of Westmoreland. The building of the 
Hempfield Railroad opened up the coal fields, and added many 


714 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


new families to the com- 
munity’; Hore s ea, emaan 
years before a church 
was built services were 
held by pastors of neigh- 
boring Lutheran  par- 
ishes. Pastor George S. 
Seaman effected an or- 
ganization in 1895, but 
this was not permanent. 
The first meeting, called 
for the purpose of erect- 
ing a community church, 
was held in 1900, when 
a building committee was 
appointed, consisting of 
Lutherans and Reform- 
ed. The corner stone of 
this church was laid, July 
8, 1900, and the building 
dedicated, February 15, 
LOOT Mee ihe He wiaiige ministers were A. L, Yount, jpae: Kunz- 
mann, Jonathan Sarver, S$. K. Herbster, F. S. Beistel, and Philip 
Doerr. The church was built of brick and stone, 34x50, at a 
cost of $3,000. Andrew Carnegie presented the organ. The con- 
gregation was organized, March 8, 1901, wrn the following 
members : 























Anthony, William Hrretts) Ga We Miiler, Nettie 
Anthony, Harry Garlowsn las Miller, J. B. 
Anthony, Annie Garlow, Mrs. Mary Miller, Mrs. Sara 
Baughman, J. B. Jealison, Thomas B. Miller, Myers 
Baughman, Mrs. Lovina Jealison, Mrs. T. B. Miller, Clara 
Baughman, Otis Long Benjamin Miller, Lizzie 
Baughman, Benjamin Long Mrs. Mary Nash, Daniel and wife 
Baughman, Mrs. Florinda Long, Amos Shannon, Mrs. Ellen 
Bussard, Mrs. Catherine Long, Mrs. Alice Shull, Mrs. Lydia 
Bussard, Mrs. Eliza Miller, John M. Siegfried, O. P. 
Bussard, Derwin Miller, Mrs. Emma Siegfried, Mrs. Almira 
Earhart, Michael Miller, Martha Siegfried, Arthur 
Earhart, Mrs. Mary Miller, John A. .- Siegfried, Mrs. Grace 
Earhart, John Miller, Mrs Sara Walthour, Adam 
Earhart, Ezra Miller, W. H. Walthour, Mrs. Adam 
Earhart, Frank Miller, Mrs. Mary Walthour Alvina 


The greater part of these were Lutherans, but a number 
were Reformed and others had never been churched. The large 
number of Millers came from the neighboring Lutheran valley 
called Miller’s Thal. According to the testimony of O. P. Sieg- 
fried, there was sharp division of sentiment on the question of a 
constitution, which resulted in the withdrawal of the General 
Council pastor, and the calling of Rev. C. L. Streamer. Their 
permanent constitution was adopted, March 9, 1902, after which 
the congregation was admitted to the Pittsburgh Synod of the 


HislLORY Ob THE PITTSBURGH’ SYNOD Fa 


General Synod and made a part of the Hempfield Parish. This 
church was one of the first to adopt the Common Service Book, 
and is noted for its liberal response to synodical appeals. ‘The 
General Synod pastors were: Rev. C. L. Streamer, 1902-1903; 
Rev. J. E. F. Hassinger, 1903-1912; Rev. L. M. Daubenspeck, 
1912-1913; Rev. Elmer Kahl, 1913-1918; Rev. G. L. Courtney, 
1919-1921; Rev. J. L.. Marvin, 1921-. 


bate atnlios ch) VNG Hi OA lee ELHRAN? CHURGH. 
VANDERGRIFT, PA. 


When Vandergrift was founded many mill men declined 
to buy lots in the lower town, and built their homes in Van- 
dergrift Heights. All the first churches were built in the 
lower town, and little thought was given to the organization 
of a church on the hill. As the hill population grew, how- 
ever, the demand for such an’ organization grew. The first 
response to the demand was made by Lutherans of the Gen- 
PLamGounchmocptcmbper 245 ou Lwhenehevs-Georrers. oea- 
man held a public service. This Missionary Superintendent 
succeeded in organizing Trinity Lutheran Church with ten 
members, October 5, 1901. Pastor John W. Poffinberger of 
First Church regarded this as an invasion of his parish, and 
organized a branch Sunday School in the town hall, October 
27, 1901. The first officers of this branch school were John 
M. Swauger, D. C. Ritchie, and Harry C. Boreland. Inasmuch 
as a number of the members of First Church were opposed to 
this movement, Pastor Poffinberger placed the school in the 
hands of Rev. S$. J. McDowell, Missionary Superintendent of 
the Pittsburgh Synod of the General Synod, who organized 
st. Paul’s Church with forty-two members, March 9, 1902. 
The first church officers were John M. Swauger, S. H. Young, 
epee ri itinin fy Geny oun nb C Shields and J. GieHorner. 
Twenty-seven additional members were received on the fol- 
lowing Easter, and included in the charter membership. Lots 
on the corner of Emerson and Wallace streets were secured 
from Rev. J. W. Poffinberger for $1,000, their owner agree- 
ing to donate $300 to their building fund. The corner stone 
of the church was laid, March 28, 1903, and the building ded1- 
Cated by Pastor’ George Beiswanger, september 13) 1903.7 1t 
was built of brick and stone, 38x67, well finished in hard wood, 
atvarcost of $13,500; ’ President George’ G. McMurtry: pre- 
sented the pipe organ. Trinity Church could not make much 
headway against such an energetic congregation and soon 
disbanded. The only pastor of Trinity wasiRev, Wo Se Heist. 
One of the hardest experiences in the history of St. Paul’s 


716 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


was the death of Rev. Samuel Ernest Smith, who was pastor 
for two months. He was the son of a Lutheran pastor, and 
one of the most gifted young men of the synod. During the 
pastorate of Rev. C. G. Leatherman, 1911-1916, the old par- 
sonage was sold, and the property adjoining the church pur- 
chased. About the same time the church was renovated, re- 
furnished and cleared of debt. During the pastorate of Rey. 
J. W. Shearer there wére large accessions to-the church, the 
confirmed membership being 404 in 1923. The pastors served 
in the following order: Rev. George Beiswanger, 1902-1907 ; Rev. 
J. W. Gentzler, 1907-1909; Rev. P. J. Shriver, 1909-1910; Rev. 
so. Es smithy 1911;- Rev! CG. [leatherman -19LI-1916 -eReyaa 
Walter Shearer, 1916-, 


GERMAN LUTHERAN CHRIST CHURCH 
LAUROB RAP AX 


At the conclusion of a German service in Trinity Church, 
October 26, 1902, eight men signed an agreement which led to 
the organization of this congregation. These eight founders 
were August Pohland, Sr., Carl Pohland, Andreas Dau, Al- 
bert Heiser, Morris Boehme, Leon Gerst, Michael Lingsch, 
and Edwin Honig... Revs George Dietz of Jeannette was 
elected pastor. Ten additional families later agreed to con- 
tribute monthly to the support of the new church. A build- 
ing site in the northern part of Latrobe, 100x100, was bought 
from, Joseph. Kelly | for )$900,) and the} contract Vleietorecie 
construction of a frame church for $2,475. The corner stone 
was laid by Pastor Dietz, October 18, 1903, and the building 
was dedicated in the following spring, when the pastor was 
assisted by Rev. Hugo R. Erdman. The font was donated by 
John Maier, the altar by Leon Gerst, and the organ by Mich- 
ael -Lingsch.« Pastor, Dietz resigned; <December 295) 1903 79in 
order to accept a call to Connellsville, but frequently returned 
to hold Sunday afternoon services. The second pastor was 
Rev. H. R. Mosig, who served for two months in 1905. After 
a long vacancy came the rich pastorate of Rev. William Hing- 
keldy, 1907-1910, during which a new board of trustees was 
elected and the membership greatly increased. Then came 
the coal strike of 1910, during which many men moved away 
in search of work. It was a hard blow to the struggling 
church. Pastor Richard Schluttig then accepted a call and 
served for two years. After his resignation, Pastor Carl R. 
Stolz of Johnstown supplied the pulpit and rendered such 
service as time would permit. Pastor G. K. A. Reschke filled 
a pastorate of eight months in 1913; then came Pastor Jann 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD gh! 


Thiessen Kaehler, whose pastorate was closed in death, Jan- 
uary 23, 1917. Pastor Schluttig then returned for his second 
pastorate. A table of pastorates follows: Rev. George Dietz, 
1902-1903; Rev. H. R. Mosig, 1905; Rev. William Hingkeldey, 
1907-1910; Rev. Richard Schluttig, 1911-1913; Rev. G. E. A. 
Reschke, 1913; Rev. J. T. Kaehler, 1914-1917; Rev. Richard 
Schluttig (second term), 1917-. 


ol, PAUL'S! EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
MONESSEN, PA 


Monessen is one of the busiest cities of the Monongahela 
Valley, its great steel mills giving employment to 12,000 men. 
When the town was first 
established it was can- eae 
vassed by Doctor C. B. es ex 
King, but conditions were 
not yet favorable to the ZTE 
organization of a church. 
The establishment of a 
Sliccestuls 115 Si oni 
Charleroi in 1901 made it 
easier to give close atten- 
tion to the developing 
field. The Joint Synod 
of Ohio organized a Ger- 
man-English Church, but 
this did not fully meet 
the need. The work of 
Student W. M. Hack- 


enberg in the summer of ii” 




























1903 made it possible for 


Doctor A. J. Turkle to : of 

OUP -aimaz ey ote) Pails i 

Church, August 31, 1903, with the following members: 
INT ples Nee be Morris, C. W. Sranrauolo jie Tay 
Arble, NM SeaN se Le Morris, Mrs. C. W. Smith, Mrs. J. B. 
Bierer, LBs: ab Morris, Mamie Smith, Earl 
Bierer, IMieSe brie 1 Price, Alma Treese, Charles 
Feightner, Jacob Seifert, D. I. Treese, Mrs. Nettie 
Feightner, Mrs. Jacob Seifert, Mrs. D. I. Wild, Mrs. Agnes 
Helfrich, A. B. Seifert, Estelle Wilson, Doctor A. R. 
Jones, Mrs. Louise Seifert, Helen Yohn, E. KE. and wife 
Klingensmith, Joseph Seifert, Bertha Yohn, Esther 
Klingensmith, Mrs. J. Seifert, Edna Yohn, Loretta 


Not a little opposition was raised against the mission at the 
beginning, but it met all tests, and welcomed Rev. M. M. Allbeck 
as the first regular pastor, March 1, 1904. Pastor Allbeck re- 
mained four years, during which a work was done that insured 


718 HIS TORYcOR (AE ePrrisSBURGH Ve wNOD 


the permanency of the congregation. ‘Two lots were bought for 
$2,900 in 1904, and the entire amount was raised by the mission 
in less than two years. A complete set of chancel furniture was 
presented by friends, which was dedicated by Pastor Allbeck, 
November 24, 1907. The corner stone of their church was laid 
by Doctor J. E. Bittle, May 29, 1910. The mission was vacant 
at the time, but the completed church was dedicated by Pastor 
G. H. Eveler, January 29, 1911. It was. built of buff brick, 
Romanesque in style, at a cost of $15,508. A debt of $7,342 was 
thus incurred, which was not fully paid until 1921. The par- 
sonage on McKee avenue was bought by the Ladies’ Aid Society 
for $4,200 in 1914, all deferred payments being paid by them. 
The Luther League is another organization, which has filled a 
large place in the developing life of the congregation. Among 
the discouraging features of church work in this parish have 
been Sunday work in the mills and the transient character of the 
population. Many new members are added only to be lost by 
removal. ‘There is a fine spirit in the parish at the present time, 
and the 320 confirmed members are looking forward to a day of 
greater things. The following pastors have served here: Rev. 
M. M. Allbeck, 1904-1908; Rev. F. J. Howard, 1908-1910; Rev. 
G. H. Eveler, 1910-1913; Rev. C. E. Keller, D.D., 1914-1918; 
Rev. J. E. Dietterich, D.D., (supply), 1918-1919; Rev. Paul A. 
Weidley, 1919-1923; Rev. Roy J. Meyer, 1923-1925. 


ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
RUFFSDALE, PA. 


Early in 1903, when Rev. W. R. Swickard was pastor of 
Mount Pleasant Parish, the Lutherans of Ruffsdale launched 
a movement for the building of a church in that town. The 
chief reason assigned was the difficulty of attending church 
in the country in bad weather. The leaders decided that it 
would be good policy to build the church before effecting the 
organization. The corner stone of the church was laid in 
August, 1903, and the building was dedicated by Pastor 
Swickard, July 17, 1904. Soon after the dedication a congre- 
gation of sixty members was organized, the majority of 
whom came from the “Swope” and “Seanor” congregations. 
Many hoped that all the members of “Swope Church” would 
attend services in the town, but the old associations were too 
strong. In 1905, Ruffsdale, St. John’s and Mount Pleasant 
united to form the Mount Pleasant Parish. Services were 
then held every Sunday afternoon, following the sessions of 
the Sunday School. Another change was made in 1916, when 
Zion and St. John’s were formed into the Ruffsdale Parish. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 719 


Under this arrangement alternate morning and afternoon 
services were held in Zion. Still another change was made in 
1922, when Ruffsdale and Hunker were constituted the Ruffs- 
dale Parish. During the pastorate of Rev. G. L. Himmelman 
the basement of the church was fitted up for Sunday School 
work, and other improvements made to the property, at a 
cost of $2,500. During the pastorate of Rev. J. F. Flegler, a 
parsonage was built at a cost of $8,000. The congregation has 
gradually increased in strength, and reported 153 confirmed 
members in 1923. ‘The pastorates in their order were as fol- 
lows: Rev. W. R. Swickard, 1904-1905; Rev. R. L,... Leather- 
man, 1905-1916; Supplies, 1916-1919; Rev. G. L. Himmelman, 
1919-1921; Rev. J. F. Flegler, 1922-1924; Rev. A. F. Schilling, 
1924-., 


GRACH EVANGELICAL EU THRRAN CHURCH 
EO GE. @ ee nae 


Lockport lies on the main line of the Pennsylvania Rail- 
road between New Florence and Garfield. Pastor S. A. Shau- 
lis of New Florence ministered to the spiritual needs of the 
community for several years, and finally, in December of 1905, 
organized a congregation of fifty-four members. All the 
people of the community seemed to be interested in this 
movement, for it meant the establishment of the only church 
in the town. A small frame church, 32x44, was dedicated by 
Pastor ohaults, October 6, 1907.) when aRev. J. C..N. Park 
preached the dedicatory sermon. The cost of this church was 
$3,200, and almost the entire sum was secured before the ded- 
ication. It has never been a strong congregation, and the 
work by no means encouraging. The pastors of New Flor- 
ence Parish have served them from the beginning. 


Sieve BEL Wes HV AON ee EB ReNe CER R CH 
HUNKE RSPAS 


For many years this community was regarded as a part 
of Seanor Parish. When Rev. Jonathan Sarver was pastor at 
Seanor’s, he held services in the Hunker school house, and in 
August of 1902 organized St. Matthew’s Church. Frederick 
M. Hunker and M. R. Welty were elected deacons, and J. J. 
PLouset me-cChoialy-treasiticl me\iterm the 1 esi otmati on, of 
Pastor Sarver the congregation found itself isolated, but was 
made a part of Youngwood Parish in 1905. This relation con- 
tinued until 1922, when it was transferred to Ruffsdale Par- 
ish. No effort was made to build a church until July 11, 1911, 


720 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


when it was decided to build on a triangular lot donated by 
Mr. and Mrs. M. R. Welty. Although without a pastor at the 
time, work was begun. The corner stone was laid by Pastor 
B. F. Hankey, October 1, 1911. Pastor Ludwig Beisecker 
took charge of the parish a few months later, and dedicated 
the church, June 30, 1912. The congregation is prosperous, 
and reported a confirmed membership of 111 in 1923. The 
pastors have served in the following order: Rev. Jonathan 
Sarver, 1902-1903; Rev. W. A. Bilhéimer, 1905; Rev. H. K. 
Shanor, 1906-1911; Rev. Ludwig Beisecker, 1911-1914; Rev. 
HK. O. Graham, 1914-1922; Rev. J. F. Flegler, 1922-1924; Rev. 
A. F. Schilling, 1924-. 


ST. MARK’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
JEANNETTE, PA, 


In the official record of St. Mark’s Church, the following 
statement of the beginnings of the congregation is given. 
“Owing to critical conditions, as they existed in the Holy Trinity 
Church of Jeannette, Pa., about seventy-five members ‘severed 
their connection with the old church, and would have in all 
probability been lost to the Lutheran Church, and having been 
refused any redress on the part of the Southern Conference of 
the Pittsburgh Synod, General Council, measures were taken for 
the organization of a new congregation.” 

As the first step in car- 
rying out their plans, a 
Sunday School was or- 
ganized in Maxwell’s 
Hall, November 1, 1908, 
with forty-two persons 
present. Two weeks 
later a meeting of forty- 
three persons was_ held 
at the home of Doctor T. 
A. Klingensmith, where 
the question of organiz- 
mga church “was idiss 
cussed. A committee, 
com's's. tin $) "otmajahn 
Yeckle, E. W. Johnson, 
lesen AL sMaxwell) “Ween 


=a Saec=<eo~e: Pierce, George Kemerer, 
SE “e John Steiner, and Doctor 
iC Os 























Sn famneremeaial l cncemcuenel fame. 








T. A. Klingensmith, was 
instructed to canvass the 


RIS LORVC a her ily SRURGHSSYNOD 721 


town, and learn the number of people who were willing to enter 
the proposed organization. This committee reported at a meet- 
ing in Maxwell’s Hall, November 22, 1908, when the constitu- 
tion of St. Mark’s Church was signed by sixty-three members. 
The first church officers were E. W. Johnson, J. W. Gilchrist, 
John Steiner, W. R. Pierce, Doctor T. A. Klingensmith, John 
Yeckle, J. A. Maxwell, and George Kemerer. Their first service 
was conducted by Pastor George O. Ritter in the same hall on 
the evening of the same day. He was given a call to serve as 
supply pastor, in connection with his work in East McKeesport 
and Denmark Manor. Appointments were made for services 
every Sunday, alternating between afternoon and evening. This 
arrangement continued until June 1, 1909, when St. Mark’s and 
Denmark Manor united to form a parish, and extended a call to 
Pastor George O. Ritter at a salary of $1,000. The congregation 
was admitted to the Pittsburgh Synod of the General Synod in 
1909 as a self-sustaining church. A lot on First street, valued 
at $2,500, was secured by donation, where a brick church with a 
stone front was built at a cost of $13,300. The corner stone was 
laid, June 12, 1910, and the church dedicated by Pastor Ritter, 
January 15, 1911. A debt of $7,000 was incurred, which was 
not fully discharged until ten years later. The Common Service 
Book was early introduced, and fits well into the churchly ap- 
pointments of the beautiful auditorium. Steady growth has 
marked the course of the years, and the confirmed members 
numbered 249 in 1923. The following pastors have ministered 
to them: Rev. G. O. Ritter, 1908-1913; Rev. J. E. F. Hassinger, 
1913-1923; Rev. W. E. Arnholt, 1924-. 


ST. MARK’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
NEW STANTON, PA. 


The pioneers of this community were accustomed to at- 
tend church at Seanor’s. For the benefit of Lutherans living 
in the town of old Stanton, an abandoned church of the 
United Brethren was bought for $800 and used as a preach- 
ing station. Part of the purchase money was solicited from 
members of Seanor’s Church, and the rest was paid by John 
Long and Joshua Evans. A Sunday School was organized at 
once, and pastors of Seanor’s Church preached here at stated 
times for several years, but no congregation was organized. 
In the course of time the town of New Stanton grew up 
about a mile distant, and it was deemed advisable to hold 
Lutheran services there. Pastor J. O. Glenn preached on 
Sunday evenings for several weeks in a hall in New Stanton, 
using the five parts of the catechism as his general theme. 


722 HISTORY “OF THE PITT SBURGEC SYNOD 


Such interest was created that it was decided to found a new 
church. A lot was donated by John lL. Hunker, and the Stan- 
ton Church was rebuilt on this new site and refurnished at a 
total cost of $2,938. St. Mark’s Church was formally organ- 
ized with 26 members, May 20, 1906, and made a part of Har- 
olds-Seanor Parish. A charter was secured for the congrega- 
tion, August 9, 1906. The remodelled church was dedicated 
by Pastor Glenn, December 16, 1906. The parsonage of the 
parish, erected at a cost of $7,150, is located in New Stanton. 
The following pastors have served here: Rev. J. O. Glenn, 
1906-1911; Revs FE. HY Kohn; 1911-1913 --Rev. 12 Ke iWismer 
1913-1922; Revs EF. L. Will, 1923-1924 "Rev. A. Fo) Schilling; 
1925-. 


ST. MARK’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
TRAFFORD, PA. 


The -first attempt to® plant a Lutheran’ Church inv. 
Westinghouse community was made by the Missouri Synod. 
After their failure General Council workers made a canvass, 
and held services in Ploss Hall... This second attempt was 
made in 1910. St. Mark’s Church was organized with eleven 
members, April 23) 1911) the first officers beins Oe Beare 
Charles Ebert, and Thomas Murphy. A Sunday School of 
twenty-five members was organized, Janury 8, 1911, with L. 
O. Pearch as superintendent. For twelve years the congre- 
gation was without a home, worshipping first in the United 
Brethren Church, then in Odd Fellows Hall, and later in the 
Reformed Church. Church buildings could be used for the 
reason’ that. Services were (then; helde in vtheseatternoam-s 
When the new-ot. Paul's Church of Pitcairn: wasrerectedaaa 
Mark’s was permitted to use the portable chapel of the 
Church Extension Society of Pittsburgh. A good location 
was secured, and here the chapel was rebuilt on a good found- 
ation, at a total cost of $2,500. The chapel was rededicated 
by Pastor W. H. Baker, October 7, 1923... The congregation 
at that time numbered 38 members. The following pastors 
have served here: Rev. H. F. Obenauf, 1911-1916; Rev. W. H. 
Baker, 1918-1924; Rev. R. F. Steininger, 1924-. 


SL. PAUL ITALIAN EVAN. DW TEER ANSCE WiGer 
MONESSEN,, PA. 


For a number of years the Pittsburgh Synod of the Gen- 
eral Synod sought ways and means of opening up work 
among the Italians of western Pennsylvania. Nothing defin- 
ite was accomplished until 1917, when Rev. Fortunato 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 723 


Scarpitti, an ordained pastor of the United Presbyterian 
Church, confessed a desire to work under a Lutheran Board. 
He was admitted to membership in the synod and sent to 
Monessen in 1917. He opened a Sunday School in a humble 
way on the second Sunday of December in the basement of 
St. Paul’s English Lutheran Church. Only eight children 
were present at the first session, but the number grew to 
two hundred. Only a few adults were present at the first 
preaching service, but these also grew in number until the 
missionary was able to reach an audience of fifty. A congre- 
gation of 22 members was organized by Doctor M. M. All- 
Bechrardmuoctor. eh ukehler | une) 19160 Bor the nrst two 
years the mission used the basement of St. Paul’s Church, af- 
ter which the use of Christ Church of the Ohio Synod was 
secured. Pastor Scarpitti served the mission until July 15, 
1920, building up a congregation of 76 members in the face 
of strong opposition. Pastor Fausto Pisani then took charge 
of the parish and was admitted to membership in the synod. 
The synod agreed to contribute $5,000 for the building of a 
church in 1924. For a time similar work was carried on 
among the Italians of Monongahela, under the leadership of 
Pastor Salvatore Morello, but this did not prove successful. 
The necessary missionary aid was furnished at first by the 
Advisory Board of Home Missions, but the mission was later 
transferred to the Immigrants Mission Board of the United 
Lutheran Church. 


GAN RY HV ANGE LIGAL EU THERAN ‘CHURCH 
ARNOEDS PAs 


Because of easy access to the churches of New Kensing- 
ton, the town of Arnold was churchless for a number of years, 
even though the population had increased to 4,000. Luth- 
erans were first in remedying this situation, sending Student 
FE. P. Windman into the community in the summer of 1922. 
His first public service was held in the High School in August 
of that year, and was attended by twenty persons. When 
Mr. Windman returned to the seminary his place was taken 
by Rev. A. J. Bean, who pressed the work so_ successfully 
that the missionary superintendent was able to organize Cal- 
vary Church, November 12, 1922, with fifty members. The 
charter list was kept open until April 1, 1923, when it num- 
bered seventy-six. A constitution was adopted on the day of 
organization, and the first deacons were J. H. Wilson, H. T. 
MingstiaC >. shoemaker, |]. W. Hunger, WR? Lukehart, and 
C. E. Richter. This constitution provided that the superin- 


724 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


tendent of the Sunday School, and the secretary and treas- 
urer of the congregation should be members of the Church 
Council. The Sunday School was organized, December 3, 
1922, with G. P. Karle, as the first superintendent. R. E. 
Mears was elected secretary, and L. A. Phillips treasurer of 
the congregation. Pastor Bean served the mission until Feb- 
ruary 25, 1923, and Pastor Lloyd M. Keller became the first 
regular pastor, June 1, 1923. By the help of the Church Prop- 
erty and Loan Fund of the Pittsburgh Synod, a good building 
site, 90x120, was secured at a cost of $3,500. Here a tempo- 
rary chapel of rough boards was erected as a place of worship 
until the permanent church could be completed. The corner 
stone of their church was laid under promising conditions, 
November 11, 1923, and the completed building was dedicated 
by Pastor Keller, May 25, 1924. The new church was built of 
brick, roofed with aluminum and completely furnished at a 
total cost of $21,000. Few missions have been launched un- 
der more hopeful conditions. 


CHAPTER XXI 
OHIO CHURCHES OF PITTSBURGH SYNOD 
1804-1924 
“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.” 


IHITO was formed of part of the North Western 
Territory in 1802. The first settlement made by 
white men within its borders was that of the 
German Moravian missionaries in 1773. The sec- 
ond was that of New Englanders at Marietta in 
1788. The first Lutherans of Ohio, so far as we 
can learn, were the families of George Ostertag, Martin Os- 
tertag, and George Bauer from Fayette County, Pennsyl- 
vania, who took up lands near Osage in 1800. When John 
Reinhard came from Washington County in 1804, he found 
that five other German families had located in this commun- 
ity before him. On the first page of the German Church Rec- 
ord is a statement by John Reinhard that large numbers of 
Germans began to settle in Ohio from 1802 to 1805. Finding 
land in Pennsylvania no longer cheap, the younger Germans 
began to look for farms “als weiter west”. While the first 
cost of the Ohio land was small, much labor was required to 
bring it into a state of cultivation. Only the most industri- 
ous succeeded. The first Lutheran settlements were made 
in Jefferson, Harrison, Columbia, Stark, Montgomery, Pick- 
away, and Fairfield counties, and their oldest church was 
Good Hope of Osage, organized provisionally in 1804 and 
permanently in 1805. In The Lutheran Standard of January 
29, 1851, John Reinhard gives the following account of this 
organization: 


—_—— 


aise Aa af 
CANO) 
(7 





Sass 


“In the year of our Lord 1804, I and my family, in connection with 
three other families, moved to Jefferson County in the State of Ohio. 
Upon our arrival here we found five other families which had pre- 
ceded us, and in the next year another family followed us. Having no 
minister to break unto us the bread of life, there being no minister of 
our Church in the whole state, we agreed to meet every Sunday for the 
purpose of mutual edification by reading, singing and prayer. Soon af- 
ter this the Rev. Father Stauch, whose former hearers we were and 
who may be called the father of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in 
Ohio, visited and encouraged us. He organized us into a congregation 
under the name of Good Hope, and the following brethren were elected 
as officers: Balthaser Kolb, David Reidnauer, Andrew Alt, and John 
Reinhard. He then advised us to draw up a petition to the Evangel- 
ical Lutheran Synod of Pennsylvania (the first petition presented to 


726 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


that body from Ohio), which was done by the undersigned in the fol- 
lowing words: ‘As in the providence of God several German families, 
who grew up under the sound of the gospel, have settled in the wilder- 
ness in the State of Ohio, where to their sincere sorrow they are de- 
prived of the blessings of the gospel, they pray the Reverend Synod 
of Pennsylvania to send them if possible a minister of the gospel. We 
would be thankful for occasional visits from our ministers, but it is our 
wish that the Rev. J. Stauch might become our minister, for our chil- 
dren grow up without religious instruction, and we are like sheep with- 
out a shepherd’. Soon after this Rev. J. Stauch appeared in our midst, 
but living eighty miles from here he could only come once in eight 
weeks. For this reason Father Stauch appointed me to instruct the 
children in his absence, and also urged upon me to dedicate myself to 
the gospel ministry. At first I refused, but after prayerful meditation 
and serious reflection, especially on the case of the servant with one 
pound (in the parable in Luke 19), which caused me much anxiety and 
uneasiness of mind, I consented to devote myself to the ministry until 
the Church could be supplied with better qualified laborers. In the year 
1812 I accompanied the Rev. Mr. Stauch to the Synod held at Carlisle, 
Pa., still hoping that I would not be received. At this session the Rev. 
H. Huet, Rev. J. Liest, Rev. C. Schaeffer and myself were admitted by 
licensure. The venerable George Ney from Fairfield County, Ohio, was 
also present as a delegate, praying for a minister. The Rev. J. Liest 
was recommended to him, and soon after removed to Ohio. In the fol- 
lowing year, 1813, the first Conference of Evangelical Lutheran minis- 
ters in Ohio was held in Israel’s Church, under the care of Rev. J. Liest, 
Fairfield County, at which were present: the Rev. Paul Henkel from 
Virginia, Rev. Samuel Mau from Kentucky, Rev. Andrew Simon from 
Montgomery County, Ohio, Rev. J. Stauch from Columbiana County, 
Ohio, Rev. J. Liest from Fairfield County, Ohio, Rev. J. Reinhard from 
Jefferson County, Ohio, and I think Rev. Anthony Weyer and Rev. H. 
Huet. This was the beginning of the Evangelical Lutheran Church | 
organized in Ohio. The above brethren penetrated the forests and pre- 
pared the way, and no one can fully imagine the difficulties they en- 
countered. The second Conference was held in Jacob’s Church in 
Columbiana County, and the third in Perry County, Ohio.” 


When the Pittsburgh Synod was organized in 1845 only 
churches of Pennsylvania were included; but when the Penn- 
sylvania pastors of the Ohio Synod declined to enter the or- 
ganization, and competed with them for Pennsylvania  par- 
ishes, it was but natural that this competition should be ex- 
tended into Ohio. The first Ohio parish to be admitted to 
the Pittsburgh Synod was Trinity Church, Canton, under the 
care of Pastor W. F. Ruthrauff. When the English Synod 
of Ohio disbanded in 1873, the pastors of that body refused 
to unite with the English District Synod of Ohio, and went so 
far as to threaten independence if refused admission to the 
Pittsburgh Synod. After the English District Synod united 
with the General Council, repeated efforts were made to ad- 
just the boundary line with the Pittsburgh Synod, but a large 
number of Ohio congregations remained in the fellowship of 
the Pittsburgh Synod, and were not disturbed. No less than 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 727 


23 Ohio churches were in the Pittsburgh Synod of the Gen- 
eral Council in 1919. The Pittsburgh Synod of the General 
Synod always recognized the state line as its western border. 


GOOD HOPE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
OSAGE, JEFFERSON COUNTY, OHIO 


This venerable congregation, first born among the Ewvan- 
gelical Lutheran congregations of Ohio, was founded by Penn- 
sylvania Germans in 1804. According to the statement of Pastor 
John Reinhard, the first of these Germans arrived in April, 1800. 
Several others joined them within a few years, and they were 
provisionally organized by Pastor Johannes Stauch in 1804. The 
official record shows that the permanent organization of Good 
Hope Church was effected by Pastor Stauch in 1805, with the 
families of Andreas Alt, Martin Grimm, John Heits, Friedrich 
Kleckner, Balthaser Kolb, George Ostertag, Martin Ostertag, 
David Reidnauer, John Reider, John Reinhard, and Adam 
Zinder. A more devout group of men never settled within this 
state. Lacking the leadership of a pastor, they met for worship 
and prayer in the log cabin of pious John Reinhard. Pastor 
Stauch recommended that John Reinhard should serve as the 
parish catechist, and this eventually led him into the office of 
the ministry. ‘The hardships of these pioneers were many and 
severe. Log cabins roofed with bark served as their first homes, 
whose only floor was the 
barewjeatth )W hile. ;the 
virgin soil was rich and 
productive and the woods 
full of game, the wolves 
were very troublesome in 
the winter, and _ great 
fires were made in front 
of their cabin doors to 
frighten the “wood dogs” 
aWaveepoaiteand , iron 
were brought by pack 
horses from the East. 
The Indians had a salt 
spring on Yellow Creek, 
but kept it concealed 
from the white men. The 
soil was too rich at first 
to grow good wheat, and 
the market value was too 
low to make it profitable. 















































728 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH, SYNOD 


To grind their flour they used hand mills, then horse mills, and 
finally water mills. In 1804 they appealed to the Ministerium of 
Pennsylvania for a pastor, and Rev. Johannes Stauch gave them 
service every eight weeks. Pastors Paul Henkel, George Foerst- 
er, and Andreas Simon visited them occasionally, but they 
wanted a resident minister. This wish was not granted until 
1812, when Rev. John Reinhard was licensed by the Ministertum 
of Pennsylvania. This pastor gave them service, 1812-1825, and 
was responsible for the firm establishment of the congregation. 
After his death, June 6, 1861, his body was laid to rest in Good 
Hope cemetery. Like all the founders of Good Hope, he lived 
to a ripe old age. The grave stones show that Martin Ostertag 
lived to be 84; George Ostertag, 87; Balthaser Kolb, 90; Andreas 
Alt, 82; Friedrich Kleckner, 100; David Reidnauer, 80; John 
Reinhard, 89. A log church was built in 1807 on land secured 
from Martin Zwuedert. Mr. Zwuedert, whose children spelled 
their names Swickard, was one of the Hessians captured at 
Trenton. His services as a teamster in the Sandusky Expedi- 
tion of Colonel Crawford were such that he was given a section 
of government land as a reward. This land grant, signed by 
Thomas Jefferson, is still in the possession of the Swickard fam- 
ily. He was a member of Good Hope until 1816, when he helped 
the Methodists to found Tabor Church. “The devil entered 
Martin Swickard, and the church doors were closed against him” 
was the comment of Pastor Reinhard. The year 1816 seems to 
have been a year of trouble in Good Hope. Up to this time the 
Reformed and Lutherans had worshipped together in the old log 
church. Then a question of land title was raised, and the Re- 
formed moved the church to a new site near Shelly’s school 
house, while the Lutherans raised a fund of $429.25, and built a 
small frame church in the cemetery. The old record gives the 
names of the following persons as subscribers to this fund: 


Adams, Mrs. Marie Haut, Tacob Ostertag, Martin (2) 
Alt, Andreas Heits, Christian Ostertag, Christian (2) 
Armstrong, Benjamin Heits, Michael Ostertag, Jacob 
Arnhold, Daniel Heits, George Reidnauer, David (2) 
Bauer, Joh Heits, Johannes (2) Reider, John 

Bender, Jacob Kasmer, Michael Reider, George 
Bender, Elizabetha Kleckner, Friedrich Reinhard, John 
Billman, Conrad Kneisley, Jacob Roth, Joseph 

Brods, Karl Kolb, August Schweinford, Gabriel 
Eberhard, Jacob Kraf, Jonas Sommerladen, Valentin 
Friedrich, Nicolaus Kraf, Jacob Sommerladen, Michael 
Faril, Wilhelm Kraf, Petrus Steinbrecher, Johann 
Grimm, Abraham Lang, George Stembel, Jacob 

Haus, Johannes Ludwig, Emmanuel Sterm, Paulus 
Haushalter, Petrus Mehbel, Benjamin Striby, Christian 
Haut, Heinrich Meyer, George Wile, Joh. George 
‘Haut, George Moschrosch, Jacob Zwuedert, Dani (2) 
Haut, Christian Nothstein, Jonas (2) Zwuedert, Mrs. Maria 


This frame church was moved and converted into a cooper 
shop in 1852, and a new church built on the old site at a cost of 
$500. It was dedicated by Pastor Dennis Swaney, June 20, 1852. 





RECORD OF THE FOUNDING OF GOOD HOPE CHURCH, OSAGE, OHIO 


OLDEST LUTHERAN CHURCH OF OHIO 


730 HISTORY OH TT EeRU RLS BURGH SyanoD 


The successor of Pastor Reinhard was Pastor James Manning, 
a typical backwoodsman, and one of the most effective preachers 
of his day. He introduced English services in the face of much 
opposition, and argued that it was the only way to preserve Lu- 
theran faith in the community. He completed two pastorates in 
Good Hope, 1825-1839, and 1859-1864. During his first pas- 
torate, May 13, 1837, he orgainzed Bethel Church of Tunnel 
Hill. Two churches were built on the farm of Adam Kolb, the 
first of brick and the second of frame, the latter being removed 
to Wellsville after the disbandment of the congregation. ~Dur- 
ing the second pastorate of Pastor Manning, the large number 
of Democrats in the parish kept matters in a constant turmoil, 
for Pastor Manning was a fierce Abolitionist. Many a sermon 
in Good Hope was closed with a ringing peroration on the Demo- 
crats, who never seemed able to answer or control him. One of 
the members appealed to the president of the Pittsburgh Synod 
for relief, and a diplomatic visit was made and a. sermon 
preached on the virtue of bridling the tongue. After the sermon 
Pastor Manning made some complimentary remarks, and then 
launched out into one of, the fiercest political speeches of his pas- 
torate. At the time of Morgan’s raid many feared that his 
enemies would take advantage of it to have him killed, but the 
bravest man in the parish was Pastor James Manning. From 
1869 to 1884 Good Hope passed through a trying period of isola- 
tion; then a parish was formed of Good Hope, St. Paul’s, and 
Bethel. Under this arrangement the church recovered a measure 
of its strength, but a second isolation, 1894-1908, led to almost 
irreparable loss. Since 1908 it has been connected with St. Paul’s 
and Wellsville. The following is a list of pastorates: Rev. 
Johannes Stauch, 1804-1812; Rev. John Reinhard, 1812-1825; 
Rev. James Manning, 1825-1839; Rev. Benjamin Pope, 1839- 
1843; Rev. Amos Bartholomew, 1843-1848; Rev. George Baugh- 
man, 1849-1850; Rev. Dennis Swaney, 1850-1853; Rev. David 
Sparks, 1853-1859; Rev. James Manning (second term), 1859- 
1864; Rev. Jacob Singer, 1864-1869; Supplies, 1869-1878; Rev. 
A H. Kinnard, 1878-1882; Rev. C. L. Holloway, 1884-1886; 
Rev. J. F. Booher, 1887-1889; Rev. Owen Reber, 1890-1893; 
Rev. E. J. Meissner, 1896- 1897; Supplies, 1897- 1908: Rev G ue 
Read, 1908-1912; Rev. [ECR Rupp, 1914-. 


ZIONS EVANGELICAL LULHERANI(CHURCH 
GERMANO, HARRISON COUNTY, OHIO 
During the years 1802-1805 several German families settled 


a few miles east of Germano. Pastor Johannes Stauch visited 
them in 1805, and organized them into a union Lutheran and 


HISTORY OFS EHE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 731 


Reformed congregation. 
It is said that he left the 
Spinitual medrere Oke. LIS 
church to two Seaman 
brothers, when he re- 
turned to his Pennsyl- 
vania home in the fall. 
When Pastor Stauch lo- 
cated in Ohio in 1806, 
this church, was’ made 
one of his eleven regular 
appointments. A log 
church was built on land | 
donated by Christophel 

Schaber, and the church } 
was generally called Iz 


Sochaben st JACCOLdinG Sil 
eee) 
to the written statement i Lg 


= 
of Pastor John Rein- (i 
hard, “the first leading <) 
men who built the Zion’s 
Church were Christophel Schaber, George Helwig, Jacob Schuss, 
and others. The first Church Council were Christophel Schabé1 
and George Helwig. After that followed George Schuss, Jacob 
Beckley, Jacob Schaber Sr., Peter Heimbach, George Megsel, 
Jacob Lebenguth, Johannes Wagner, Andreas Flickinger, Fried- 
rich Druckenmiller, and Christophel Abel.” The church ground 
was not conveyed to the trustees of “Zion’s Lutherian and Ger- 
man Reformed Church” until September 19, 1838, when the 
heirs of Christophel Schaber executed a deed. The tract con- 
tained over two acres, and still holds the bodies of many of the 
German pioneers. Their second pastor was Rev. John Reinhard, 
1812-1825, who did a great work for the congregation. . The first 
constitution was adopted in 1824. After short pastorates by Rev. 
Johannes Wagenhals and Student John Schafer, Pastor Dewalt 
Rothacker took charge of the church with a strong hand and 
built up a large congregation. At a communion service held in 
Zion by him, May 28, 1830, the following persons communed: 


















Berger, Heinrich Fischer, Katharina Hilbert, Johann and wife 
Berger, Johann Fuss, Wilhelm Hilbert, Susanna 
Berger, Philip Grimm, Daniel and wife Hilbert, Daniel 
Berger, Jacob Grimm, ‘Sofia Hilbert, Maria 
Berger, George Grimm, Hanna Holsmann, Martin 
Berger, Peter Grimm, Abraham Holsmann, Katharina 
Berger, Susanna Grimm, Katharina Holsmann, Lydia 
Berger, Elizabetha Hahn, Jonathan Juengling, Joseph 
Berger, Rebecca Hahn, Johann Juengling, Jacob 
Druckenmiller, Marg. Hahn, Katharina Juengling, Johann 
Eberhard, John and wife Hahn, Alma Tuengling, Barbara 
Fischer, Martin Hahn. Lydia Kondo, Jeremias 
Fischer, Johann Heimbach, Peter and wife Kondo, Hanna 


Fischer, Elizabetha Heimbach, George Kondo, Margaretha 


732 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


Lebenguth, Jacob Sawel, Michael and wife Schuss, George Jr., and wiie 
Lebenguth, Christina Schaber, Jacob chuss, Sara 
Lebenguth, Maria Schaber, Elizabetha Stahl, Jacob 
Lebenguth, Rachel Schaber, Rosina Stahl, Elizabetha 
Meiksel, Peter Schaber, Katharina Stahl, Michael 
Meiksel, Susanna Schaber, Margaretha Stahl, Rachel 
Miller, Christina Schaber, Samuel Stahl, Rachel 
Riegel, Margaretha Schaber, Maria and Sara Strasbach, Peter 
Roths, Jacob and Michael Schaber, Rebecca Strasbach, Elizabetha 
Roths, Sara Anna Schmidt, Katharina Weining, Barbara 
Roths, George Schneider, Katharina Werle, Heinrich 
Roths, Elizabetha Schuss, George and wife Wilson, Katharina 


The Reformed withdrew in 1835 and dedicated a church in 
Germano, and this led the Lutherans to build and dedicate a new 
frame church on the old site in 1837. This building is still stand- 
ing in the old burial ground on the Miller farm, but was aband- 
oned in 1870, when a brick church was built in Germano at a 
cost of $9,000. This church was dedicated by Pastor J. A. Roof, 
July 6, 1873. Wrecked by a cyclone in 1881, it was rebuilt at a 
cost of $7,000, and dedicated by Pastor G. H. Gerberding, April 
29, 1883. While the congregation has been steadily reduced in 
numbers in recent years, the spirit and faith of the fathers abide. 
The Miller family of Zion has sent three sons into the ministry: 
Charles D. Miller, D. D. Miller, and Jesse Leroy Miller. The 
pastorates were: Rev. Johannes Stauch, 1805-1812; Rev. John 
Reinhard, 1812-1825; Rev. Johannes Wagenhals, 1825-1826; 
Student John Schafer, 1827-1828; Rev. Dewalt Rothacker, 1829- 
1839; Rev. Benjamin Pope, 1839-1843; Rev. Amos Bartholo- 
mew, 1843-1848; Rev. George Baughman, 1849-1850; Rev. David 
Sparks, 1851-1858; Rev. James Manning, 1859-1864; Rev. Jacob 
Singer, 1864-1870; Rev. J. A. Roof, 1870-1877; Rev. D. M. 
Kemerer, 1877-1881; Rev. G. H. Gerberding, 1881-1887; Rev. 
Jonathan Sarver, 1887-1890; Rev. John Shunk, 1891-1895; Rev. 
F. P. Cook, 1896-1909; Rev. W. L. Langhans, 1910-1913; Rev. 
H. K. Shanor, 1914-1919; Rev. F. C. Snyder, 1921-1925; Rev. 
F. Will, 1925-. 


GOOD HOPE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
NORTH LIMA, OHIO 


The first settlers of this community came from Pennsyl- 
vania, and built their log cabins in the wilderness as early as 
1804. They were chiefly Germans, but poor early records 
make it hard to give a complete list of the family names. The 
founder of the church, as the name suggests, was Father 
Stauch, who is said to have conducted services here as early 
as 1805. The first trustees of the church were elected in 
1806, and this has been accepted as the date of organization. 
The first catechetical class was confirmed by Pastor Stauch 
in the barn of Christian Seidner in 1808, but he left no record 
of the communion held on the same day. The only record 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD oo 


of baptism left by Pastor Stauch was that of the five children 
of Friedrich Sponseller, the oldest having been born, Decem- 
ber 26, 1804. On October 13, 1810, Nathanael Routseng and 
wife conveyed a tract of ground to Michael Dutterer, Adam 
Hahn, John Shanefeld, and Christopher Mentzer, trustees, “for 
the purpose and use of the German Lutherian and Presbyterian 
Societies or Congregations’, and a log church was built on this 
ground during that year. Although constructed of logs, it was 
built according to the church ideals of southern Germany, with a 
gallery on three sides and a high pulpit above the altar. The panel 
work on the front of the pulpit and galleries is said to have 
been very fine. It served the congregation as a place of wor- 
ship for sixty years. The relations between the Reformed 
and Lutherans in the earlier years were so cordial that the 
pastors asisted each other in the administration of the sacra- 
ment of the altar. Their first union constitution was adopted 
in 1813, and it is thought that this was the year when Pastor 
Stauch was succeeded by his pupil, Pastor Heinrich Huet. 
Pastor Huet served Good Hope for 36 years, often travelling 
on foot for thirty miles in order to meet his engagements in 
a parish of fourteen churches. When he died at a ripe old 
age, February 16, 1855, his body was laid to rest in Bethlehem 
cemetery at Youngstown. His successor was Pastor Samuel 
Baeschler, who was granted ad interim license by the Ohio 
Synod, May 20, 1849, in order to serve North Lima Parish. 
His record shows that he served a parish of six churches un- 
til November, 1856, when illness led him to take a rest. His 
successors were Rey. Gottlieb Kranz, 1857-1861, and J. F. 
Nuoffer, 1862-1865, but it is hard to distinguish the time of 
these pastorates, since the records of ministerial acts seem 
to intermingle. Pastor Baeschler completed a second pastor- 
ate here, 1869-1874, during which there was a separation of 
the Lutherans from the Reformed, the former building a new 
brick church in North Lima for $4,000. The last of the Ohio 
Synod pastors retired in 1881, when a call was extended to 
ev) SeAve). Zahneotithe Pittsburgh synod.. The’ parish 
united with the Pittsburgh Synod in 1884, and has been served 
by the pastors of that body ever since. During the pastorate 
of Rev. S$. L. Harkey, 1888-1891, the German language was 
displaced by the English. Under Pastor D. B. Stahlman a 
more serviceable constitution was adopted. The parsonage was 
built for $1,820 in 1901, and the interior of the church was 
renovated during the following year. Five of the sons of 
Good Hope have entered the ministry: H. F. Obenauf, P. E. 
Baisler, Ezra Houk, Aaron Houk, and S. H. Yerian. During 
the long pastorate of Rev. John H. Graf, 1909-1923, there was 
a remarkable development in the benevolent work of the 


734 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


church. The pastorates in their order were: Rev. Johannes 
Stauch, 1806-1813; Rev. Heinrich Huet, 1813-1849; Rev. Sam- 
uel Baeschler, 1849-1856; Rev. Gottlieb Kranz, 1857-1861; 
Rev,” J. F. WNuofter; 1862-18654", Rev.) C, Al J,“Cramer,; 18652 
1869; Rev. Samuel Baeschler (second term), 1869-1874; Rev. 
P. Raether, 1874-1881; Rev. Herman Gilbert (supply), 1881- 
1882s"Rev. JA’ Ji Zahn, 882-1884; Reves Harkey 
1888-1891; Rev. D. B. Stahlman, 1891-1895; Rev. William 
Weicksel, 1895-1899; Rev. T. F. Weiskotten, 1900-1904; Rev. 
G. Ay Fechner, 1904-1908 Reve". HY Grat, 190971023. 
Theodore Hoffmeister, 1923-. 


ST. PAUL’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
ANNAPOLIS, JEFFERSON COUNTY, OHIO 


This church was organized by Pastor John Reinhard in 1814. 
While the distance to “Schaber’s” was not great, and John Zim- 
merman, Jacob Leas and others often walked there to church, 

Pastor Reinhard fre- 


: SESS : quently held services in 
LE i an old log building that 
Ge oe oo od 5 ii : 
GD - WSS ew Gy ta 2G. 4 stood in the Leas ceme- 
ly ACTION cess ig tery, and these services 
C05, _ ket) ripened into a church or- 


\ ganization. 47 Avi tei mea 
church was built in An- 
napolis, this log church 
was used for a number 
school 


yy OLt.yealsynacera 
AA? house. The first church 
. erected by the Lutherans 








in the town is now used 
as ja Grange jElall; athe 
second was built on Main 








(Ba 


oye z 
i 


street in 1872, and is still 
used as a place of wor- 
ship. It is a plain frame 
building, and cost about 


$2,000. The German 


pioneers of this community came chiefly from Maryland, Vir- 
ginia, and Pennsylvania. Some of them were soldiers of the 
continental army; a few were Hessians of the English army, 
who preferred a home on the American frontier to a return to 
the Fatherland. The old grave stones of the Leas cemetery 
prove that they were a hardy and long-lived race. The first 
members of the St. Paul’s Church were the following: 


HISTORWORCIHEAPIVISBURGH SYNOD 735 


Albaugh, Catherine Calhoun, Rebecca Schultz, Mary 


Baer, Catherine Cloman, Margaret Shoemaker, Jacob 
Baer, Susan Graden, Sophia Shoemaker, Adam 
Bartholomew, Alex Leas, Jacob Shoemaker, Andrew 
Bartholomew, Mrs. A. Leas, William Strayer, Andrew 
Bartholomew, Flora Miser, Henry and George Strayer, Samuel 
Bowers, William Mug, Mary Vance, Anna 
Bowers, Sarah A. Mull, Samuel Wyant, Mary E. 
Burchfield, Mary Myers, Samuel Zimmerman, John 


For a long time St. Paul’s was a part of Jewett Parish; 
since 1914 it has been connected with Osage and Wellsville. The 
pastors were: Rev. John Reinhard, 1814-1825; Rev. James Man- 
ning, 1825-1839; Rev. Benjamin Pope, 1839-1843; Rev. Amos 
Bartholomew, 1843-1848; Rev. George Baughman, 1849-1850; 
Rev. Dennis Swaney, 1850-1853; Rev. David Sparks, 1853-1859; 
Rev. James Manning (second term), 1859-1864; Rev. Jacob 
singer, 1664-1869; Rev. J. A. Roof, 1870-1877; Rev. D. M: 
Kemerer, 1877-1881; Rev. G. H. Gerberding, 1881-1883; Rev. 
C. L. Holloway, 1884-1886; Rev. J. F. Booher, 1887-1889; Rev. 
Owen Reber, 1890-1893; Rev. John Shunk, 1894-1895; Rev. F. 
P. Cook, 1896-1909; Supplies, 1909-1914; Rev. J. C. F. Rupp, 
1914-. 


eo hhh OP ON LEW is eV Nee RAN COU RCH 
NEW ROMLEY, HARRISON COUNTY, OHIO 


The oldest records of this church are dated, July 26, 1829, 
but mention is made of Romley Church in the minutes of the 
Ohio Synod as early as 1826. How much earlier than 1826 the 
church was organized 
cannot be told, but the 
fact that Pastor Johannes 
Wagenhals reported it as ps 
one of his churches in @S2eq CEN ee eNews 
1826 leads us to think i ao 
that he was its founder 
in that year. According 
to the synodical record, 
mvViraweochater: esupplied 
pelaber sun andy oniley.,, 
1827-1828, and was or- 
dained by the Ohio Syn- 
od a few years later. 
Rev. Dewalt Rothacker 
accepted a call to the par- ae ok 
ish, July 26, 1829, and aut 
served with much success cers 
for ten years. ‘The or- — aE sores 
Paiization Oi eLs arsit, Ort 
Wagenhals was a union e 


























736 HISTORY (OF HE (PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


church, whose first constitution was adopted, April 26, 1834, 
when the following were classed as members: 


Dumfrey, Rebecca Kimmel, Adam - Renecker, Daniel and wife 
Erbaugh, James Kimmel, Sofia Renecker, Lydia 
Erbaugh, John and wife Knauff, John and wife Sawvel, Rebecca 

Fischer, Esther Knopf, Peter and wife Schilling, Jacob 

Gibler, Katharina Knopf, Jacob and wife Schilling, Christian 
Gibler, Elizabetha Little, Christina Shambaugh, Christian 
Gottschalk, Jos. and wife Long, Samuel and wife Shawber, John 
Gottschalk, Jonas and wife Long, Elizabetha Sheafer, Jacob and wife 
Gutry, William and wife Manbeck, Margaret Sheafer, John and wife 
Hendricks, Mary A. Markley, David and wife Sheafer, George and wife 
Hespelhorn, John and wife Meinerd, John and wife Shearer, Elizabetha 
Kimmel, John and wite Meinerd, John Jr., and wife Sneary, Jacob and wife 
Kimmel, Frederick and wife Renecker, Lydia A. Trusdill, John 

Kimmel, David Renecker, John and wife Trusdill, Mrs. John 


Since there were but four Reformed families in the church, a 
meeting was held, August 27, 1847, at which it was unanimously 
agreed to reorganize as “St. Bartholomew’s Evangelical Lu- 
theran Church.” A petition to the legislature was adopted, ask- 
ing that the charter of the union church be repealed, and a new 
charter granted to St. Bartholomew’s. The fact that Rev. Amos 
Bartholomew was pastor at the time may have had something to 
do with the new name. The constitution recommended by the 
Ohio Synod was then adopted. The first officers of the new 
organization were John Erbaugh, Elias Lowmiller, Joseph 
Gottschalk, Samuel Shearer, Isaac Simmons, John Erbaugh Jr., 
and Jonathan Kimmel. The corner stone of a brick church was 
laid by Pastor Bartholomew during the same year, but the build- 
ing was not finished until August 10, 1879, when it was dedicated 
by Pastor D. M. Kemerer. Repairs were made at the time of 
the dedication at a cost of $1,000, which included a tower and 
bell. The parish of Pastor Rothacker in 1829 included Schaber’s, 
Romley, Centerville, Hersch, Sandyville, and Waynesburg; but 
the parish admitted to the Pittsburgh Synod in 1872 consisted 
of Jewett, Germano, and New Romley. The congregation has 
never numbered more than 90 members, the enrollment in 1919 
being 44. General George Armstrong Custer of Indian fighting 
fame was born in this parish, and was a frequent attendant at 
church with the young men of his age. He was highly esteemed 
by the members of the congregation. The pastors were: Rev. 
Johannes Wagenhals, 1826; Student John Schafer, 1827-1828; 
Rev. Dewalt Rothacker, 1829-1839; Rev. Benjamin Pope, 1839- 
1843; Rev. Amos Bartholomew, 1843-1848; Rev. George Baugh- 
man, 1849-1850; Rev. David Sparks, 1851-1858; Rev. Henry 
Acker, 1858-1865; Rev. J. M. Long, 1866-1868; Rev. J. A. 
Roof, 1869-1876; Rev. D. M. Kemerer, 1877- 1881; Rev. G. H. 
Gerberding, 1881- 1887; Rev. Jonathan Sarver, 1887- 1891; Rev. 
John Shunk, 1891-1895 : Rev. F. P. Cook, 1896-1909; Rev. W. 
L,. Langhans, 1910-1913: Rev. H. K. Shanor, 1914-1919: Rev. 
F.C. Snyder,.1921-1925* Rev. F:- 1. Willy 1925-. 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 737 


PARADISE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
NEW BUFFALO, MAHONING COUNTY, OHIO 


About the year 1848 Pastor F. C. Becker of Lordstown 
began to hold services on Paradise Hill. A union Reformed 
and Lutheran Church was organized in 1849, and plans were 
adopted for the building of a church. On December 27, 1849, 
Candidate Samuel Baeschler was given permission to serve 
the newly established congregation. ‘The corner stone of a 
church was laid by Pastor Becker, August 28, 1849, and the 
building was dedicated by Pastor Baeschler, May 9, 1850. It 
was a small frame building, painted white, with two entrances 
on the west side. The pews were divided by a central parti- 
tion, the men sitting on one side and the women on the other. 
All services in this church were conducted in German, alter- 
nating between Reformed and Lutheran. On Sunday morn- 
ing, May 1, 1881, as the Reformed were preparing for serv- 
ices, the church was burned to the foundation. After this loss 
the Lutherans decided to rebuild in New Buffalo, where 
ground for church and burial purposes was donated by Frank 
Beard. The kind donor was not permitted to worship in the 
new church, for his body was laid to rest in the new burial 
ground while the church was yet unfinished. The building 
was dedicated by Pastor J. A. J. Zahn in 1882, and given a 
thorough renovation during the pastorate of Rev. D. B.. Stahl- 
man. The history of the congregation has been one of con- 
stant struggle amid trying conditions. Located in a rural 
community, with never more than 80 members, it has been 
difficult to repair the loss of continuous removal to the cities. 
The following pastors: have served here: Rev. F. C. Becker, 
1849; Rev. Samuel Baeschler, 1849-1856; Rev. Gottlieb Kranz, 
Beil oole teh Cvs es) eho a Niuofrers186241865,., Rev, ‘CosA.~). 
Cramer, 1865-1869; Rev. Samuel Baeschler (second term) 
186951874; ‘Rev. P. Raether, 1874-1881; Rev. J. A. J. Zahn, 
soc sloose Severo. Pankey) Wa 1ese-1S0lt Reve DyaB.: . 
Stahlman, 1891-1895; Rev. William Weicksel, 1895-1899; Rev. 
T. F. Weiskotten, 1900-1904; Rev. G. A. Fechner, 1904-1908; 
Rev. J. H. Graf, 1909-1923; Rev. Theodore Hoffmeister, 1923-. 


ST. JAMES EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
JEWETT, OHIO 


The organization of St. James was due to members of Zion 
and St. Bartholomew’s living in Jewett and the vicinity, who 
desired a more convenient place of worship. Pastor Henry 
Acker organized the congregation in 1859 with the following 
members: 


738 HISTORY?) ObeTH BPI DDS BURGH S Not) 


Arbaugh, Levi Lucas, Mrs. Mary Schuss, George and wife 
Arbaugh, John Mikesell, Jos. and wife Schuss, John and wife 
Arbaugh, J. J. and wife Mikesell, Daniel Schuss, George, Jr. 
Bloomis, William Nupp, Simon Shambaugh, Mrs. Maria 
Bloomis, Mrs. William Nupp, Mrs. Henry Shambaugh, Mrs. Catherine 
Bushy, Mrs. Sarah Orr, Mrs. Sarah Simmons, Isaac and wife 
Hazlett, Mrs. D. Ort, “Mrs. Lavinia Simmons, George and wife 


Hoobler, Isaac and wife Reid, Benjamin and wife Simmons, Uriah 
Hoobler, Emanuel and wife Ridenour, Mrs. Elizabeth Simmons, William, Jr. 
Horner, Mrs. Sarah Schilling, Jacob and wife Simmons, Margaret 
Kimmel, Mrs. Susanna Schilling, Eli and wife Stahl, John and wife 
Laughlin, Mrs. James Schilling, Martin and wife Stahl, George and wife 
Lucas, Mrs. Thomas Schilling, Frank Stahl, George, Jr. 

Church ground was donated by John Stahl, and a frame 
church was erected and dedicated early in the pastorate of Rev. 
Henry Acker. This building served as a place of worship until 
1879, when it was sold 
and a new church built. 
This second church was 
erected on the same site 
in Gothic style, 36x64, 
with a corner tower and 
bell owand= ¥cost pore: 
The corner stone was 
laid), Way (12 aels79-sand 
the church dédicatedsapy, 
Pastor D. M. Kemerer, 
August 31, 1879, while 
the Pittsburgh Synod 
was in session here. ‘The 
congregation then num- 
bered 108 members. Un- 
der” the” leadérshipasar 


Ke 
oye Pastor Hy) Kem Shana 
a | 



































the building was veneer- 
ed with brick and stone 
at a cost of $4,500. The 
repairs included the reconstruction of the tower, the building of 
a substantial retaining wall along the street, and the enlarging 
and remodelling of the chancel. The service of rededication was 
held, December 6, 1914, when the pastor was assisted by Rev. D. 
M.. Kemerer.. The parsonage was built in 1889 at+a cost of 
$1,850. St. James Church is proud of the fact that in this par- 
ish Doctor G. H. Gerberding wrote his Lutheran classic, ‘The 
Way of Salvation.” The congregation was connected with the 
Ohio Synod until August 23, 1873, when the four congregations 
of Fairview Parish were received with Pastor J. A. Roof into 
the Pittsburgh Synod. A consecutive list of pastorates is as 
follows: Rev. Henry Acker, 1859-1866; Rev. J. M. Long, 1866- 
1868; Rev. J..A. Roof, 1869-1876; Rev. D. M. Kemerer, 1877- 
1881; Rev. G. H. Gerberding, 1881-1887; Rev. Jonathan Sarver, 


His lORWCOR DHE PITISBURGH SYNOD 739 


D.D., 1887-1891; Rev. John Shunk, 1891-1895; Rev. F. P. Cook, 
1896-1909; Rev. W. S. Langhans, 1910-1913; Rev. H. K. Shanor, 
1914-1920: Rev. F. C. Snyder, 1921-1925; Rev. F. L,., Will, 1925-. 


SOE Oe ANGE ICAL sh UW LHERANSCHURCH 
FAS IEIVERPOOL, OHIO 


When Rev. John G. Pfuhl became pastor of the Steuben- 
ville-Bridgewater Mission of the Pittsburgh Synod in Sep- 
tember, 1862, his attention was drawn to East Liverpool by 
Doctor W. A. Passavant. Here he succeeded in organizing a 
mission church of thirty-six members in May, 1863. Among 
the original members, whose names can now be recalled, were 
the following: 


Dietrich, Mrs. Caroline Mantz, Katharina Udick, Heinrich 

Dietz, Henry, Sr. ' Mast, Johann Waechter, George 

Erbsen, Wilhelm Mueller, Andreas Weibel, Mrs. Johann 
Fleutke, Wilhelm and wife Nagel, Friedrich Wohlmacher, Johann 
Fritz, Johann Nagel, Mrs. Auguste Wohlmacher, Mrs. Johann 
Greutzebach, Friedrich Paternoster, August Wucherer, Gottlob 
Greutzebach, Mrs. Fried Schroeder, Philip Wucherer, Karl 

Kleinlagel, Mrs. Auguste Trautmann, Peter Wucherer, Sophie 


A good building lot was secured at a cost of $50, on 
which a small brick church, 25x35, was erected. The corner 
stone was laid, August 3, 1867, and the building dedicated by 
Pastor Ewald Giese, October 27, 1867. At the time of this 
dedication the membership had been reduced to twenty. Pas- 
tor Giese prepared an excellent constitution, which has been 
been preserved as the law of the congregation to the present 
day. A charter was secured, February 3, 1868, but this was 
replaced by another, April 16, 1886. After the resignation of 
Dacron Gicse, pulyeleml ooo. snheva ©.)..oteinbach served {rom 
1sGceato LOO wands Reva [ohne Kritz frommds70 “ton 1872. 
For the next nine years the mission maintained a precarious 
existence, subsisting chiefly on supplies. The officers of the 
congregation determined to close the doors of the church in 
1881 on account of hard times; but better counsels prevailed, 
and Rev. Gustav Schultz served the congregation in connec- 
tion with St. Paul’s of New Castle from October 1, 1882, to 
October 1, 1884. After another short experiment with sup- 
ples, Rev. John Gottfried Reinartz was called, and became 
the regular pastor immediately after his ordination, June 29, 
1886. While he could find but twenty-four of the reported 
members, the little brick church was soon overcrowded with 
worshippers. Fire almost wrecked their church on the day 
before Easter, 1887, but the repairs were quickly made as the 
work moved forward. A substantial parsonage was also 
erected. From 1887 to 1899 Wall Rose was connected with 


740 HISTORY-OF THE’ PLPPSBURGH*SY NOD 


East Liverpool, in order that a proper salary might be given 
to the pastor; after the separation of the two churches mis- 
sion aid was continued to St. John’s until 1906, when the con- 
gregation of 180 members assumed self-support. ‘The corner 
stone of the present church was laid, July 19, 1896, and the 
building dedicated by Pastor Reinartz, November 29, 1896. 
It was built of brick and trimmed with Berea stone, with a 
cross crowned steeple 110 feet high, at a cost of $10,000. The 
Sunday School room was remodelled for graded work in 1921, 
and the exterior of the building was encased in stucco in 1923, 
at a total cost of $10,000. The hazardous work on the tower 
and gold cross was done by skilled workmen from Dallas, 
Texas. ‘The service of rededication was conducted by Pastor 
Reinartz, November 4, 1923. An adjoining lot on Third Street 
was bought in 1904, on which it is proposed to build a parish 
house. The following is a list of the regular pastorates: Rev. 
Je-Ge Piuhly 1863-18655 Rev. Bab aGieses 186621663 shovels 
Steinbach, 1868-1870; Rev. John Fritz, 1870-1872; Supplies, 
1872-1877; Rev. Michael Kuchler, 1877-1878; Supplies, 1878- 
1882; Rev. Gustav Schultz, 1882-1884, Supplies, 1885-1886; 
Rev. sGmRemarty 1). Desloco- 


oT JOHNS EVANGELICAL EU THE RAINS CLIUTR GE 
MARTINS FERRY, OHIO 


Little is known of the early history of St. John’s Church, 
except that it was regularly organized by Pastor Friedrich 
in 1864 in the United Presbyterian Church. Among the char- 
ter members were Henry Helling, Louise Meyers, Fred 
Knapp, Charles Schwartz, August Rothermund, Jacob Braun, 
Charles Seabright, William Otte, and Henry Floto. Prior to 
this time the Lutherans of the community attended church 
services in Wheeling. Their first church building was erected 
and dedicated in 1867. When Rev. John Fritz was com- 
missioned as pastor of the Steubenville Mission in 1870, he 
was asked by the Pittsburgh Synod to give attention to this 
field. He found a congregation of forty members, and served 
it from October 1, 1870, to August 17, 1875, building up a suc- 
cessful German church of more than one hundred members. 
In his early days, Pastor Fritz was a missionary in the Holy 
Land, where he lost an arm in the service of the Christ. He 
married one’ of the members of St. John’s, and did much to 
establish order and system in the congregation. His  suc- 
cessors for a period of twenty years were pastors of the Joint 
Synod of Ohio. During this period the present church was 
dedicated by Pastor P. G. Doepkin. The’ next Pittsburgh 


HISTORYOR-THE-PITTSBURGH SYNOD 741 


Synod pastor was Rev. Paul Kummer, who gave faithful serv- 
ice from 1895 to 1901. During his pastorate a dissatisfaction 
arose in the congregation, which resulted in the organization 
of Zion Church. All the successors of Pastor Kummer have 
been pastors of the Pittsburgh Synod. Pastor George Jo- 
hannes served from 1901 to 1914, during which the church was 
thoroughly renovated, the service of rededication being held, 
September 18, 1910. The next pastor was Rev. C. Frederick 
Frank, through whose efforts a large three-manual pipe or- 
gan was installed at a cost of $4,650. This fine instrument 
was dedicated, November 25, 1917. Pastor Frank also intro- 
duced the German liturgy of the. General Council. His suc- 
cessor was Rev. Herman K. Dietrich, who began his work, 
July 1, 1919, and succeeded in building up the congregation 
from 135 to 300 members within four years. St. John’s has a 
Sunday School of 282 members, a Senior and Junior Luther 
League, a Women’s Missionary Society and a Sewing Circle, 
all of which are strong and efficient auxiliaries. German 
services are held onthe first and third Sundays of each 
month; all other services are conducted in English. The fol- 
lowing is an approximate list of the pastorates: Rev. Fried- 
rich, Rev. William H. Berkemeier, Rev. Oestermeier and Rev. 
Waliers, 1864-1870; Rev. John Fritz, 1870-1875; Rev. Becker, 
1875-1876; Rev. H. Kunkel, 1876; Rev. Julius Koehler, 1877; 
Rev. G. H. Schodde, 1878-1880; Rev. P. G. Doepkin, 1881- 
1894; Rev. Paul Kummer, 1895-1901; Rev. George Johannes, 
1901-1914; Rev. C. F. Frank, 1915-1919; Rev. H. K. Dietrich, 
LOIO?. 


Sew OE VANGEEIGAlZ CU DAE RAN CHURC EL 
WARREN, OHIO 


About the year 1858 a German Evangelical Church was 
organized in this community, in which a number of Lutherans 
were interested. None of the records of this organization 
can be found and little can be said of it. On Monday, Septem- 
ber 7, 1868, the Lutherans met in Daniel Bischof’s Hall, and 
decided to organize a separate congregation, and incorporate 
as the “German Evangelical Lutheran St. Paul’s Church of 
Warren, Ohio”. Henry Bohl was president, and August Dietz 
secretary of this meeting. The following’ officers were 
elected iuliis Jiline. andi George, Schall; elders; | Johann 
Baehr and Ludwig Ripper, deacons; and John Buchsteiner, 
Friedrich Brautigam, George Clement, Friedrich Scheller, and 
Michael Goelz, trustees. The constitution was adopted, Sep- 
tember. 15, 1868, and revised; October. .23,..18/70. A. frame 


742 HISTOR YOR “PER Pin top UR GH toy Ne) 


church was built on South Vine street at ‘a cost of $2,500, 
which was dedicated by Pastors Meiser, Schulze, and Becker, 
May 8, 1870. Among those who subscribed to the building 
fund were the following: 


Baehr, Johann Friedrich, Wilhelm Meier, Friedrich 
Balzer, Philip Gaertner, Philip (2) Mex, Adam 

Beck, Philip Gaertner, Peter Michael, Wilhelm 
Bischof, Daniel Geis, E. Mies, Henry 
Blessing, Leonard Goelz, Michael Mueller, Gottlob 
Bohl, Henry Goering, Theodore Raufle, Ludwig 
Brautigam, Friedrich Goering, B. Reizel, Michael 
Buchsteiner, John Grimm, Michael Rebhan, John 
Christianer, H. Hauk, John Ripper, Ludwig 
Clement, John Herrlinger, David (2) Scheller, Friedrich 
Clement, George Hoehmann, G. Schall, "George 
Daterhel, Peter Illing, Julius Sch all. Lucas 
Dietz, Jacob Kayser, Carl Schilling, Wilhelm 
Dietz, August Klingensmith, Fr. Schilling, George 
Dietz, John Koch, John Tobin, Samuel 
Dietz, George Laemle, Jacob Uhl, John (2) 
Feher, Michael Long, |. Voit, Ludwig 
Filger, Mrs. Susanna Martin, John Weber, Heinrich 
Fischer, Christian Meck, Wilhelm Wolf, Anton 


Pastors of the Joint Synod of Ohio ministered to this 
church from the time of its organization to the close of the 
pastorate of Rev. W. L. Busch, March 29, 1908. On that day 
a committee was appointed and instructed to canvas the sen- 
timent of the congregation on the question of synodical rela- 
tions. A few days later this committee reported that the 
general sentiment was that St. Paul’s neither could nor would 
remain in the Ohio Synod. It is said that one of the reasons 
for this was the refusal of some of the Ohio Synod pastors to 
administer the sacrament to members of secret orders. The 
congregation then turned toward the Pittsburgh Synod for a 
pastor, and a call was extended to Pastor Julius John Neu- 
doerffer. In order to effect this transition, the congregation 
adopted the constitution recommended by the General Coun- 
cil, July 19, 1908. The church was admitted to the Pittsburgh 
Synod during the same year, and united with Struthers to 
form a mission parish. This arrangement was not satisfac- 
tory, and the relationship was dissolved in 1909, when Warren 
became a self-sustaining parish. Under the new order the 
congregation prospered, and was able to report a membership 
of 243 in 1923. St. Paul’s was organized as a German congre- 
gation, and English services were unknown until 1887, when 
Pastor H. J. Reimann held two evening services a month. At 
the beginning of the pastorate of Rev. J. A. Frischkorn in 
1911, one-half of the services were held in German; at the 
close of the same pastorate all German had been eliminated. 
The Vine street property, including both parsonage and 
church, was sold for $28,500, December 9, 1918, and a new site 
on the corner of Vine and High streets, 110x146, bought for 
$12,500, April 11, 1919; but the congregation was divided on 
the question of rebuilding, and their old church was occupied 


HiIsTORY.OF THE PLETSBURGH SYNOD 743 


at a heavy rental for a period of four years before they were 
able to build and dedicate the present church. The corner 
stone of the new church was laid, November 6, 1921, and the 
building dedicated by Pastor C. Krauth Spiggle, September 
17, 1922. The dedicatory sermons were preached by Doctor 
C. P. MacLaughlin and Rev. Theodore Buch. This church 
was built of tapestry brick and art stone, 42x70, and so con- 
structed that a larger church may be joined. - The interior 
was furnished according to Lutheran ideals, and is well 
equipped for service. The valuation of the fine plant is fixed 
at $65,000, on which a debt of $13,000 remained after the ded- 
ication. ‘The pastors of St. Paul’s have served in the follow- 
ing order: Supplies, 1868-1870; Rev. J. C. Schulze, 1870; Rev. 
WeeBaucti me is/leis8/oy-Revs Karlesehmidt, 1876-1877; Reve H: 
A. Schmidt, 1878-1879; Rev. P. G. Doepkin, 1880-1881; Rev. 
K. L. T. Engers, 1881-1884; Rev. H. J. Reimann, 1884-1888; 
Rev. Butz, 1888-1892; Rev. W. L. Busch, 1893-1898; Rev. A. C. 
schiff, 1898-1900; Rev. J. E. Harman, 1901-1902; Rev. W. L. 
Busch (second term), 1902-1908; Rev. J. J. Neudoerffer, 1908- 
LOU eRevin)| eA. -brischkorn, 1911-19167) Réve EF. ‘Ce snyder, 
IU 1970 Rev Cake opiccle 1921-1923] Rev; Di CeBuraite, 
1924-1925; Rev. C. E. Held, 1926-. 


Se OLIN Ser VeANGH ICAL LUE HERAN: CHURCH 
TEE LONIAZGOHI® 


St. John’s is a child of the Evangelical Lutheran Church 
of Columbiana. When the Lutherans and Reformed of Colum- 
biana dissolved their union church in 1869, those Lutherans 
living west of Columbiana decided to organize a congregation 
in Leetonia. The organization was effected by Pastor Samuel 
Baeschler, November 25, 1869, when a constitution was 
adopted and signed by the following men: 


Baeschler, Samuel Guenther, Frank Lenz, Johann F. 
Beilharz, John Kleinknecht, Gottlieb Rothfuss, David 
Fellnagel, Fred Kuegele, Frederick Stockburger, Andreas 
Flothing, William Kuegele, Jacob Wather, C. 


The first services were held in a rented hall and a neigh- 
borinewerove.s = An ideal) sitesforea church was secured) in - 
Leetonia, and building plans were made. The corner stone 
of the church was laid in 1869, and the completed building 
dedicated by Pastor Baeschler in 1870. ‘This church was 
33x45 in size, with an end gallery and a well proportioned 
steeple. The congregation has been served during the course 
of the years by pastors of the Joint Synod of Ohio, the Synod 
of North America, the Immanuel Synod, the Ministerium of 
New York, the Missouri Synod and the Pittsburgh Synod. 


744 HISTORY: OF “THE (PITTSBURGHYSYNOD 


The first of the Pittsburgh Synod pastors was Rev. T. F. 
Weiskotten, but the church was led into the fellowship of the 
synod by Rev. John H. Graf in 1917. It was organized as a 
German Church, and German was retained in the public serv- 
ices until 1914, when it gave way to the English. A parochial 
school was opened by Pastor H. FE. Stuehm of the Missouri 
Synod in 1899, but this was soon discontinued. During the 
pastorate of Rev. EF. R. Gillman, 1906-1909, a Sunday School 
room was added to the church; and in more recent years 
many improvements have been made to the property. While 
St. John’s has suffered the loss of many faithful members in 
recent years, love for the mother church has prompted those 
who remain to redouble their efforts in advancing the work. 
A proposition was made to merge with St. Paul’s in 1921, but 
the effort failed. The pastors of St. John’s have served in 
the folowing order: Rev. Samuel Baeschler, 1869-1874; Rev. 
M. Lauffer, 1874-1876; Rev. Henry Voegele, 1877-1878; Rev. 
Abraham Miller, 1880-1888; Rev. Achilles, 1888-1889; Sup- 
plies; from Salem, 1889-1895; Rev. J. H. Lindemeyer, 1895- 
1898; Rev. H. E. Stuehm, 1898-1902; Rev. T. F. Weiskotten, 
1903-1904; Student J. H. Graf (supply), 1904-1905; Rev. J. H. 
Graf, 1905-1906; Rev. E. R. Gillman, 1906-1909; Rev. J. H. 
Graf (second term), 1909-1923; Rev. Theodore Hoffmeister, 
1923-. 


GRACES EVANGELICAL VLU TEE RANG GEE hiG rt 
YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO 


The beginnings of Grace Church are found in a humble 
mission, established by Pastor Samuel Baeschler in 1872. When 
his large Mahoning Parish was divided in 1872, he moved to 
Youngstown and began mission work in the English language. 
His first place of meeting was Martin Luther Church, but this 
was soon changed to the Reading Room Hall on Federal street. 
For a short time the parish of Pastor Baeschler, consisted of 
Youngstown and two other congregations, but this was divided 
in 1874, and he continued to serve Youngstown alone until 1877. 
His successor was Rev. FE. J. Meissner, who served from 1877 to 
1887. A Sunday School was organized in 1878, Mr. F. Arnold 
serving as the first superintendent. During the summer of the 
same year a provisional constitution was adopted, in which the 
name Grace was assumed. ‘The trustees elected under this con- 
stitution were F. A. Kaercher, Henry Wendler, and Louis J. 
Bergman. Among the members of Grace Church, whose names 
appear on the earlier records, were the following: 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 745 


Baughman, Henry and wife Gessman, G. D. and wife Krepssule «5. 
Bergman, A J. and wife Haid, Joseph and John Parks, Charles 


Beard, Henry and wiie Henry, 1s Ritter, Eugene and wife 
Bierdemann, Gustav Hinkle, A. W. Sederland, Charles 
Bierdemann, I[uther Hofus, Aaron and wife Smith, H. W. and wife 
Bierdemann, Paul Kaercher, F. A. and wife Stoyer, B. 

Bierdemann, Nettie Kaercher, Hezekiah Wendler, Henry and wife 
Condor, John Kaercher, Chauncey Wendler, George H 


The hall soon proved an undesirable place of meeting, and 
steps were taken in 1880 to build a church. On March 20, 1881, 
a lot on the corner of Wood street and Belmont avenue was 
bought for $500, and a legal charter was secured, October 25, 
1881. The corner stone was laid, June 19, 1881, and the church 
dedicated, March 11, 1882. ‘The cost of this church was about 
$5,000. By congregational resolution, May 1, 1887, Grace 
Church sought admission to the Pittsburgh Synod. While it was 
admitted as a weak mission, it soon developed into a strong self- 
sustaining parish. During the pastorate of Rev. E. J. Meissner, 
1877-1887, the parish consisted of Youngstown, Girard, and 
Boardman. ‘The third pastorate was that of Rev. Homer W. 
Tope, 1888-1895, during which “the little church around the 
corner’ became one of the most attractive places of worship in 
the city. The energetic pastor added 793 members to the congre- 
gation within seven years, but many fell away owing to imperfect 
catechetical methods. A frame parsonage was also secured at a 
cost of $1,260 during this period, the Ladies Aid Society taking 
care of all deferred payments. The fourth pastor was Rev. 
Alpheus D. Potts, Ph.D., whose scholarly preaching was very 
pleasing to the congrega- 
tion, but the pastorate 
was closed by ill health 2 Fos 
within less than one year. 
The fifth pastor was 
Rev. Jesse Leroy Miller, 
DHOR avo wa'c cle p tled 
Grace Church as his first 
parish, August 1, 1897. 
Because of the location 
Ore tmenchurchwnear sthe 
noisy railroad center of 
the city, he soon learned 
that a relocation was im- 
perative. The chief ob- 
stacle in the way of this 
relocation was the mort- 
gage resting on the old 
ChurchseeebuL ethisnmwas 
burned at a _ congrega- 
tional meeting, May 30, 














746 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


1898, and plans were begun for a better church. The old church 
and parsonage were sold to the Electric Light Company for, 
$6,000, and the Claybourne property on West Rayen avenue was 
bought for $5,500, March 3, 1901. The corner stone of the sec- 
ond church was laid, August 10, 1902, and the building dedicated 
by Pastor Miller, September 6, 1903. The dedicatory sermons 
were preached by Doctors F. W. FE. Peschau and I. O. Baker. 
This church was constructed of brick and stone at a cost of 
$25,500, and the entire cost was paid within eight years. During 
the course of this pastorate the congregation has grown in its ap- 
preciation of Lutheran order, while the confirmed membership 
has increased to 791. At the silver anniversary of Doctor Miller 
in 1922, he could report that 1147 new members had been added 
to the congregation during his twenty-five years of service, and 
that $34,000 had been contributed to benevolence and $85,300 to 
local objects during the same period. A consecutive list of pas- 
torates is as follows: Rev. Samuel Baeschler, 1872-1877; Rev. 
E. J. Meissner, 1877-1887; Rev. H. W. Tope, D.D., 1888-1895 ; 
Rev. A. D® Potts, Ph.D';s 1896-1897- Rev.) Lo Milleranpse 
1897-. 


ZION’S, EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
MARTINS EE RRA OHIO 


Zion’s Church was organized by members of St. John’s 
in 1896, after mission work had been conducted by pastors 
of the Joint Synod of Ohio for nearly two years. The nine 
original members were George Dorsch, C. L. Dorsch, F. H. 
Daums, Lena Daums, Elizabeth Dorsch, Mr. Real, Louis 
Rothermel, and Theodore Myers. While Pastor Schuh was 
active in the mission work that preceded the organization, the 
first regular pastor was Rev. William H. Oelschlager, who 
served from 1896 to 1900. During his pastorate a lot on North 
Fifth street was bought for $1,000, and a building fund gath- 
ered for the erection of a church. This church cost about 
$2,800 in money, but labor and materials to the value of 
$2,000 were donated. It was dedicated by Pastor Benjamin 
F. Schillinger on Cantate Sunday of 1901. The first services 
were held in German, but this gradually gave way to English. 
Pastor Schillinger remained with the congregation from 1900 
to 1916, but there was so little development during this period 
that difficulty was experienced in securing his successor. For 
two years the parish was vacant, except for a student supply 
in the summer of 1917. In 1918 the Immigrant Mission Board 
entered into negotiations with the trustees, with the result 
that the Zion Church was federated with the St. Peter and 


HIS LORY, ORVLHE (PITTSBURGH SYNOD 747 


St. Paul Hungarian Church, March 23, 1919 to form the pres- 
ent English-Hungarian congregation. The last named had 
been served for a short time as a Hungarian mission by Pas- 
tor Julius Csernecky of the Pittsburgh Synod. The new or- 
ganization numbered 38 English and 27 Hungarian members at 
the beginning, and retained the name of Zion. Rev. Joseph 
Korntheuer was secured as pastor, since he could officiate 
acceptably in Hungariaa, German, and English. A missionary 
appropriation of $600 was made in 1919 for the support of 
the pastor, but this was gradually reduced so that the parish 
became self-sustaining in 1924. The release oi the congre- 
gation from the Joint Synod of Ohio to the Pittsburgh Synod 
was secured in 1919 by the payment of $500 to the first named. 
During this pastorate improvements were made to the prop- 
erty at a cost of $1,000, but disintegration then set in, and the 
congregation disbanded in 1925. A consecutive list of the pas- 
torates is aS follows: Rev. W. H. Oelschlager, 1896-1900; Rev. 
B. F. Schillinger, 1900-1916; Vacant, 1916-1918; Rev. Joseph 
Korntheuer, 1919-1925. 


TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
BRIDGEPORT, OHIO 


The founders of this congregation were nembers of the 
German Lutheran Church of Bridgeport, who believed that 
more English services should be provided foi their children. 
Miss Dora Heinlein was the leading spirit of aa English Luth- 
eran Sunday School, which held its first session in Heinlein 
Hall, January 10, 1897. President J. C. Kutzmann of the 
Pittsburgh Synod then visited the field, and tred to persuade 
the German Church to make some provision fa English serv- 
ices; but, when he failed in this mission of unty, the organi- 
zation of an English congregation became inperative. Rev. 
F. W. Kohler visited the field two weeks late, but the time 
was not yet ripe for an organization. The Surday School was 
continued under the care of Albert Young, ard Student John 
A. Frischkorn conducted services for them. The congrega- 
tion was organized by Rev. F. W. Kohler witi eighteen mem- 
bers, July 19, 1897. This number was incr:ased to thirty- 
three within a short time. The names follow: 


Baggs, Warren Eberle, Mrs. J. A. Kehnlein, Minnie 
Baggs, Mrs. Mary Eberle, Dora Kaatz, Mrs. Dora 
Burt, Edward T. Eberle, Edward Mhlmann, Carrie 
(shone Wiles, 1a, 4b. Eberle, Louis F. Myer, Minnie 

Cline, Wilson Eberle, Adam, Jr. Meyer, Emma 

Cline, Mrs. Emma Glass, Dora Miller, Dora 

Cline, Mrs. Mary Heinlein, Jacob A. Otsch, Margaret 
Cook, Mary Heinlein, .Dora Siepp, Mrs. Catherine 
Cook, Radie Hildebrand, Ottoman Svingle, Annie 
Duke, Mrs. Amelia Koch, Katie | Ziles, Peter 


Ehni, Katie Koch, Mrs. Barbara | Ziles, Mrs. Matilda 


748 HISTORY OF *HE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


The first regular pastor was Rev. Ernest O. Graham, who 
served from October 15, 1897, to February 27, 1901. During 
all this time the services were held in Heinlein Hall, but there 
was a steady development in the congregation. A Ladies’ 
Aid Society was organized in 1897, with Mrs. Mary Baggs as 
president. ‘Twenty-five years later Mrs. Baggs still held this 
important office. The second pastorate was that of Rev. 
Adam C. Sumons, 1901-1908, during which the present church 
property was secured. This property at the time of the pur- 
chase consisted of a corner lot improved with a good resi- 
dence. On the rear of this lot a brick church was dedicated 
by Pastor Sumons, May 14, 1905. While the development of 
Trinity has been comparatively slow, it has always included 
a splendid class of people. The vested choir, under the lead- 
ership of George C. Meister, is regarded as one of the best in 
the synod. One of the pastors*of Trinity, Rev. Robert G. 
Rosenbaum, died in the service of the parish. He conducted 
the chief setvice as usual on Sunday morning, August 31, 
1919, and was\suddenly called to his reward during the same 
afternoon. The following is a list of the regular pastorates: 
Rev. E. O. Graham, 1897-1901; Rev. A. C. Sumons, 1901-1908 ; 
Reva Gee Auee. 1908-1909; Rev. D. P. T. Crickenberger, 
1909-1917; Rey R. G. Rosenbaum, 1918-1919; Rev. W. L. 
Winner, 1921-123 ; Rev. E. P. Windman, 1923-. 

| 


| 
GRACE EYANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
|| CONNEAUT, OHIO 


\ 
\ 

Grace Chutch was organized with twenty-six members, 
May 31, 1901. Prior to that time, services were heldiinj City 
Hallvand other places; by sPastors- Gu Aw Benzene 
and F. C. Obedy. The first church officers were: George 
Clauss, HermanWrasse, George Walters, Fred Eckert, Frank 
Hoffman, and Clarles Van Horn. The congregation was ad- 
mitted to the Pttsburgh Synod in 1901, and granted a mis- 
sionary approprrtion of $400. During the summer of 1901 
Student Henry o the Philadelphia Seminary did helpful work 
Peter Riffer did similar service in the sum- 








ber 20, 1902, anq bought a lot on the corner of State and 
Sandusky streets|ten days later. Rev. Charles E. Blethen 
then became pastbr and worked faithfully in the building of 
a small brick church, but was not privileged to see it dedi- 
cated. After his resignation, May 26, 1907, the parish re- 
mained vacant for two years, during which the congregation 





HISTORY. OF: THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 749 


scarcely maintained an existence. Rev. J. C. F. Rupp became 
pastor in 1909, and did much to encourage the people during a 
pastorate of five years. A good roof was placed on the 
church, and the theatre chairs were replaced by pews. During 
the pastorate of Rev. Paul I. Morentz, 1915-1917, the base- 
ment of the church was completed and equipped for Sunday 
School work. The church was dedicated by Pastor Morentz, 
May 23, 1916, during a meeting of the Erie Conference. The 
next pastor was Rev. Frank P. Welkner, who’ took charge 
immediately after his ordination, June 22, 1918. St. John’s 
Church of Girard was then added to the parish. A consecu- 
tive ‘list fof the pastorates is as’ follows Rev. I.-H. Stetler, 
1902-1903; Rev. C. FE. Blethen, 1903-1907; Rev. J. C. F. Rupp, 


1909-1914; Rev. P. I. Morentz, 1915-1917; Rev. F. P. Welkner, 
1918-. 


ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
WELLSVILLE, OHIO 


The first Lutheran service was held in Wellsville, June 28, 
1908, and the organization of Zion Church effected, July 22, 
1908. The first constitution was adopted, December 13, 1908, 
and the charter obtained, January 25, 1909. A building lot on 
Fifteenth street was bought for $700 in 1909, on which the 
frame church of the disbanded Yellow Creek congregation was 
Poo imemate ae © COSt Lot 
$2,100. This building 
was rededicated by Pas- 
tOEpCeety Wweadvass Zicn 
Ginnrany january sll) 
Lollies astors’ sReimartz; 
eneVvitiler Sand’ Dh Ma 
Kemerer assisting in the 
service. The old building a 
was donated by the sur- : 
viving members of the 
Yellow Creek congrega- 
Hong arly Culp sel rs: 
McClain, and Mrs. Mc- 
Intosh, and their gener- 
osity was commended by 
the synod. Zion Church 
of Wellsville is therefore 
a restoration of Bethel 
Church of Yellow Creek, 
@icanizedu by; east Ger 


IO | 


PEN. 
= —: =, 





Q 





= ne ve 
yo 
= 
ee 


go 






— 
SY. 


SS 









































750 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


James Manning in 1837, although it never received any of the 
former members of Bethel into its membership. From 1908 to 
1912 Wellsville and Osage constituted a parish; after 1914 the 
St. Paul’s Church of Annapolis was added to the parish. Zion 
Church is not planted in what might be called congenial soil, but 
is a healthy plant and will grow in strength with the years. A 
list of pastorates is as follows: Rev. C. E. Read, 1908-1912; 
Rev. J. C. F. Rupp, 1914-. 


FIRST; HUNGARTANV EVAN? LUGHERAN? GHG Gr 
CUE VAAN De OHMIO 


The largest Hungarian colony of America is found in 
the city of Cleveland. Many of these Hungarians were 
Lutherans, who were anxious for the organization of a congrega- 
tion. About 31 families met in one of the social clubs, October 
9, 1905, under the leadership of M. Toth, L. Toth, and George 
Dombi, and resolved to appeal to the Bishop of Hungary for a 
pastor. Although the appeal was unanswered, they continued to 
meet for worship on Sundays, singing the old familiar songs and 
being served by Rev. Julius Csernecky. Their prayers were 
answered in September, 1907, when Pastor Stephen Ruzsa ap- 
peared in their midst, and began a long and fruitful pastorate of 
sixteen years. To him belongs the real credit for the organiza- 
tion of the congregation and its rapid development into a 
strong self-sustaining church. Under his guidance a church 
and parish house were bought for $8,200, the church being 
dedicated on the first Sunday of December, 1907. Normal 
church life began on that day. In 1913 a good brick building 
was erected at a cost of $12,000, which served as the first 
Hungarian Lutheran Orphanage of America for a period of 
six years. Because of inability to secure the needed financial 
assistanee, Pastor Ruzsa was compelled to close this house 
of mercy, and it is now used for general church purposes. 
Pastor Ruzsa was succeeded by his brother, Pastor Ladislaus 
Ruzsa, May 1, 1923, under whose leadership there has been 
a large development in the parish. The congregation now 
numbers 300 contributing members, and has a Young Peo- 
ples’ Society of 125 members. This pastor also organized the 
First Hungarian Lutheran Church of Akron in 1922, which 
was later placed under the care of Pastor John Ormai. The 
value of the property of the Cleveland Church is now esti- 


mated at $63,000. 


HISTORY. OF TH PIPTSBURGHISYNOD 751 


FIRST ENGLISH LUTHERAN! CHURCH 
ASHTABULA, OHIO 


This church was organized by the missionary superintendent 
of the Pittsburgh Synod in 1908. The following persons con- 
stituted the charter membership: Andreas Allen, Henry Strubbe, 
Mary Erickson, Mary 


















Reidenbach, Jena Reid- , ayzabSes , 

enbach, Cora  Strubbe, | ; Sal ed é 
ms Nag NS 73 

and Sarah Allen. The fo 933 eas emcee 

first services were held in WAC 3 CIN ye JESESES 


a rented hall on Main 
street. The preliminary 
work was done by Rev. 
William F. Pfeifer, who 
was ordained in Ashta- 
bula, August 18, 1907, 
organized the Sunday 
School two months later, 
and remained in the field 
Hitt eenres rOLOWwiIne: 
spring. After four years 
of hard work the con- 
gregation was encour- 
aged to buy a brick house 
On sthe corer. ot Center 
Hid eeapospectms tt ¢ ets 
at a cost of $7,500, and remodel it in such a manner as to serve 
as chapel and parsonage. ‘This chapel was dedicated by Rev. C. 
L. V. Dozer, October 1, 1911. At the time of the dedication the 
congregation numbered thirty-six members. During the pastor- 
ate of Rev. Albert W. Dockter, there was a serious disturbance 
in the congregation, and more than half of the members were 
given certificates of dismissal when the pastor united with the 
Presbyterians. Much credit is given to Doctor A. W. Ahl of 
Thiel College for salvaging the wreck during the summer of 
1923. ‘The following is a list of pastors of the organized church: 
Rev. G. V. Schumann, 1908-1910; Rev. C. L. V. Dozer, 1910- 
1920; Rev. A. W. Dockter, 1920-1923; Rev. A. W. Ahl, Ph.D. 
Pou eebucor ney | penn 25-9075 * Reval © Benze, 
1926-. 









































pl. PAULS EVANGELICAL, LUTHERAN CHURCH 
VI heeG ONE EA BUA COUN LY “@OHLO 


This church is located in a Scandinavian settlement, sev- 
eral miles south of Ashtabula, and was organized by Rev. C. 
L. V. Dozer, February 28, 1914, with thirty-one members. The 


Vo2 HISTORY OFVTHE PIPDSBURGH Sy NOD 


first services were held in the United Brethren Church, and 
the first church officers were Ole Anderson, A. Anderson, 
Charles; Praessler, Edmund) Peterson, and.Harry Kuhns 
frame church.was erected at a cost of $3,500, which was ded- 
icated by Pastor Dozer, May 16, 1915. In common with many 
other rural churches, St. Paul’s has had many heavy losses 
during recent years, but a small company still gathers for Sunday 
afternoon services. ‘The pastors have been those of the First 
Lutheran Church of Ashtabula. 


HOLY TRIND EY ENG US HL UE RAIN GE Wr 
SALEM, OHIO 


The language question in Emmanuel Church of Salem 
was the occasion of the organization of this congregation. 
The first meeting for this purpose was held in the home of 
Arthur Ho schropp, june 1; 1917, whenvRey.,Ca-AvsWennre: 
Rev. John H. Graf, and Rev. Jesse Leroy Miller held a con- 
ference with seventeen Lutherans of the city. The name 
“Holy Trinity” was suggested by Mrs. A. H. Walde at that 
meeting, but the constitution was not adopted until June 24, 
when Rev. C. A. Dennig, serving as missionary superintend- 
ent, preached the first sermon for the congregation. ‘The 
charter members enrolled at this time were the following: 


Barkley, Mrs. Samuel Ross, Henry and wife Schmid, Carl 

Beighley, Edward Ross, Mertie Schmid, Frank 

Domhotf, W. H. and wife Sanders, Louise Schropp, A. H. and wife 
Gabriel, Ella Sanders, Freda Sump, Otto 

Hendricks, Mrs. Harry Schaefer, W. H. and wife Walde, A. H. and wife 
Izenhour, Harry and wife Schaefer, Ralph Walde, Rudolph 

Ritz, W. H. and- wife Schmid, Pauline Wentz, A. H. and wife 


The first church officers were Henry Ross, A. H. Walde, 
Harry Izenhour,, W.+H. Domhoff, and A. H.W ent7 ae 
church was incorporated, July 5, 1917. > lhe dirstsplacemen 
meeting was the Red Cross rooms on the first floor of the 
Pioneer Block. “Each Saturday night, after the close of the 
week’s activities, sewing machines and work tables would be 
pushed back along the wall, the floors cleaned, and the chairs 
arranged for services the next day. Each Sunday evening the 
room would again be put in order for carrying on the war- 
time activities of the Red Cross.” The first hard task of the 
young mission was the securing of a permanent place of wor- 
ship. The value of the property on the corner of McKinley 
and Woodlawn avenues attracted them, and it was secured by 
the help of a generous Church Extension loan, June 10, 1918, 
The Women’s Missionary Society was a helpful agency in 
securing needed funds, all the money needed for the repairing 
of the building being earned by this organization. The cost 


HISTORY OF (HE PILTSBURGH SYNOD 753 


of the property was $3,350, and $800 was spent in remodelling. 
The first floor was converted into a temporary chapel, which 
was dedicated by Rev. C. A. Dennig, July 28, 1918. The in- 
fluenza epidemic closed the church for a month, and a still 
ereater trial came when Rev. Dennig took charge of the 
Lawrence Park Mission. Occasional and uncertain supplies 
were then provided for the congregation until July 11, 1919, 
when Rey. C: Frederick Frank came as the first regular pas- 
tor. His ministry continued until December 26, 1920, during 
which time the mission developed into a congregation of sixty 
members. ‘The church was united with a rural congregation in 
1924, to forma new parish of the Ohio Synod. ‘The pastorates 
in consecutive order were as follows: Rev. C. A. Dennig (sup- 
Diy ralol7 10 Leena Gin eh rank 1919> O7OmRev ii: P.clar- 
man, lOZ1s1O235 Review Hy BakerJ024-. 


EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SIEBENBURGER SAXON 
iON TERS (CER GH 
YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO 


Among the first Siebenburger Saxon families to arrive in 
Youngstown, 1888-1889, were those of Johann Gelch, Andreas 
Schmidt, Andreas Schaas, Johann Loew, and George Thellmann. 
After them, usually in small groups, came others until a colony 
of perhaps 1,000 souls : 

WiaS Getior French: oy. Hew 
of them expected to make 
America their home, but 
hoped to save enough 
money to make _ them- 
selves comfortable on 
Boel rrac Tin) tos ithe 
Patherland, « Hor: ths 
reason the first immi- 
grants gave but little con- 
sideration to the found- 
ing of churches, believ- 
ing that any German pas- 
tor would be willing to 
perform such ministerial 
acts as were desired dur- 
ing their temporary so- 
journ. Then came the 
tremendous changes of 
the World War, persuad- 









































754 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


ing them to look upon America as their permanent home. Their 
first organizations were in the form of Beneficial Unions, four 
of which were organized in Youngstown, the first in 1901. In 
the course of time, as the sense of permanent residence deep- 
ened, they began to think of their need of the Church. The lodge 
provided many things, but could not minister to their souls. 
Honterus Church was then organized by Pastor George Shuster 
with 42 members, July 3, 1910, and was encouraged by mission- 
ary aid from the Pittsburgh Synod. A good frame church on 
the corner of Lincoln and Holmes streets was bought for the 
congregation during the same year. ‘The men who made this 
purchase possible were Pastor George Shuster, Michel Brenner, 
Martin Alzner, Johann Orben, Johann Loew, Michel Schotch, 
Johann Hauer, Simon Schenker, George Schueller, Paul Radleff, 
Michel Hartmann, George Holztraeger, Andreas Tutzi, and 
Johann Pfingstegraf. In the charter stringent provisions are 
made not only for the maintenance of the pure doctrines of the 
Augsburg Confession, but also for the preservation of the Ger- 
man language in the services. Should the congregation ever 
abandon the “mutter sprache,” it is declared to be unworthy of 
the name of Honterus the Reformer. During the first twelve 
years the church had a hard battle to fight. Many of the Sie- 
benburger immigrants had lapsed into irreligion, and were bit- 
terly opposed to the Church. Other disheartening experiences 
were added to this, but the little company of faithful souls held 
fast to their faith. With the coming of Pastor Ludwig A. 
Fritsch from the Fatherland in 1921, and his admission to the 
Pittsburgh Synod in 1922, a wonderful spirit of new life was 
quickly manifested. A Jugend Verein of 120 members was or- 
ganized; a Saturday School was conducted by the pastor with 
the help of three volunteer teachers; the faithful Frauen Verein 
increased their efficiency ; the Sunday School enrolled 250 schol- 
ars; and the number of communing members was almost trebled. 
This congregation should develop into one of the stronger Ger- 
man churches of the Pittsburgh Synod. 


SIEBENBURGER SAXON EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN 
ST. JOHN’S CHURCH 
CLEVELAND, OHIO 


Among the first Siebenburger Saxon immigrants of 1885 
were some who located in Cleveland. Notable names among 
them were Olzner, Loew, Kloss, Ullman, Mueller, Schuster, 
Meneges, Binder, and Sift. The first Siebenburger Sick Ben- 
efit Association of Cleveland was organized in 1895. A Sing- 
ing Society was organized in 1897, and a Women’s Society in 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 755 


the following year. Nearly all the Siebenburger immigrants 
were farmers in Transylvania, but in America they preferred 
the harder work and larger wages of the steel mills. All 
hoped to return to the Fatherland within a few years, and 
live in affluence on their American fortunes. This state. of 
mind naturally led them to give but little thought to the 
Church. They left the Church in Transylvania; they ex- 
pected to find it there on their return. Those who were 
blessed with new-born children took them to some German 
pastor for baptism, but were slow about identifying them- 
selves with any congregation. As-a result of this policy, 
moral discipline was relaxed among them and many fell into 
grievous sin. In the large boarding houses, where many 
young men congregated, moral conditions were distressing. 
During the war period many of the immigrants began to buy 
their own homes, and this soon produced a different spirit. 
After the close of the war, when Transylvania was trans- 
ferred to Rumania, the Siebenburgers began to realize that 
America would be their permanent home. That conviction 
led them to see the mistake of having neglected the Church 
and to correct the wrong. As early as 1907 Pastor George 
Shuster of Youngstown had held services for them, but could 
effect no organization. In November of 1908 Pastor: Michael 
Orendt came to Cleveland, and succeeded in organizing the 
“First Siebenburger Saxon Evangelical Lutheran Church”, 
but the visitation of Pastor ~Wittstock of Transylvania 
created a division of sentiment that led not only to the with- 
drawal of Pastor Orendt but also to the dissolution of his con- 
gregation. The effort of Pastor Wittstock also failed, and he 
returned to the Fatherland in 1909. The next attempt at or- 
ganization was made by Pastor Erich Wilhelm Becker, a 
member of the German Evangelical Synod. A large church 
on Euclid Avenue was secured, and many were sanguine of 
success. Then something happened. What it was no one 
seemed to know, but the congregation suddenly dissolved. 
After this pathetic failure no attempt was made at organiza- 
tion until June, 1922, when the Pittsburgh Synod ordained 
Johann Foisel, and sent him to Cleveland as a missionary to 
his countrymen. Naturally the young man was timid about 
accepting such a commission, but the president of the synod 
told him that he must go. While he met with little encour- 
agement at the start, he announced that a service for the 
Siebenburger Saxons would be held in the West Side Hall, 
June 4, 1922. When the hour of service came there were only 
six persons present; but the missionary was very patient, and 
one hour later he was permitted to preach from the impro- 
vised pulpit to 200 Saxons. On July 9, 1923, he was able to 


756 HISTORY “OF “THE PLIViIsnBuRGH sx NOD 


organize St. John’s Church and secure the election of his first 
Church Council. The organization meeting was held in a 
Reformed Church, but later the place of worship was changed 
to Calvary Lutheran Church. On September 19, 1922, the 
property at 761 Eddy road, 91x250, with a frame dwelling, 
was bought for $15,000 with the help of a loan from the 
Board of Home Missions and Church Extension. This house 
was fixed up for social purposes, but church services were held 
in Bethany on the West Side and Calvary on the East Side. 
For more than a year two places of meeting were sustained, 
after which the West Side appointment was dropped. The per- 
manence of this organization was assured, September 7, 1924, 
when 1000 Saxons assembled to witness the laying of the corner 
stone of anew church. This church was built of brick and stone 
at a cost of $33,300, and was dedicated by Pastor Johann Foisel, 
December 21, 1924, when the sermon was preached by Doctor E. 
A. Tappert. This dedication gave such great encouragement that 
a congregation of 477 baptized members was reported in 1925. 
When it is remembered that there is a Saxon colony of 6000 in 
this city, the vital importance of the founding of St. John’s 
Church will be appreciated. 


CHAPTER XXII 
CHURCHES OF OTHER COUNTIES 
1803-1924 


“The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them.” 


V\SECAIHE strong Lutheran centers of western Pennsyl- 
sylvania are found in the counties of Allegheny, 
Armstrong, Erie, Westmoreland, Butler, Beaver, 
Indiana, and Clarion. While the largest number 
of Lutherans is found in Allegheny, the largest 
percentage of Lutherans in the population is 
found in Armstrong. In addition to the churches of the 
above named counties there are a number of others scattered 
throughout the territory of the synod, some of which are 
among the oldest as well as strongest churches of western 
Pennsylvania. A brief sketch of each of these congregations 
will be given in this chapter. 





PIRST BVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
VENANGO,. PA. 


There were three well established German settlements in 
Crawford County before the close of the eighteenth century, 
Venango, Meadville, and Conneaut Lake, the first named be- 
ing the oldest and strongest of the three. It is claimed that 
there were Pennsylvania Germans living in the French Creek 
Valley as early as 1795. At the beginning of the nineteenth 
century there were several Lutheran families living in the 
valley, some of which were deeply interested in the establish- 
ment of a church of their own faith. The first pastor to min- 
ister to them was Rev. Philip Muckenhaupt, who gave them 
occasional services from 1803 to 1811, when a letter from the 
Ministerium of Pennsylvania to Mathias Flack closed his 
labors. Since he also taught school and practiced medicine 
he remained in the county, and some of his descendants are 
still found in the valley. Father Heyer has this to say in his 
journal concerning this pioneer pastor: “From these people 
I learned the following information concerning the affairs of 
our Church in that region. A rogue named Muckenhaupt had 
at first come among the settlers as a preacher, but he could 
not stay very long; he went away leaving his wife and chil- 


758 HISTORY (OF “PHbepIr rT SBpuRGH SYNOD 


dren uncared for. It was still said of this vagabond that he 
could preach more powerfully, drink more, and curse more 
loudly than anyone else within a hundred miles.” 


Unfortunately the age encouraged such bibulous tendencies. 
The Lutherans of this section united with those of Erie as 
early as 1808 in petitioning the Ministerium of Pennsylvania 
for a pastor, but no one was sent until 1811, when Rev. W. H. 
Scriba visited the field as a “travelling preacher’. A _ similar 
visit was made by Rev. Peter Rupert in 1814. In the sum- 
mer of 1815 Rev. Carl Wilhelm Colsen became their regular 
pastor, making his headquarters in Meadville. In the follow- 
ing year he completed the organization that had been started 
in a provisional way in 1803. His work was too heavy for his 
frail body, and he died as a result of exposure to a cold rain, 
December 29, 1816. His people were proud of him, and their 
history might have been much brighter had his lfe been 
spared. While tradition says that their first church was built 
of logs and dedicated by Pastor Colsen before his death, 
Father Heyer Says that it was built of irames “This ’chugen 
was a meeting center for all the Lutherans Gi the Prenc 
Creek Valley for many years, and the congregations at com- 
munion time overtaxed the seating capacity. Father Heyer 
succeeded Pastor Colsen in 1817, and remained until the fol- 
lowing spring, when he resisted the urgent entreaties of the 
people and returned to the East. Pastor Rupert returned in 
1819 and spent three years in the parish. Some of his de- 
scendants still reside in Crawford County, and his body was 
brought to Woodcock ‘Township for interment after death. 
From 1822 to 1826 a converted Romanist, Rev. Philip Meyer- 
hoeffer preached for them, but it is said that “he did little 
good.” One of their most successful pastors was Rev. W. E. 
Schulze, who lived at Meadville and served them from 1829 
to 1830. On April 17, 1829, he confirmed a class of thirty-one 
catechumens and administered the communion to 112 mem- 
bers. There were’ few churches in western Pennsylvania in 
those days with brighter prospects than Zion of Venango. 
From 1830 to 1831, Rev. David Muck, a German Reformed 
pastor who later joined the Methodists, preached for them, 
during which time a new constitution was adopted. From 
1831 to 1842 they were served in English by Rev. Elihu Rath- 
bun, but the fact that he could not minister in German caused 
much distress to the older people, who made pathetic appeals 
to synod for relief. Several pastors of the Ohio Synod gave 
them occasional services, but the church suffered much for 
want of proper pastoral care during this critical period. Both 
the German and English members were relieved in 1842 when 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 759 


Rev. J. D. Nunnemacher became pastor, for he could use both 
languages. ‘The records show that he was pastor from 1842 
to 1846. When the Pittsburgh Synod sent her Missionary 
Superintendent, Rev. Henry Ziegler, into the field, he reor- 
ganized them as an English congregation and gave them 
such services as his two large mission parishes would admit, 
July 18, 1847, to May 24, 1850. He also reorganized the Sun- 
day School on a missionary basis, the offering of each alter- 
nate Sunday to be given to missions. There were 55 mem- 
bers when he took charge of the congregation, but the adop- 
tion of a constitution in which there were strong temperance 
clauses caused not a little confusion and loss. His successor 
was Rev. John A. Nuner, 1852-1855, during whose pastorate 
a parsonage was built. The next three pastors were Rev. 
Henry Weicksel,, 1855-1858, Rev. Isaiah J. Delo, 1858-1861, 
and Rev. W. B. Bachtell, 1861-1866. During the pastorate of 
the last named the membership of the congregation was in- 
creased by revivals to 135, but the pastor resigned under a 
heavy cloud. His successor was Rev. D. M. Kemerer, who 
served Venango, Highfield, and Saegertown together from 
1867 to 1871. When the last named church asked for the en- 
tire time of Pastor Kemerer, Drakes Mills, Mosiertown, and 
Venango congregations united to form Venango Parish, and 
extended a call to Rev. Philip Doerr. Pastor Doerr was a 
faithful and godly man, so that all the churches prospered 
under his leadership, 1871-1873. His successor was Pastor 
George Gaumer, who is described as a man of gentle and 
irenic spirit, but he was not strong enough to control the syn- 
odical controversy that broke out in the community during 
his pastorate. It is claimed that this controversy was stirred 
up by a former pastor, who returned to the field for that pur- 
pose. When Pastor Gaumer proposed the erection of a new 
church there was an eager response from the people, so that 
half of the estimated cost was subscribed. Then the question 
was raised by Solomon Lasher as to whether it would be ded- 
ede woe eictial wo viodeGuurcis When ether tpastor 
answered in the negative, Mr. Lasher and his friends objected 
so strenuously that it became necessary to use discipline and 
expel twenty-three of them from the church. These expelled 
members rallied their friends, held a meeting, and adopted the 
following resolution: 


“The undersigned, being of the Evangelical Lutheran Zion’s con- 
gregation of Venango Borough, Pa., at the time George Gaumer and 
party expelled and suspended a number of its members, without a just 
or reasonable accusation, do, by our signatures hereunto annexed, and 
by our fellowship in worship with the parties so expelled and suspended, 
declare said acts of said George Gaumer and party to have been, spec- 


760 HISTORY OF Tut Pirro pURGH SYNGD 


ially and in all their effects, arrogant and unjust, and therefore null and 
void, because in direct violation of the Formula of Government under 
which said Zion’s Church has existed for many years, which Formula 
of Government is that printed in the English Hymn Book of the Gen- 
eral Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the United States 
of America.” 


Fifty-eight of these Protestants applied for admission to 
the Pittsburgh Synod of the General Synod, under the name 
of Zion’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Venango, and were 
so received, October.7, 18/5. This meant a law suit between 
the rival Zions for possession of the property. ‘The case was 
tried before Judge Trunkey of the Crawford County Court, 
who decided that, inasmuch as the General Synod party had 
left the old church and effected a separate organization, the 
property belonged to the General Council party. The costs 
of the suit, amounting to $375, were placed on the plaintiffs. 
This led the General Synod party to build a new church, which 
was dedicated as the “First Evangelical Lutheran Church of 
Venango.) by: Pastor Del; Octoberw2Zlals/- Eorouchai ae 
generosity of George P. Delo, father of the pastor, an excel- 
lent parsonage. wassecured;; ,On, OctobermlO, 716/90 SPacten 
George Gaumer issued “A Call in Time of Need”, and suffic- 
ient funds were gathered to build a new General Council 
church. This building was dedicated by Pastor Emanuel 
Cressman, November 27, 1881, and was considered an ‘excel- 
lent church in that day. Two rival organizations were thus 
established in a limited field, and the final result was disaster 
to both. The following pastors served the two congregations 
during the period of division: : 


GENERAI, COUNCIL GENERAL SYNOD 

Revo» Georges Gaumetr.. ee 1874-1880 Reve lsatahelee Clo peers 1875-1880 
Rev. Emanuel Cressnian (2282.02 1881-1886 Revise Ey Liee IV Ul erat cece pe ee ees 1880-1887 
Revise UR bet eaten aera mes 1887-1889 REVS “So, LWEl YOUN Seen ee eee 1888-1893 
Revare ioe Orie Coup Dp lvoe 1890 Reve alnehiee Ca\laniiol cd aaa 1894-1895 
Reve G. OW. Critchl owen es 1892-1895 Reve tees Hilti eee eect eee 1895-1898 
Rev. JO. Waters eae eee 1895-1903 Rev. Payson Young, PDUs 1900 

Rev. Jonathan Sarver, D.D........... 193-1907 RewssSsslblershisem penween eee 1901-1902 
Rev. G. J. Diener AD 2) 1998-1910 Reve Te iVioeW Ondensicts eee ee 1902-1903 
Rev. T. B. Roth, D.D., ; “ (supply). 1911-1912 Supplies? thuetesn 6 eee eee 1903-1905 
MWalCa tit die ie 62.1 Uy At Amen an Oe Ra 1912-1918 AVE Vetch nh awe MERE Aa. NAc mney oh ofa! th: 1905-1918 


The six-year vacancy of Zion Church was due to weak- 
ness, not more than eight members being enrolled at the end; 
the thirteen-year vacancy of First Church was due to its isola- 
tion, its fifty members not being able to support a pastor 
alone. ‘Then came the period of the synodical merger, and First 
Church was permitted to represent the community in the 
newly formed Crawford County Parish of 1918. The remain- 
ing members of Zion Church held a legal meeting, May 7 
1921, conveyed their property to the Pittsburgh Synod and 
disbanded. In 1923 this property was conveyed to the Pres- 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 761 


byterian Church by the synod, and the net proceeds were 
given to “Bethesda”. The pastors of First Church since the 
merger have been the following: Rev. M. R. Kunkelman, 


1918-1920; Rev. A. C. P. Hays, 1921-1922. 


TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
MEADVILLE, PA. 


When northwestern Pennsylvania was organized into 
counties, March 12, 1800, Meadville was made the seat of 
justice for the entire region for a number of years. For this 
reason it fills a large place in the history of the state, The 
town was laid out in 1793 by Daniel Mead, who sold no less 
than forty-seven lots during the first two years. Located in 
the heart of the French Creek Valley, the town became a con- 
venient meeting place for a number of Pennsylvania German 
families in this vicinity. The early history of these pioneer 
Germans is hard to relate, since the church which they or- 
ganized in Meadville has preserved no records earlier than 
1874. Tradition says that Rev. Philip Muckenhaupt affected 
a provisional organization for them in 1803, and preached for 
them with varying regularity from 1803 to 1811. This pastor 
was not a member of any synod during the time of his resi- 
dence in Crawford County, and spent the greater part of his 
time teaching school and practicing medicine. Because of his 
failures he was replaced by the travelling missionaries of 
the Ministerium of Pennsylvania in 1811. The first ap- 
peals of the Lutherans of this region to the Ministerium 
for a pastor are described as coming from “the congregation 
in and about Meadville” in 1808. The first of the travelling 
preachers to reach Meadville was Rev. W. H. Scriba, who 
Spent tnree months ofithe summer of 1811 in the region. The 
second was Rev. Peter Rupert, who made Meadville his head- 
quarters in the summer of 1814, and travelled many miles in 
order to minister to the scattered Lutheran settlers. The con- 
eregation extended him a formal call, but he declined. His 
successor was Rev. Carl Wilhelm Colsen, who arrived in 1815, 
reorganized the church in the court house in 1816, travelled 
far and wide in his ministry to the Germans, and finally died 
of pneumonia, December 29, 1816. A marble slab in Green- 
dale Cemetery marks his last resting place. He was a friend 
of Timothy Alden, and was offered a professorship in Alle- 
gheny College. His successor was Rev. J. C. F. Heyer, who ren- 
dered valuable service during the winter of 1817-1818. It is 
claimed that he preached the first English Lutheran sermon 
of western Pennsylvania in the court house at the request of 





GRAVE STONE OF PASTOR CARL WILHELM COLSEN 
MEADVILLE, PA. 


HISTOR OR CEES PIELSBURGH SYNOD 763 


Timothy Alden. Pastor Heyer was also offered a professor- 
ship in Allegheny College, but declined. Rev. Peter Rupert 
returned for a second pastorate, 1819-1822, and his body was 
later laid to rest in Woodcock Township, Rev. Philip Meyer- 
hoeffer served the church, 1822-1826, but the services of this 
converted Romanist were not very satisfactory. During the 
summer of 1824, Candidates A. H. Lochman and N. J. Stroh 
of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania spent several weeks in the 
parish; and Rev. N. G. Scharretts of the West Pennsylvania 
Synod made a similar visit in 1826. From 1826 to 1836 they 
were supplied by Pastor Michael Kuchler. An old record says 
that he installed an elder and a trustee in 1828, and the rec- 
ords of the Ohio Synod show that Meadville was a part of 
his parish in 1836. Rev. Wilhelm Edward Schulze was the 
resident pastor, 1829-1832, but for the next ten years only 
supplies were available. Pastor J. D. Nunnemacher served 
the congregation, 1842-1845, but was unable to revive the dis- 
couraged people. This was the condition of things in 1846, 
when they were visited by Rev. Henry Ziegler of the Pitts- 
burgh Synod. Many thought that he was wasting his time 
in Meadville, but the missionary thought otherwise, and re- 
organized the congregation in 1846 with 25 members. The 
church was then admitted to the Pittsburgh Synod and made 
a part of the Crawford Mission. A lot on Pine street was 
bought, and their first church was dedicated by Pastor Zieg- 
ler in the fall of 1847. When he resigned in May, 1850, he 
reported a German-English Church of 55 members, with a 
Sunday School of 30 pupils. Another long and distressing 
vacancy followed, 1850-1857, during which the good work of 
Pastor Ziegler was almost destroyed. Rev. Henry Weicksel 
served as their pastor, 1857-1858, and found church life at 
such low ebb that he was compelled to effect a reorganization 
with twelve members in October, 1857. When Pastor Weick- 
sel resigned in 1858, Pastor A. B. Bierdemann of the Ohio 
Synod volunteered his services, and for the next 25 years the 
church was served by pastors of that body. During this period 
the congregation had a splendid development. largely because 
of the arrival of a large number of German families from 
Canada in 1864. From 1864 to 1884 all services were held in 
German; from 1884 to 1904 both languages were used; since 
1904 all services have been conducted in English. The orig- 
inal congregation of 1803 was a union church, but the Luth- 
erans purchased the interest of the Reformed in 1865. A 
Lutheran constitution was adopted in 1866, and signed by the 
following: 


704 HISTORY OF SDHEAPLPTSBURGH SYNOD 


Bam, Anton Frobose, Heinrich Michaelis, Friedrich 
Bauerschmidt, Baltzer Goerke, Wilhelm Mueller, John 
Bauerschmidt, Margaret Gromol, Karl Mueller, Christian 
Baeyer, Jacob Haller, Conrad Pappentuss, John 
Berg, Christoph Hoffman, George A. Pappenfuss, August 
Boehm, J. G. Kochendorfer, Jacob Schalk, Gustav 
Bork, Johann, Sr. Koller, Friedrich Schmidt, Jacob 
Burk, Ferdinand Kuppler, George Schutz, Jacob 
Eberspeicher, Karl C. Kuppler, Martin Schutz, Johann 
Eberspeicher, Charles G. Meier, Wilhelm Weiss, Casper 
Eberspeicher, Louise. Metzgar, Jacob Werle, Jacob 


The congregation was chartered, January 23, 1868, under 
the name ~The “Hvangelical’ lutheran) lrinity }Chugchaeos 
Meadville, Pa.”’ The pastor at the time was Rev. G, A. Brue- 
gel, who believed that the Joint Synod of, Ohio would unite with 
the General Council then forming, and inserted the following 
articlevin the charter. 


“This church acknowledges itself to be a member of, and to belong 
to the Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio and Adjacent States, 
and of the General Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the 
United States. As such it accedes to, recognizes and adopts the consti- 
tution, doctrine, discipline and form of worship, as it now is or may 
be hereafter changed by the aforesaid Synod or Council of the Evan- 
gelical Lutheran Church, and acknowledges their authority accordingly.” 


The Synod of Ohio finally decided not to unite with the 
General Council; and this created an Ohio Synod and a Gen- 
eral; Council’ panty, im the coneresation: | Ihe latten hades 
majority, and called General Council pastors as supplies. The 
church was also received into the Pittsburgh Synod in 1884. 
The next pastor was Rev. J. H. Orr, who served Meadville 
and Corry, 1885-1888, and Meadville alone, 1888-1890. During 
this time plans were laid for the relocation of the church, but 
these were frustrated by a strong minority. Soon’ aiter 
the resignation of Pastor Orr in 1890, the Ohio Synod entered 
suit for the possession of the property. The case was tried 
before Judge John J. Henderson of the Crawford County 
Court, who decided in favor of the General Council party. The 
name of the Joint Synod of Ohio was then eliminated from 
the charter, February 11,:1894. Pastor G. W. Critchlow “of 
Saegertown was the adviser of the congregation during this 
period of litigation. The present constitution was adopted, 
October 28, 1890. A new site on North Park avenue was 
bought for $850, where a brick church was built at a cost of 
$8,000. The corner stone was laid on Ascension Day,: 1893, 
and the church dedicated by Pastor A. R. J. Graepp, Novem- 
ber 19, 1893. A two-manual pipe organ was installed in 1894, 
half the cost being paid by Andrew Carnegie. The Pine street 
property was sold to Mrs. Bauersmith for $1,000 in 1894. The 
parsonage was built by John Shutz in 1892, and was con- 
veyed to the congregation in 1901. The Ohio Synod party 
built a frame church on the corner of Grove and Willow 


BISTORY Oban PLDT SBURGHOSYNOD 76 


on 


streets, but this was sold after a few years, and the majority 
of the people returned to Trinity. During the pastorate of 
Rev. A. L. Benze, 1899-1901, the church was freed from debt 
and became self-sustaining. ‘The longest pastorate in the his- 
tory of the church was that of Rev. Nathanael Scheffer, 1904- 
1919, during which there was a strong development of the 
congregation. A complete list of pastors is as follows: Rev. 
Philip Muckenhaupt, 1803-1811; Rev. W. H. Scriba (supply), 
ISidewk ev. Peter Rupert (supply), Leleivehweyv.. ©. We Colsen, 
1815-1816; Rev. J. C. F. Heyer, 1817-1818; Rev. Peter Rupert, 
1819-1822; Rev. Philip Meyerhoeffer, 1822- 1826; Rev. Michael 
Kuchler, 1826- 1829; Rev. W. E. Schulze, 1829-1832; Supplies, 
1832-1842; Rev. J. D. Nunnemacher, 1842-1845; Rev. Henry 
Ziegler, 1846-1850; Supplies, 1850-1857; Rev. Henry Weick- 
Sel, 1857-1698 ;\ Rev. A) By Bierdemann, 1859-1865; Rev. J. G. 
Boehm, 1865-1867; Rev. G. A. Bruegel, 1867-1868; Rev. A. B. 
Bierdemann (second term), 1868- 1870; Rev. W. F. Deiss, 1870- 
TSA eNCV Gaels ea ittel.) 187/6- 1877: Nev siete muOepicin. 
1877-1879 - Rev. Gerhard Weise, 1879-1880: Rev. H. A. 
Schmidt, 1880-1881; Rev. F. E. Fickeisen, 1882-1883; Rev. E. 
Cressman and Rev. G. W. Critchlow (supplies), 1884-1885 ; Rev. 
Herman Gilbert (German supply), 1884-1885; Rev. J. H. Orr, 
1885-1890; Rev. A. G. Voigt (German supply), 1890; Rev. G. 
W. Critchlow (supply), 1890-1892; Rev. A. R. J. Graepp, 1892- 
Vote ey | ele bree second term), 1894-1899 > Rev. “A. L. 
Benze, 1LS99-190l; Rev, Charles Koerner, 1901-1903; Rev. 
Nathanael Sohen on 1904-1919; Rev. S. H. Roth, 1919-1922; 
Rev. G. W. Critchlow, 1922-. 


Pee Siri CHURCHEOR THE DWELVE APOSTLES 
SAEGERTOWN, PA. 


Among the earliest settlers of this region were Germans, 
who took up lands about the opening of the 18th century. 
Mathias Flack and Israel Berlin were revolutionary soldiers, 
who came here aiter the war. The village is named after 
Daniel Saeger, who did not come until 1823. The first German 
pastor of the valley was Rev. Philip Muckenhaupt, who prac- 
ticed medicine and held occasional services for the people at 
Venango as early as 1803. After the Peiffer school house was 
built in 1816, the Meadville pastors held services there more 
Oiess 1e9llatiy ew When Rey1).-Cr Piytieyer was in) Mead- 
ville 1817-1818, his favorite stopping place was the Peiffer 
home. Mrs. Peiffer fixed up a study for him above the milk 
house, and there he would often be heard playing his flute. 
One ol the Peitters helped: to move Pastor: -Colsen ‘trom 


ANWOH VGAOSAHLAY 





HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 767 


Northampton County to Meadville in 1816. It is said that 
there was no regular organization at Peiffer’s school house 
until 1829, when arrangements were made to build a perma- 
nent church. Some wanted it built at Peiffer’s, others at 
Saegertown. A meeting was held in the school house, April 
20, 1829, at which it was decided to build a frame church for 
$1,000, the location to be decided by the party subscribing the 
largest number of shares at six dollars each. When the final 
vote was taken, Saegertown subscribed 170 shares to 136 for 
Peiffer’s, and the church was built at Saegertown. The heav- 
iest subscriber was Daniel Saeger, who deeded a lot to Edward 
Saeger, “in trust for Saegertown meeting house’, July 18, 
1829, as well as sufficient ground for a cemetery. Many peo- 
ple made subscriptions to the building fund, with the under- 
standing that the church could be used by all denominations. 
ihe weharve that Daniel, “saeger was trying to convert the 
whole community to the Lutheran Church was puerile. On 
April 7, 1838, the Methodists sold their shares to Lutherans 
and Reformed, and relinquished all claims. Among the names 
found on this subscription list of 1829 were the following: 
Bebelheimer, Berlin, Betz, Biege, Brobst, Diechmann, Flick- 
Imeenvr ry aGeno Gram eGnubb, Hauer, Hecker, Hetrick, Hoff- 
man, Joerg, Huidekoper, Kern, Kleckner, Knerr, Liebensper- 
Coumminc om Ncuetiausen meter, Rathbun, Saecer, Sander, 
Schaeffer, Schneider, Seiverling, Stoll, Straw, Strouse, Weiss, 
and. Wotring, Ihe church: was dedicated by Pastor W. E. 
ScouiZounelcobethenyecar peine nixed by a poem: prepared by 
the pastor for the occasion. It was dedicated as Jerusalem 
Church. One of the members of the congregation was Elihu 
Rathbun, a local tailor, who was persuaded by Pastor Schulze 
to enter the ministry, and later became one of the founders 
of the Pittsburgh Synod. He served as their English pastor, 
1830-1842, but his inability to preach in German was a source 
of weakness to the whole parish.. The oldest records of the 
church were begun by Pastor John D. Nunnemacher, who 
ministered in both German and English from 1842 to 1857. A 
complete constitution was adopted during his pastorate, Jan- 
uary 16, 1843. His successor was Rev. A. B. Bierdemann, also 
a member of the Ohio Synod, who served from 1857 to 1867. 
A new era dawned in 1867, when Rev. D. M. Kemerer of the 
Pittsburgh Synod became pastor. The congregation in ad- 
vance of his coming decided to give up the German, and this 
resulted in building up a strong congregation of 120 members 
in a few years, able to support their own pastor. During this 
pastorate the Lutherans sold their interest in Jerusalem 
Church to the Reformed for $500, and a new frame church 


768 HISTORY: OP DHE PICISBURGHISYNO)D 


was dedicated by Pastor Kemerer, as the Evangelical Luth- 
eran Church of the Twelve Apostles, January 9, 1870. The 
new site was bought from Isaac Saeger for $100, and the 
church cost $7,500. These were prosperous days in the his- 
tory of the congregation, and a parsonage was built in 1869. In 
the course of time, however, many families began to move else- 
where, and the church was compelled to unite with three other 
churches in 1918 in order to form a parish. The establish- 
ment of Bethesda Home, on a farm donated by a member of 
this congregation, gave the parish a new outlook, for the chil- 
dren were brought into Saegertown to attend Sunday School. 
For this reason Pastor R. W. Yeany- was able to give them 
needed service during a distressing vacancy. The pastors 
served in the following order: Rev. W. E. Schulze, 1829- 
1832; Rev. Elihu Rathbun (English), 1830-1842; German sup- 
plies, 1832-1842; Rev. J. D. Nunnemacher, 1842-1857; Rev. A. 
B. Bierdemann, 1857-1867; Rev. D. M. Kemerer, 1867-1877; 
Rev. A. H. Bartholomew, 1877-1880; Rev. Hiram Péters, 1880- 
1884; Rev. G. W. Critchlow, 1884-1895; Rev. J. Q. Waters, 
1895-1903; Rev. Jonathan Sarver, 1903-1907; Rev. G. J. Diener, 
1908-1910; “Rev. TE .BY ‘Roth, DD) 1911219138 Rev evince 
Kunkelman,;, 1918-1920; Rey: A.C. Pe ilayss 192119020 sevens 
W. Yeany, 1922-. 


CHRIST Ss EVANGERICAT Ss DORE WR AINS CED Gt 
MOSIERTOWN, PA. 


German’ settlers located here at an early *day,abutetnerr 
limited numbers led them to postpone the organization of a 
church until 1830. This was effected by Pastor Philip Zeiser 
ofthe: Reformed (Churchsunder: the namieoi the area 
Evangelical Lutheran and German Reformed Church of Cus- 
sawaga Township”. A church was built and dedicated, which 
was known as “Union” on the synodical records, but as 
“Reichel’s” in the community. The first constitution provided 
that the pastor might be Lutheran or Reformed, but that 
there must never be more than one pastor at a time. One pastor, 
one council, one treasurer, served both Lutherans and Re- 
formed for many years. When Pastor Zeiser resigned in 
1843, the Reformed majority elected Pastor Benjamin Boyer 
as his successor, but this did not meet with community ap- 
proval, and he remained only a few months. Pastor J. D. 
Nunnemacher then served them from 1843 to 1857, and then 
another Lutheran, Rev. A. B. Bierdemann, served from 1857 
to 1866. The Reformed then felt that they had been slighted, 
and asked for the privilege of electing a pastor of their own. 


yA 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD | 769 


This was granted, and Rev. D. B. Ernst became their pastor. 
The next Lutheran pastor was Rev. Isaac Brenneman, who 
served Drake’s Mills and Mosiertown from 1867 to 1870. Rev. 
Frederick Wahl was the Reformed pastor at the time of Pas- 
tor Brenneman’s resignation, but his services were not accep- 
table to the Lutherans, who asked the privilege of electing a 
pastor of their own. While the Lutherans had granted this 
privilege to the Reformed, the latter were not willing to re- 
turn the favor, but locked Rev. Philip Doerr and his Lutheran 
congregation out of the church. Services were held in the 
school house, and measures taken to carry the case before the 
court; but better counsel prevailed and a new church was 
built at a cost of $2,000. The corner stone was laid, July 4, 
1873, and the church dedicated by Pastor D. M. Kemerer, 
November 27, 1873. The building site: was secured from J. 
M. Manville for $100. While a complete set of officers had 
been elected on Whitsunday, 1871, the constitution, in which 
they assumed their present name, was not adopted until Jan- 
uary 1, 1874. The church was admitted to the Pittsburgh 
Synod in 1874, under the leadership of Pastor George Gaumer. 
Pastor Gaumer conducted the first communion service in the 
new church, September 20, 1874, when the following mem- 
bers received the sacrament: 


Dengler, Benjamin Mosier, Daniel Moyer, Jacob 
Dengler, Susanna Mosier, Israel Moyer, Catherine 
‘Dengler, Amanda Mosier, Isaac Moyer, Anna 
Mosier, Amos Mosier, Israel (2) Moyer, Solomon 
Mosier, Lucinda Mosier, Mary E. Moyer, Collie 
Mosier, Daniel F. Mosier, Rebecca Oswalt, Aaron 
Mosier, Susan Mosier, Matilda Zimmer, Daniel 
Mosier, Samuel Motter, Elizabeth Zimmer, Rebecca 


The largest communion in the history of the church was 
held, May 4, 1884, when 32 persons were given the sacrament. 
In recent years there has been such an exodus from the com- 
munity that only a remnant of the congregation remains. 
The pastors from the time of the founding of the union con- 
gregation were: Rev. Philip Zeiser (Ref.), 1830-1843; Rev. 
Benjamin Boyer (Ref.), 1843; Rev. J. D. Nunnemacher, 1843- 
1857; Rev. A. B. Bierdemann, 1857-1866; Rev. Isaac Brenne- 
man, 1867-1870; Rev. Philip Doerr, 1871-1872; Rev. D.' M. 
Kemerer, 1872-1874; Rev. George Gaumer, 1874-1880; Rev. | 
Emanuel Cressman, 1881-1887; Rev. G. W. Critchlow, 1887- 
1895; Rev. J. O. Waters, 1895-1903; Rev. Jonathan Sarver, 
1903-1907 ; Rev. G. J. Diener, 1908-1910;.Rev. T. B. Roth, D.D., 
(supply), 1911-1918; Rev. M. R. Kunkelman, 1918-1920; Rev. 
De ore idlanserl 7-122 eve (ran. Critchlow. (supply );. 
1922-. 


770 HISTORY OHS LHE PIT SsBURGH SYNOD 


FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
WARREN, PA. 


It is claimed that there were a number of German and 
Scandinavian settlers in this vicinity as early as 1832, but no 
public services were held by them. Among the early settlers 
wiere patihien -K 6eber genes 
Truschels, Brueseckers, 
Lessers, Messners, Reigs, 
Retterers, Schulers and 
others, who eventually 
became the founders of 
this congregation. After 
the’ lum bere ndtsten 
reached its height about 
{hem year « Loosen anaes 
acres of denuded timber 
land were taken up by in- 
dustrious Germans. The 
following tribute is paid 
to these Germans in The 
Missionary of February 
aulkete ely 
































“From the most reliable 
sources of information it 
appears that there are, on a 
moderate calculation, about 
250 families of Germans in Warren County, residing principally within 
ten miles of Warren, the county seat. They are nearly all from Alsace, 
a German province of France on the Rhine. These 250 families may be 
set down according to their religious sentiments as follows: 103 Lu- 
therans, 65 Albrecht Leute, commonly knewn as German Methodists, 31 
Roman Catholics, and 61 Liberals or Free Thinkers. Of these last per- 
haps 22 families call themselves Lutheran, although by their daily walk 
and entire neglect of all religion they show but too sadly that ‘they care 
for none of these things’. To the above should be added at least 100 
single young men and women, who have no home except among strangers. 
*** The German population of our county, I am happy to add, are much 
in favor of the education of their sons and daughters. Such is the im- 
pression which they have made upon the English community by their 
industry and general uprightness, that the German is studied in the lead- 
ing English families, and the principal of the public school in Warren 
teaches German to a class of young ladies and gentlemen.” 





Their first pastor was Rev. Henry David Keyl, who rode on 
horse back from Saegertown to Warren to minister to them. He 
held his first service in 1842 in the Lauffenberger home, located 
on what is now called Cottage Place. For a time they worship- 
ped in the Pleasant Township school house, then in the academy, 
and finally in the court house, where Pastor Keyl confirmed the 
first catechumens. After his resignation in 1844, the congrega- 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 771 


tion asked the Joint Synod of Ohio to license Mr. P. Hauk, but 
this was denied. Pastor F. Brumbacher then served the parish, 
1844-1846, during which plans were laid for the building of their 
first church. A lot was bought on East street, near Fifth 
avenue, where Pastor Fremund Wucherer dedicated a modest 
and rudely furnished church. A charter was secured, Decem- 
ber 10, 1846, and the first officers of this corporation were: 
Rev. Fremund Wucherer, pastor; Christian Keller and George 
Hertzel, trustees; Philip Bucher and Philip Leonhart, elders; 
John Reig and Christian Bartsch, deacons. The third pastorate 
was that of Rev. Julius Zoller, 1849-1852, during which a con- 
stitution was adopted and the parish steadily strengthened. The 
next pastor was Rev. Conrad Kuehn, 1852-1854, by whom the 
congregation was persuaded to unite with the Ohio Synod. For 
some reason a small faction withdrew from the church at this 
time, and held services in private homes, but the schism was 
healed after Pastor Kuehn resigned. His successor was Rev. 
Friedrich Carl Brauneck, who remained four years. When 
Rev. Henry Weicksel became pastor in June, 1858, a new page 
of church life was turned, for a new constitution was adopted 
and the parish admitted to the Pittsburgh Synod. ‘The first 
officers under the new constitution were Christian Bartsch, 
Andrew Hertzel, Max Amann, Jacob Sutter, Philip Gruber, and 
Jacob Nachtrieb. Pastor Weicksel was the first to introduce 
English services, and met considerable opposition. Only the 
support of some of the strongest men of the parish enabled 
him to continue these services. Probably the most telling pas- 
torate in the history of the congregation was that of Rev. Adolph 
Leopold Benze, 1863-1872, during which there was such a large 
development that a new church became necessary. The corner 
stone was laid in 1867, but the church was not dedicated by 
Pastor Benze until September 26, 1869. German and English 
addresses were made at the dedication. The church was built 
of brick, 42x85, with a steeple 120 feet high, at a cost of $10,000. 
The adjoining parsonage was built in 1866 at a cost of $2,500. 
The next pastor was Rev. G. A. Bruegel, 1872-1875, to whom 
belongs the credit of confirming the first class in English. 
During the pastorate of Rev. G. H. Trabert, 1892-1896, the 
present constitution was adopted, and English almost displaced 
German in the public services. The church was remodelled at 
a cost of $25,000 in 1901, but not dedicated until November 24, 
1907, during the pastorate of Rev. W. FE. Brinkmann. Addi- 
tional improvements were made to the property during the 
pastorate of Revi ©: A. Dennig at a’ cost. of $10,000,, anda 
service of rededication was held, May 28, 1922. The rear- 
rangement and refurnishing of the chancel in 1920 is also 


A772 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


credited to the leadership of Pastor Dennig. First Church 
numbered 1095 members in 1922, ranking third among the 315 
churches of the Pittsburgh Synod. The pastors served in the 
following order: Rev. H. D. Keyl, 1842-1844; Rev. F. Brum- 
bacher, 1844-1846; Rev. Fremund Wucherer, 1846-1849; Rev. 
Julius Zoller, 1849-1852; Rev. Conrad Kuehn, 1852-1854; Rev. 
F. C. Brauneck, 1854-1858; Rev. Henry Weicksel, 1858-1863; 
Rev, A. ly Benze, 1863-1872; Rev. G. A. Bruegel, 1872-1875; 
Rev. F. C. H. Lampe, 1875-1879; Rev. G. A. Wenzel, 1879-1881 ; 
Rev. Philip Doerr, 1881-1890; Rev. W. A. C. Mueller, 1890- 
189);s Rev G. Fw brabert 1692-18960 Kev as eevee 
1896-1904; Rev. G. J. Gongaware, 1904-1905; Rev. W. E. 
Brinkmann, 1906-1911; Rev. W. C. Beck. 1911-1919; Rev. 
C. A. Dennig, 1920-. 


ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
WHEELING, W. VA. 


While some of the first citizens of Wheeling were Ger- 
mans, no attempt was made to organize them into a congre- 
gation until 1835, when a German Evangelical Church was 
founded. When this church fell into rationalistic hands, the - 
more conservative Germans withdrew and founded “The First 
German Evangelical Lutheran Zion Church’. The first 
meeting for this purpose was held in Ott Hall, May 26, 1850, 
when a committee on constitution was appointed. This con- 
stitution was adopted and signed by 56 men, June 2, 1850, 
when the following officers were elected: Heinrich Hart- 
mann, Christian Hagedorn, Karl Schwardfeger, Philip Hoff- 
man, Ernst Loehr, Johann Wust, Christian Feder, Andreas 
Emmert, Wilhelm Wiedebusch, Heinrich Giesseler, August 
Hoffnung, and Karl Siebrecht. This constitution in modified 
form is still the law of the church. During the first year the 
church increased to 200 members, but the opposition of a 
rationalistic press was such that aid was granted by the Pitts- 
burgh Synod. The missionary appropriations, 1850-1857, 
were never large, but gave a sense of moral support to the 
congregation that was much needed: Civil suit was entered 
against them by the German Evangelical Church, but this 
was decided in their favor. A lot on Chapline street was pur- 
chased, but this was sold in 1854, when the Congregational 
Church on Market street was bought for $5,000. After sev- 
eral hundred dollars were spent in repairs, it was rededicated 
by Pastor Zimmerman as a Lutheran Church. A Sunday 
School and as a Parochial School were organized by _ this 
pastor. When he resigned, May 3, 1858, he was succeeded by 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD ifs 


Pastor William Berkemeier, who served from 1858 to 1866. 
This pastor organized a Parochial School, and established Mt. 
Zion Cemetery, which was dedicated, July 3, 1864. The parish 
enjoyed splendid development until May 21, 1862, when a hur- 
ricane destroyed the church and killed three of the school 
children. The Pittsburgh Synod responded generously to 
their call of distress, and the -church was rebuilt and orna- 
mented with a tower and spire. The new church was dedi- 
cated by Pastor Berkemeier, March 22, 1863, when sermons 
were preached in German and English. Such was the reaction 
of the church to the storm, that the membership was rapidly 
increased to more than three hundred. The period of the 
civil war was one of severe trial to the congregation. No less 
than thirty of the men of Zion enlisted as volunteers, and a 
large number of them perished on the field of battle. When 
Pastor Berkemeier resigned in 1866, he was succeeded by 
pastoren Gre iaelamipess «lihis: pastor oreanizedarchurchsin 
Bellaire, but this proved short lived. He resigned in 1873 un- 
der charges, but these were later disproven. His successors 
in Zion were Rev. F. P. Mayser, 1873-1874, and Rev. Otto 
Meerwein, 1874-1884. Pastor Meerwein is remembered as a 
scholarly man, who organized the Ladies’ Aid Society and the 
Sick and Benevolent Society of Zion. Huis successors were 
Rev. Paul Ziegelmeier, 1885-1893, and Rev. Philip Jacob 
Hoh, 1893-1901. During the last pastorate the church was 
greatly improved at a cost of $10,284. The memorial win- 
dows, altar and font were installed at this time. The reno- 
vated church was rededicated by Pastor Hoh, May 20, 1900. 
The next pastorates were those of Rev. S. B. Stupp, 1902- 
1906, and Rev. Albert L. Benze, 1906-1917. Under the leader- 
ship of Pastor Benze, the church was once more renovated at 
considerable cost, the rededication service being held, May 8, 
1910. This pastor was also responsible for the introduction 
of English Vespers, and the grading of the Sunday School ac- 
cording to the system of the General Council. The parish had 
a steady development in all departments, and more than 800 
members were enrolled. Pastor S. Kk. Strauss began his work 
in Zion, September 1, 1918, and the church has continued to 
fill an enviable place among the churches of the Pittsburgh 
Synod. A consecutive list of pastorates is as follows: Rev. 
Frederick Zimmerman, 1850-1858; Rev. William Berkemeier, 
1858-1866; Rev. F. C. H. Lampe, 1867-1873; Rev. F. P. May- 
ser, 1873-1874; Rev. Otto Meerwein, 1874-1884; Rev. Paul 
Ziegelmeier, 1885-1893; Rev. P. J. Hoh, 1893-1901; Rev. S. 
B. Stupp, 1902-1906; Rev. A. L. Benze, 1906-1917; Rev. 5. K. 
Strauss, 1918-. 


774 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


ZION’S GERMAN EVAN. LUTHERAN CHURCH 
JOHNSTOWN, PA. 


The first citizen of Johnstown was Joseph Yahn, an enter- 
prising German Mennonite, who settled at the forks of the 
Conemaugh and ea Creek in 1793, and laid out the town 

re in 1800. Some think his 
‘ name was Schantz, but 


ee al he himself spelled. it 
ase SEES Y alin Ate all@eventemsan 


was-’ftrom ‘this .Germnan 


ii that the city derived its 
e 














name. ‘The discovery of 
iron ore in the moun- 
tains in 1842 led to the 
building of Cambria 
y Furnace and the open- 
i: ing of an era of pros- 
perity. A great natural 





advantage of the town 
was. thatittlayeatwtie 
head of western naviga- 


























2 tion. The First Luther- 
i. 2 pk a) an Church was establish- 
2 ed by Rev. J. K. Reben- 
ach! “ins (19 1O%e butseene 
German Church had be- 
come entirely English before the larger immigration from the 
Fatherland began. During the pastorate of Doctor Peter Sahm 
in First Church, 1848-1852, he took a deep interest in the new 
immigrants, and held services for them every alternate Sunday 
afternoon. Pastor Theobald Kleis was sent to Johnstown by 
Doctor W. A. Passavant in September of 1852, and a church 
was organized a few weeks later, forty men of Johnstown and 
vicinity giving their support. The organization was effected 
in the Brethren Church, corner of Main and Jackson streets. 
The Church Record opened at that time contains the marriages 
and baptisms, but all other records were lost in the flood. The 
lot on the corner of Jackson and Locust streets was bought for 
$400 from James McMillan. The corner stone of their first 
church was laid by Pastor Kleis, June 5, 1853, but his death on 
October 7 denied him the privilege of dedication. The building 
was dedicated byPastor ‘C. Cy An Brandt, December lds eae: 
It was a modest frame church, with a small sacristy in which it 
was the custom to hang memorial wreaths in honor of their 
dead. ‘The chancel was finished in yellow and white. No organ 
was provided, but August Danges led the singing. Germans 











HIS TORVeOR Pin iePI TT SBURGH SYNOD 775 


came from all parts of 
Cambria County to wor- 
ship here, and the church 
was self - sustaining and 
independent from the be- 
ginning. While Pastor 
Carl ‘Taubner was a mem- 
ber of the Alleghany 
Synod, he never return- 
ed any parochial reports 
from the congregation. 
The first parochial teach- 
er of Zion was Constan- 
tine Nenstiel, who open- 
eda schoolsingas rented 
Railroad street hall in 


JULIE IL 

1861. About four years ve =e ae 

later a school house was er ye = a 
y 






































built on the corner of 

Jacksonestreem ands Carr 

alley. During these years 

there was such a large German immigration that the church was 
soon outgrown. ‘The corner stone of their second church was 
laid in September, 1868, and the building dedicated by Pastor 
Taubner, January 2, 1870. Much difficulty was experienced 
in building the steeple, and this led to the delay in dedication. 
It was built of brick, with the tower and entrance on Locust 
street. Galleries were built on three sides, providing a seating 
capacity of eight hundred. The cost of the second church was 
about $16,000. During the pastorate of Rev. Henry Veith, 
1882-1889, a pipe organ was installed at a cost of $1,400, which 
was then considered the finest in the city. Pastor Veith or- 
ganized the Ladies’ Aid Society in 1882, and was largely re- 
sponsible for the organization of St. Paul’s Church in Morrell- 
ville. His successor was Rev. John Philip Lichtenberg, who 
began his labors, May 12, 1889, and closed them in death, May 
31, 1889, when the great flood swept through the valley and 
left death and desolation in its path. Among the 2,286 victims 
of the flood were Pastor Lichtenberg, his wife and four chil- 
dren. The bodies of the pastor and his wife were found on 
Sandyvale Cemetery, but the children were yet comparative 
strangers, and remained among the 776 unknown dead, which 
were interred in Grandview. ‘The site of the church could not 
be identified after the flood until after a survey had been made. 
The church bell was recovered, and is still highly prized by the 
congregation. The heart of the Lutheran Church was deeply 
touched by this catastrophe; and gifts of $10,440.06 were re- 


776 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


ceived from sympathetic 
friends. A fund of $4,- 
016 was gathered by the 
Lutherische Kirchenblatt, 
and given to the congre- 
gation on condition that 
a pastor of the General 
Council be called. Thirty 
persons attended a con- 
gregational meeting, 
June 23, 1889, when it 
was decided to rebuild 
and also to apply to the 
Ministerium of Pennsyl- 
vania for a pastor. This 
pastor came in the per- 
Son “of tPastor slates 


a ae, Glasow, June 27, 1889, 


























who served until death, 

April 8, 1897. No pastor 

ever-served Zion to whom 
the parish owes more. Many of the parish irregularities of 
former years were discarded, and yet in such fine spirit that 
few found fault. His first services were held in Hausmann’s 
Hall, where a new constitution was adopted, August 18, 1889. 
While Zion Church was incorporated in 1854, no record of the 
act could be found, and it was therefore reincorporated, October 
8, 1889, and admitted to the Pittsburgh Synod in the following 
year. At that time it was already a great congregation of 1450 
members. A frame school house was built in 1890, .where 
services were held for a time. The corner stone of the restored 
church was laid, October 5, 1890, and the building dedicated 
by Pastor Glasow, May 3, 1891. It was built of brick, with a 
high steeple, at a cost of $30,000. Despite heavy flood losses, 
all but $14,000 was provided at once. JLwutheran books were 
then introduced into all departments of church work. The next 
pastors were Rev. John Luepke, 1897-1899, and Rev. Hugo R. 
Erdmann, 1900-1914. At the beginning of the latter pastorate 
a brick parsonage was erected at 119 Jackson street for $10,000. 
In 1901 two more bells were added to the flood bell in the 
tower. The interior of the church was remodelled in 1906, and a 
service of rededication was conducted by Pastor Erdmann, 
November 11, 1906. By this time it was apparent that the 
parish could not be properly developed without the use of sub- 
urban chapels. Salem Chapel of Moxham was built for $6,400, 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 777 


and dedicated by Pastor Erdmann, February 13, 1910. Bethany 
Chapel of Walnut Grove was bought from the United Breth- 
ten for $3,750, June [17 1916;sremodelled at a cost of $2,000, 
and dedicated by Pastor E. A. Tappert,. February 26, 1922. The 
.cost of both chapels was financed by Zion. Sunday Schools and 
regular services are held in both places. An effort was made to 
organize the Germans of Ehrenfeld and Summer Hill in 1910, 
but this effort failed. In February of 1910 altar panels, painted 
by Doctor William Steinhauser of Frankfort, were presented by 
J. L. Tross in memory of the flood. The school house was re- 
placed by a brick parish house at a cost of $32,000, and this 
was dedicated by Pastor Erdmann, May 10, 1914. When the 
schools of Salem and Bethany unite with that of the parish 
house in a celebration, the seating capacity of Zion is taxed to 
the limit. Pastor Erdmann took a vacation trip to Europe soon 
after this dedication, and the parish was shocked to learn of 
his death in London, July 30, 1914. With much difficulty his 
body was brought from war-disturbed England, and laid to 
rest in Grandview Cemetery. His successor was Doctor Ernst 
A. Tappert, who began his labors here, November 12, 1914. 
His son, Wilfried Tappert, was installed as his assistant, June 
20, 1920. Under the ministry of the Tapperts there has been 
a large development in the parish, especially in benevolence 
after the introduction of the duplex system. Zion’s Brotherhood 
was organized with more than 200 members, February 4, 1915. 
From 1916 to 1917 Pastor F. J. Fuerst served as a congrega- 
tional missionary. In 1918 the steeple of the church was struck 
by lightning, and it was found advisable to take it down. Dur- 
ing the World War the service flag of Zion had 207 stars, of 
which 5 were gold. At the 70th anniversary of Zion, the mort- 
gage was burned and another forward movement planned. The 
property at 613 Locust street was bought for $40,000, and used 
for the parsonage, but the chief purpose of the purchase was the 
future enlargement of the chancel of Zion. In 1924 the parish 
reported 2756 confirmed members. A feature of parish life for 
many years was the teaching work of Mrs. E. A. Tappert. 
The pastors of Zion have served in the following order: Rev. 
‘Theobald .Kleis, 1852-1853; Rev: €. C. A. Brandt, 1853-1855; 
Rev. H. $. Lasar, 1855-1856; Rev. Karl Kress, 1856-1859; Rev. 
W. Sick, 1859-1862; Rev. Carl Taubner, M.D., 1862-1876; Rev. 
Karl Knortz, 1876-1882; Rev. Herman Veith, 1882-1889; Rev. 
le dee Bichtenbers,) 1669;sRevy. Pir As Glasow, 1889-1897: Rey. 
John Luepke, 1897-1899; Rev. H. R. Erdmann, 1900-1914; Rev. 
E. A. Tappert, D.D., 1914-; Rev. Wilfried Tappert (assistant), 
1920-. 


SI 
NI 
oO 


HISTORYSOF CER EaPIDPSBURGH SYNOD 


GRACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
FRANKLIN, PA. 


Friedens Lutheran: Church was organized by Rev. Henry 
Weicksel with 32 members in 1852. A number of these had wor-. 
shipped with the Highland Church, organized three years before. 
A lot on Buffalo street was bought for $150, where the corner 
stone of a frame church was laid by Pastor Weicksel, June 3, 
1852. Because of lack of funds the church was not completed 
until December 8, 1861, when it was dedicated by Pastor Isaac 
Brenneman. A charter was secured for the “Evangelical Lu- 
therian Friedens (Harmony) Congregation,’ November 30, 1885, 
the petition being signed by the following: 


Henry Maria Rechtel, Elizabeth Seifer, Catherine 
Henry, Catherine Roeman, John IL. Seiier, Ludwig 
Keely, Susanna Roeman, Anna C. Seifer, Henry 
Kester, George and Anna Roeman, Anna M. Seifer, William 
Kunkel, Abraham Roemer, Herman Seifer, Susanna 
Miller, Abraham Roemer, Catherine Seifer, Jacob 
Miller, James Schneider, Jacob (2) Steifel, Frederick 
Miller, Catherine Schneider, George Steifel, Martin 
Miller, Jonathan Schneider, Catherine West, George 
Miller, Maria Streck, Andrew West, Marget 
Rechtel, Isaac (2) Seifer, Michael Young, John 


Friedens Church was then a part of the Venango Mission, 
consisting of Dempseytown, Mt. Pleasant, Center, and Cran- 
berry. Pastor Weicksel served until June 1, 1855, when he and 
Pastor John A. Nuner exchanged parishes. The parish consisted 
of Franklin, New Lebanon, Center, St. James, Cranberry, Mt. 
Pisgah, and Dempsey- 
town in 1857, and was 
counted the hardest field 
in” | thes = synode = VVlen 
Rev. J. M. Long became 
pastor of Franklin, New 
Lebanon, and Dempsey- 
town in 1868, he reor- 
ganized thes iamiilan 
church “as an ~Enelish 
congregation of 29 mem- 
bers, Junev lo. lS638 5m 
amendment to the chart- 
er, #) an Wanye OFM egO, 
changed™ the #name resto 
“Grace Evangelical Lu- 
theran Church”. During 
the pastgrate of Rev. H. 
J. G. Bartholomew, 1884- 
1892, the old church was 
sold to the Baptists for 













































































How Oho ie pier ly PSO BURGH SYNOD ff2 


$1,000, and the lot at Buffalo and 11th streets bought for $900. 
Here the corner stone of the second church was laid, July 25, 
1886, and the building dedicated by Pastor Bartholomew, Janu- 
ary 9, 1887. It was built of frame, 48x74, at a cost of $7,000, 
and contained a church, primary room and parsonage. During 
this pastorate the mission became self-sustaining, During the 
pastorate of Rev. W. R. Swickard, 1897-1901, the church was 
renovated and a pipe organ installed at a total cost of $2,500. 
The building was rededicated by Pastor Swickard, November 6, 
1898. A long pastorate by Rev. W. G. D. Hudson was closed 
in death, June 7, 1920, and his body laid to rest in the Franklin 
cemetery. Under. the leadership of Pastor M. R. Kunkelman, 
the parsonage at 1034 Buffalo street was secured at a cost of 
$7,000, and the church was renovated. There has been a grati- 
fying development in the parish in recent years, the membership 
being increased to 245 and a brotherhood room built. The pas- 
tors were: Rev. Henry Weicksel, 1852-1855; Rev. J. A. Nuner, 
1855-1860; Rev. Isaac Brenneman, 1860-1863; Rev. W. F. Ulery, 
1863-1865; Rev. Michael Kuchler (German supply), 1865; Sup- 
plies, 1865-1868; Rev. J. M. Long, 1868-1873; Supplies, 1873- 
1874; Rev. S. W. Kuhns, 1875-1881; Rev. F. W. Kohler, 1881- 
Poot sehev i |e Gea bartnolomew,. 1804-1892: Rev, Ely J. ET. 
Lemcke, 1892-1896; Rev. W. R. Swickard, 1897-1901; Rev. W. 
G. D. Hudson, 1902-1920; Rev. M. R. Kunkelman, 1920-1925; 
Rev. J. W. Ramsey, 1925-. 


Si oe VANGEEICAT LULBHERAN CHURCH 
Pw hOONA, PA: 


This congregation was organized by Rev. Henry Seifert of 
the Alleghany Synod in 1860. The first place of worship was 
First Church, and the first officers were: F. W. Myers, Conrad 
Boehm, Henry Lenz, Henry Reich, Philip Fertel, and Christian 
Brennecke, elders; Nicholas Marks, Stephen Winters, George 
Lesli, William Schomberg, George Kerschner, and Conrad Hall- 
acher, deacons. Pastor Seifert withdrew after a few months of 
service, and Pastor John H. Schmidt was installed, November 
24, 1861. St. James united with the Alleghany Synod in 1862. 
The lot on the corner of Eighth avenue and 14th street, 50x120, 
was bought for $400, where a small frame church was built. The 
corner stone was laid, June 29, 1862, and the church dedicated by 
Pastor ochnudtMarch#l15,31863e" Dhe lotuadjoining thechurch 
was bought for $800 in 1864. When Pastor Schmidt resigned, 
April 15, 1864, he was succeeded by Pastor Michael Wolf, who 
served from August 1, 1864, to May 1, 1875. During this period 
the church was transferred from the Alleghany to the Pittsburgh 
Synod. At the time of the transfer it had 109 members. The 


780 HISTORY OFVTHE PITTSBURGH SsyY NOD 


next pastor was Rev. 
Carl Jaeckel, who began 
his. work, July l, l3sa 
During the last year of 
his pastorate he tried to 
persuade the church to 
make two changes in the 
cons titiit1omn, onesp 
which released the pastor 
from the requirement to 
belong to the Pittsburgh 
Synod, and this aroused 
such a storm of opposi- 
tion that he was com- 
pelled to resign, July 11, 
1881. Doctor Passavant 
= then visited the congre- 
a gation and advised that a 
charter bessécured #that 
would settle for all time 
the question of synodical 
relations. This charter was secured, July 26, 1882, and binds the 
pastor to the Pittsburgh Synod. Doctor G. A. Wenzel rendered 
splendid service during this storm period, and installed Pastor H. 
J. H; Lemcke, December 11, 1881... “Under ithe leadership ominis 
pastor, 1881-1891, the congregation was greatly blessed, the mem- 
bership increasing to 569 communicants. ‘This splendid develop- 
ment necessitated the erection of a larger church. The corner 
stone of the second church was laid, August 4, 1889, and the 
completed church dedicated by Pastor Lemcke, September 14, 
1890. It was a large two-story brick structure, 60x80, and cost 
$29,948. The first English services of St. James were held in 
1891, when Pastor Lemcke was instructed to conduct services in 
that language every alternate Sunday evening. The next pastor 
was Rev. John Muller, 1891-1898, who served as the head ot 
the movement for Russian famine relief, about $25,000 being 
gathered. His successor was Pastor Charles Louis Boecele, who 
was installed, June 12, 1898. His first task was the liquidation 
of a debt of $12,000. When this had been accomplished, a fund 
of $4,000 was raised to secure chancel furniture of rare beauty. 
The parsonage was built for $5,541 in 1903. A Saturday paro- 
chial school was taught by Pastor Boecele for several years. 
When the health of the pastor broke under the strain of his 
heavy work, he was constrained to retire, July 30, 1920. His 
successor was Pastor Reinhold Schmidt, 1920-1924, under whose 
leadership the congregation enjoyed a large measure of pros- 
perity. The church was thoroughly renovated at a cost of 


RA cs 
ry 





Hes 
Oo 


SS: ay = 





























Cea 
ii 


R3 
oe 





oe = 


ob 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 781 


$7,553, and rededicated by Pastor Schmidt, September 17, 1922. 
The next pastor was Rev. Jacob F. Flegler, who was installed, 
a 27, 1924. A consecutive list of pastorates follows: Rev. 

enry Seifert, 1860-1861; Rev. J. H. Schmidt, 1861-1864; Rev. 
Michael Wolf, 1864-1875; Rev. Carl Jaeckel, 1875-1881; Rev. 
G. A. Wenzel, D.D. (supply), 1881; Rev. H. J. H. Lemcke, 1881- 
1891; Rey. John Muller, 1891-1898; Rev. C. L. Boecele, 1898- 
1920; Rev. Reinhold Schmidt, 1920-1924; Rev. J. F.: Flegler, 
1924-. 


FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
RIDGW AYAPA: 


The founding of this church is credited to Rev. Isaac 
Brenneman. Accepting a commission from the Pittsburgh 
Synod he entered the field in the fall of 1870, seeking the scat- 
tered Lutherans of Warren, Cameron, McKean, and Elk counties, 
holding regular services at Tidioute, Ridgway, Emporium, and 
Bunker Hill. The most promising fields were Tidioute and 
Ridgway, the first service in the latter place being held in Ger- 
man, December 4, 1870, The first communion was held, Septem- 
ber 27, 1871, when 14 children were baptized and 25 persons re- 
ceived the sacrament of the altar. Regular services were held 
every two weeks, alternating between German and English, until 
April 14, 1872, when Pastor Brenneman organized a congrega- 
tion of 35 members. A constitution was adopted at the same 
time, and the following officers were elected: George Walker, 
elder ; John Wonderly and John Christ, deacons; John A. Miller, 
Philipmeiecescu aud. aspera bruegoer,, trustees.) Lhe: original 
members were: 


Bruegger, Casper 
Bruegger, Arnold 
Bruegger, Verona 
Bruegger, Elizabeth 
Christ, John 

Christ, Elizabeth 
Dahler, Henry and Anna 
Gower, Adam 

Gower, Elizabeth 
Greenawalt, Abraham 
Greenawalt, Mary 


Greenawalt, Abbey 
Hollobach, John 
Hollobach, Mary 
Imdorf, Elizabeth 
Jaeggi, Barbara 
Kehrley, Melchor 
Kehrley, Elizabeth 
Lesser, Philip 
Lesser, Caroline 
Loefler, Elizabeth 
Miller, John A. 


Miller, Margaret 
Miller, Anna 1} 

Roof, Samuel 

Roof, Lucy A. 
Sleight, Emma 
Thom, John 

Walker, George 
Walker, Salome 
Weiss, Fred and wife 
Wonderly, John 
Wonderly, Margaret 


A class of fifteen young people was confirmed, April 28, 
1872, so that the original members really numbered fifty. 
Prompt plans were made for the erection of a church. The 
corner stone was laid, June 29, 1873, and the church dedicated, 
October 24-25, 1874. A Swedish address was delivered by Rev. 
J. Melander, a German address by Rev. G. A. Bruegel, and an 
English address by Doctor Henry W. Roth on the occasion of 
the dedication. After the resignation of Pastor Brenneman in 
1878, Rev. John Sander took charge of the parish and served 


782 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


Ee De first as a student supply, 
and then as their regular 
i pastor, 1880-1885. By 

sess Sass the, efforts” of, Piajsitom 
| Sander the church debt 
was paid and extensive 
repairs made on the tow- 
er. Besides holding two 
services in Ridgway 
every Sunday, this pas- 
tor made regular trips* to 
Agroyo. Ce nie tay times 
Farleyville, Highland, 
Wit lco.x, + Roltesgang 
Johnsonburg. Sometimes 
the journey was made on 
foot in order not to dis- 


i ca Ae appoint the people. Early 














BS) 


at 





























in 1884 a number of the 

members withdrew to 

form the Swiss Reform- 
ed Church. Soon after the incorporation of the congregation on 
May 26, 1884, the constitution recommended by the General 
Council was adopted. When Pastor Sander resigned, August 16, 
1885, he left a united German congregation of 150 members, for 
whom one English sermon was provided every month. During 
the next pastorate, 1885-1888, Rev. A. F. Schaeffer preached 
altogether in German, but succeeded in building up the church 
into a self-sustaining parish. The next pastor was Rev. A. R. J. 
Graepp, who served from 1888 to 1892. His successor was Rev. 
Emanuel Cressman, who served as a supply in 1892, and became 
the regular pastor, January 1, 1893. From 1894 to 1897 he 
preached at Portland Mills, Brandy Camp, and the German 
settlement. The silver anniversary of the parish was celebrated, 
August 22, 1897, when a Good Shepherd window placed in the 
chancel of the church was dedicated. This pastorate was closed 
in death, October 6, 1898, and the body of Pastor Cressman was 
taken to Bethlehem, Pa., for interment. The pastorate of Rev. 
Joseph Hart Orr began on March 28, 1899, and continued until 
May 1, 1906. During this time much was done to solve the 
language question. The Sunday School was made entirely 
English, and the graded system of the General Council intro- 
duced. All the services of the church were held in English, ex- 
cept the first and third Sundays of every month, which were 
German. The Luther League and Ladies Aid Society were or- 
ganized, and the envelograph system of finance was introduced. 
The next pastor was Rev. John I. Shaud, who served from July 


HislORSSOr THEO PLiTSBURGH SYNOD 783 


14, 1907, to May 31, 1909. His successor was Rev..Franklin E. 
Strobel, who held his first service on February 6, 1910, but con- 
ducted no service in German until April 10, when it was decided 
to hold an English chief service every Sunday morning, but to 
give the Germans a service on the first and third Sundays of 
every month at an early hour. In order to make this provision 
it was necessary to shift the hour for Sunday School to 11:30. 
The Martin Luther Brotherhood was organized during this year, 
and a movement started looking toward a new church. Pastor 
Strobel gathered a building fund of $5,000, but the letting of the 
contract was not authorizéd until May 4, 1913. The corner stone 
was laid, October 5, 1913, and the completed church dedicated by 
Pastor Strobel, August 23, 1914. It was built of brick and stone, 
furnished according to Lutheran usage, at a cost of $21,000. 
Pastor Strobel resigned, April 25, 1916, and the congregation 
then invited Student Oscar J. Warnath to spend his senior vaca- 
tion in the parish. His services were so pleasing to all that he 
became the regular pastor after his ordination in the following 
year, serving from July 1, 1917, to January 1, 1922. When the 
last dollar of debt was paid, March 2, 1919, a service of special 
thanksgiving was held. The language question was finally 
settled, May 11, 1919, since when no German services have been 
held. A two-manual Teller-Kent pipe organ was installed at a 
cost of $4,000, and dedicated by Pastor Warnath, January 30, 
1921. The next pastor was Rev. Luther A. Krouse, who began 
his pastorate immediately after his ordination on June 22, 1922. 
During the summer of 1923 the old parsonage adjoining the 
church was torn down, and a fine home for the pastor erected at 
an approximate cost of $11,000. The unity of the congregation 
is delightful, and a great future is before them. The following 
is a list of the* pastorates: Rev. Isaac Brenneman, 1872-1878; 
Rev. John Sander, 1880-1885; Rev. A. F. Schaeffer, 1885-1888 ; 
Rev. A. R. J. Graepp, 1888-1892 ; Rev. Emanuel Cressman, 1893- 
1898; Rev. J. .H. Orr, 1899-1906; Rev. J. I. Shaud, 1907-1909; 
Rev. F. E. Strobel, 1910-1916; Rev. O. J. Warnath, 1917-1922; 
Rev. L. A. Krouse, 1922-. 


See OLN LE VANGHTICATAPUTHERAN CHURCH 
EMEBN LON. PAL 


This church was organized in the Hill street school house by 
Rev. J. B. Fox, June 30, 1869. An agreement was made with 
the Reformed to build a union church, which provided that this 
relationship should continue for ten years, unless two-thirds of 
the members of each congregation wished to extend the time. A 
lot on the corner of Main and Fourth streets was bought, and a 
two-story brick church erected for $3,600. The corner stone was 


784 HISTORY OB STORE PITTSBURGH ss YNOD 


laid, July 3, 1869, but the time of the dedication of the church is 
not recorded. The first members of St. John’s were: 

Allebach, Henry Lawall, Mrs. Stephen Whittling, John 

Allebach, Mrs. Henry Lawall, Marietta Whittling, Mrs. John 

Gilbert, Mathias aad wife Taylor, Mrs. Thomas Whittling, Christina 

The first church officers were Henry Allebach and John 

Whittling. A union Sunday School was conducted with a good 
attendance. The two congregations worshipped in the same 
building until June 30, 
1885, when the Luther- 
ans withdrew and built a 
church on the hill. This 
church was built of frame 
at a cost of $2,000, and 
was dedicated by Pastor 
Hox, Januaryonopeooe: 
After the resignation of 
Pastor (Hox; iMay gatos 
1888, the church was 
made a. part»otetParkes 
Mission. ‘This arrange- 
ment continued until 
1897, when Pastor Jacob 
Ash began to serve them 
in connection with Beav- 


4 er Parish. He then re- 









































== 
es 





ported a membership of 
thirty in St. John’s. An- 
other parish was formed 
in 1901, consisting of Parker, Emlenton, and St. Petersburg. 
After the Parker church was disbanded, Emlenton and St. 
Petersburg constituted a parish until April 1, 1920, when Salem 
was added. Services are now held every two weeks. ‘The pas- 
tors of St’ John’s avere: Rev. J. (Bj Hox, 180921883) Reva same 
Bacher, 1889-1890; Rev. D. D. Miller, 1890-1892; Rev. J. K. 
Melhorn and other supplies, 1892-1893; Rev. Jacob Ash, 1894- 
1897; Rev. Ludwig Beisecker, 1897-1900; Rev. Bernard Repass, 
1901-1904; Rev. W. C. Beck, 1905-1911; Rev. H. D. Whitteker, 
1912-1913; Rev. Bernard Fetterly, 1914-1916; Rev. William 
Weicksel, 1916-1919; Rev. W. R. Goff, 1920-1923; Rev.. J. R. 
Booth, 1923-. 


STAPAUL/ S*EVANGEVIGALDHL UTE RAN CHURCH 
DUBOIS, PA. 


When Rev. Isaac Brenneman was commissioned as pastor of 
the North East Mission in 1870, his missionary journeys led to 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 785 


Dubois, but he was not ES Se 
able to effect an organi- : 


Zationune Lhe: (Credityeior ‘ sob 
° c 9 Soe) oN 
Rem Ot Ie Ol tin GD ese act ZGE eae wee 








Paul’s Church is given to A 
Bove jailed liner oT 
Reynoldsville, who be- 
gan to preach in Dubois 
in 1880, and founded the 
congregation with 25 
members, February 10, 
1881. A constitution was 
adopted, June 17, 1884, 
in which the congrega- 
tion pledged its allegiance 
to the “Pittsburgh Synod 
of the General Coun- 
Gilgeme Wcsscomier «stone 
of their church was laid, 
June 29, 01884, and the 
completed building dedi- 
cated, November 23, 1884. It was a Gothic brick structure, 
40x70, equipped with a spire, and cost $7,500. The officiating 
clergy at the dedication were Pastor J. H. Kline, Rev. J. K. Mel- 
horn, and Doctor W. A. Passavant. Ill health led to the resigna- 
tion of Pastor Kline, September 1, 1885, but the work of the 
Lord had prospered in his hands, and he was able to report a 
church of 112 communing members. His successor was Rev. 
Isaac K. Wismer, who served from October 1, 1885, to May 22, 
1892. During this pastorate, a great conflagration swept Dubois 
and many of the members lost their homes, but a change of wind 
stopped the flames before they could reach St. Paul’s. Soon 
after this calamity, the Swedes of the congregation withdrew in 
order to form a separate church, but St.- Paul’s continued to 
prosper. A legal charter was secured, and a troublesome debt of 
$4000 was reduced to $1600. A parsonage was built on the lot 
adjoining the church in 1891. When Pastor Wismer closed his 
labors he reported a self-sustaining congregation of 168 mem- 
bers. His successors were Rev. Robert G. Rosenbaum, 1892- 
1897, Rev. G. L. Rankin, 1897-1900, and Rev. D. P. T. Cricken- 
berger, 1901-1910. During the last named pastorate, 252 new 
members were added to the congregation and many improve- 
ments made to the property. These improvements included the 
building of an addition for Sunday School work, the replacing 
of the pews and the installation of a pipe organ at a total cost of 
$10,000. The church was rededicated, April 28, 1907, when 
Pastor Crickenberger was assisted by Doctor A. L. Yount. St. 









































786 HISTORY OFVIHE, PILTSBURGH SYNOD 


Paul’s swarmed for the second time in 1906, when a number of 
members withdrew to form Trinity Church, which united with 
the Alleghany Synod. This gave to Dubois four Lutheran con- 
gregations, greatly limiting the field that had once been occupied 
by St. Paul’s alone. Rev. Robert D. Roeder began his pastorate 
here, April 10, 1910, and served until November 25, 1923. Dur- 
ing this time extensive improvements were made to both par- 
sonage and church. A beautiful Gothic altar with reredos, pre- 
sented by the women of St. Paul’s, was dedicated by Pastor 
Roeder, January, 2, 1916. In the center of the reredos‘is an oil 
painting, “Jesus standing at the door’, a memorial to Mr. and 
Mrs. George W. Pifer. The list of pastorates is as follows: Rev. 
J. H. Kline, 1881-1885; Rev. I. K. Wismer, 1885-1892; Rev. R. 
G. Rosenbaum, 1892-1897; Rev. G. L. Rankin, 1897-1900; Rev. 
D. P. T. Crickenberger, 1901-1910; Rev. R. D. Roeder, 1910- 
1923; Rev. Joseph C. Klingensmith, 1924-. 


ZIONS EVANGELICAL CDUTHERA Ny CHURCH 
RENO Ose ee 


Early in the spring of 1881, Pastor John Sander of Ridgway 
in passing through this town made inquiry concerning its Lu- 
theran population. In order to gather fuller information he held 
a service in Masonic Hall, April 24, 1881, and learned that there 
were about thirty per- 
sons who would welcome 
the organization of a Lu- 
theran Church. Student 
Charles S. Seaman spent 
the summer of 1881 in 
Renovo, and_ succeeded 
in finding about sixty 
confirmed Lutherans, 
who were ready to wel- 
come a _ pastor. Zion’s 
Evangelical; Du Chieram 
Church was formally or- 
ganized, July 10, 1881, 
when the following men 
were chosen as the first 
deacons:* John; Fox#Srz 
George Anderson, Man- 
nie Hedstrom, Joseph R. 
Koehler, Nathan M. 
Eisenhaur, Charles John- 




















HISTORY OF THE) PITTSBURGH SYNOD 787 


son, John Suderberg, and Gustav Melquist. The constitution 
recommended by the General Council was adopted, August 1, 
1881. During the following winter and spring the new congre- 
gation was supplied by neighboring ministers,eand Rev. Charles 
S. Seaman became the first regular pastor as soon as he had 
been ordained by the Muinisterium of Pennsylvania, June 23, 
1882. The church was admitted to the Pittsburgh Synod and 
given missionary assistance for ten years. A Sunday School was 
organized at once, with the pastor as superintendent and Nathan 
M. Eisenhaur as his assistant. The following is the earliest 
available list of teachers: Mrs. Joseph Green, Miss Ella Fox, 
Di emeiitGeCOC CIM NGve. Cy ee eailan oo fe Maller) jab: 
Mahaffie, and Mrs. C..S. Seaman. Services were held in G. A. 
R. Hall for about a year, and then steps were taken to build a 
church. A lot on the corner of Huron avenue and Eleventh 
street was secured, and the corner stone of a small church laid 
by Pastor Seaman, June 3, 1883. This church was built of 
frame, 25x50, and had a seating capacity of 230. It was sur- 
mounted by a cupola and cross. The feast of dedication was 
held, November 11, 1883. A charter was obtained, February 18, 
1884. When Pastor Seaman resigned, December 12, 1886, a call 
was extended to Rev. L. M. C. Weicksel, who began his long 
and fruitful pastorate, February 20, 1887. During the years that 
followed he saw the little mission develop into a great church of 
recognized worth and power. One of his first acts was to pay a 
church debt of $1,500. Securing the permission of the congre- 
gation, he then built a commodious study at the rear of the 
church. The women of Zion had been organized by Pastor Sea- 
man as the Ladies Working Society; these were reorganized in 
1888 as the Ladies Aid, and have rendered great help in the 
financing of the church. During the great flood of 1889 many 
of the members of Zion suffered heavily, and the high waters 
reached a depth of four feet in the church. The damage to the 
church property, however, was quickly repaired. A number of 
the older members withdrew in 1889, when the Swedish Church 
was organized, but the relations between the two churches has 
always been most cordial. A Young Peoples Society was or- 
ganized in 1893, which changed its name to Luther League in 
the following year. The congregation gradually outgrew the 
little frame church of 1883, and a building fund was quietly 
gathered for the purpose of erecting a more adequate house of 
worship. The frame church was moved to the rear of the lot 
and converted into a parish house; then a contract was let for 
the building of a new church. The first contract was let for 
$12,795, April 17, 1906, but the contractor failed, and a second 
contract was let for the completion of the church. The corner 
stone was laid, August 5, 1906, and the church dedicated, April 


788 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


5, 1908. It was built of stone, cruciform in plan and Gothic in 
style, and ranks among the most churchly buildings of the synod. 
Zion’s Brotherhood was organized, May 15, 1908, and the Wo- 
men’s Missionary ‘Society on October 10, 1911. This congrega- 
tion has always been noted for good church music, and one of 
the very happy events in their history was the dedication of a 
good pipe organ, May 23, 1920, when the address was delivered 
by Doctor T. B. Roth. The rich favor of God has been manifest 
throughout all these years, and the people of Zion have worked 
together in perfect harmony to the glory of God. 


SIS PATH oH ANGE] [CATT Uae Cir RANGED G ET Un Gals 
COMDERSPORe wth. 


As early as the year 1850 a*number of Germans came to 
Potter County and engaged in the lumber industry. Their num- 
bers were gradually augmented until 1880, when there were be- 
tween thirty and forty families. As the lumber industry of the 
region declined a number of them removed to other places, but 
others took up farming lands in the valley and became permanent 
citizens. When Rev. Julius Herman Voss became the missionary 
of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania in the Germania settlement, 
he held occasional services for the Germans of this community in 
the school house at Olmstead. These services were continued 
through a period of three or four years, but resulted in no 
permanent organization. 
At» the: instigation or 
Doctor W. A. Passavant, 
Pastor John Sander of 
Ridgway visited Couders- 
port, September 23-24, 
1884, but could not find 
sufficient interest to jus- 
tify the holding of a 
3 service. During his sec- 
\ ond: visite: Octobereme: 
; 1884, the first Lutheran 

service of Coudersport 
was held in the Presby- 
terian Church. After an 
| appropriation of $400 by 
HL the Pittsburgh Synod, 


MOSS Ae al emai eeleve Cie Cte 
eS P==Qyoe= ‘e caEeN, the field it 












IX 



































ganized a German- 
English congregation of 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 789 


71 members, May 16, 1886. ‘The first officers under the new 
constitution were William F. Junge, Henry Tauberi, George H. 
Hoffman, C. G. Zimmerman, Gustave H. Grabe, and Theodore 
A. Grabe. Services were also held by Pastor Grossman in the 
Schaudenberger school house near Mina, in order to satisfy the 
Germans of the lower valley. His plan was to organize a parish 
of three congregations, located at Coudersport, Olmstead, and 
Roulette, but this could not be matured. His successor was 
Pastor E. J. Meissner, who encouraged them to secure a lot on 
the corner of Allegheny avenue and Borie street at a cost of 
$500, and build a small frame church. The corner stone was 
laid, September 18, 1887, and the church dedicated by Pastor 
Meissner, August 5, 1888. While they were in the building spirit 
a frame parsonage was built on the rear of the church lot at a. 
cost of $500. Large donations kept down the cost of both build- 
ings. ‘Their church was remodelled during the pastorate of Rev. 
I. H. Stetler, and rededicated by him, April 20, 1902. A Sunday 
School annex was built at a cost of $4,200 in 1923, and dedicated 
by Pastor Nathanael Scheffer, December 20, 1923. Improve- 
ments were made to the parsonage at the same time, in which the 
Ladies’ Aid Society had a large part. During the pastorate of 
Rev. William Weicksel, 1891-1895, preaching stations at Sweden 
Valley and Roulette were abandoned, and congregations at Mina 
and Costello were organized. A frame church was built in Mina 
in 1894, but was later abandoned. During the pastorate of Rev. 
W. F. Mosser there were large accessions to the parish, and it 
became self-sustaining; but the decline of the lumber industry 
and the removal of many families made the church a mission 
again after 1917. ‘The pastors served in the following order: 
Rey. H. C. Grossman, 1886; Rev. E. J. Meissner, 1887-1890; 
Rev. William Weicksel, 1891-1895; Rev. W. F. Mosser, 1896- 
1898; Rev. I. H. Stetler, 1898-1907; Rev. E. O. Graham, 1908- 
OUR ever Gs Ke opicelepilOlI1O12; Rev) ujomVie Sappentield; 
1913-1917; Student A. W. Trumpeter (supply), 1918; Student 
A.C. P. Hays (supply), 1919; Rev. Nathanael Scheffer, 1920-. 


ST. JOHN’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 
JOHNSONBURG, PA. 


The first services for the Lutherans of Johnsonburg and 
Rolfe were held by Pastor A. R. J. Graepp'in 1888. These 
services were held in the union chapel of Rolfe. A preliminary 
meeting was held in the home of Mr. Lawrence on Christmas 
Eve, and St. John’s Church was organized with 38 members, 
December 30, 1888. The most difficult problem of the young 
congregation was the selection of a satisfactory church site. 


790 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


pgs , Some wanted to build in 
a) eae : Johnsonburg; others con- 
Pons ai tended for Rolfe; and a 


os 





uy appointed by the synod 
Ul to settle the controversy. 

By i | For the first twelve years 

\ services were held in the 
[ \} union chapel, and_ this 
W\ was satisfactory to few. 
y \y) St. John’s was served by 
the Ridgway pastors until 
July 15, 1893, when it be- 

came a mission of the 
_ Pittsburgh Synod. As- 
sistance was given from 


a 18930 sto veo Tee tis 


E eo 
ae moe ~~ special “committee was 
eee Sey rage 


























c | ‘| ERY the pastorate of Rev. 
(s calls 2 Joseph Schmalenbach, 
@) 1898-1902, a brick church 


was built in Rolfe at a 
cost of $3,000, on a lot donated by Mr. Kistler. The church was 
dedicated by Pastor Schmalenbach, March 17, 1901. During the 
pastorate of Rev. Paul Kummer, 1905-1909, the congregation 
was greatly strengthened, and built a parsonage on the lot ad- 
joining the church. The basement of the church was fitted up for 
social and educational purposes at the same time. ‘The public 
services now alternate between German and English. The pas- 
tors served in the following order: Rev. A. R. J. Graepp, 1888- 
1892; Rev. Emanuel Cressman, 1893; Rev. C. F. Tiemann, 1894- 
1896; Rev. J. H. Orr (supply), 1897; Rev. Joseph Schmalen- 
bach, 1898-1902; Supplies, 1902-1905; Rev. Paul Kummer, 1905- 
1909; Rev. John Muller, 1910-1911; Rev. A. Gruhn, 1911-1921; 
ReveP. |eCyGlatzeremloz i= 


ST. PAUL’S GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCH 
JOHNSTOWN, PA. 


The beginnings of this church are traceable to Pastor Herman 
Veith of Zion Church. He held a meeting in Young’s Hall, 
February 10, 1889, which was attended by a number of German 
families of Morrellville, Brownstown, and Cambria City. A 
temporary organization of 70 members was effected; then came 
the great flood of May 31, 1889, and chaos. On November 10, 
1889, a new start was made, the impetus for which came from 
the offer of Walter Strayer to donate a lot on the corner of 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 791 


Chandler avenue and Glenn street for $25, provided a church 
was built there by June 1, 1890. The congregation was reor- 
ganized as “St. Paul’s German Evangelical Lutheran Church”, 
but the word Evangelical was dropped, November 9, 1891, when 
a petition for a charter was authorized. A small frame church 
was dedicated by Pastors Veith, Helmkamp, and Kuebler, Sep- 
tember 28, 1890. Although the church was organized as Lu- 
theran, and willing to remain such, Rev. F. W. Helmkamp of the 
Evangelical Synod was asked to provide their first pastor, and a 
missionary appropriation of $150 was accepted from that body. 
Their first four pastors, 1889-1902, were members of the Evan- 
gelical Church. For a time an initiation fee of $2.00 was charged 
all new members, but this was soon abandoned. ‘The Mission’s 
Fest was their only method of gathering benevolence for many 
years. The Ladies’ Aid Society was organized, January 24, 1892, 
but the Women’s Missionary Society did not come into being 
until 1920. During the pastorate of Rev. August Bender, 1899- 
1900, the parish became self-sustaining, and a revised constitution 
was adopted. During the pastorate of Rev. Richard Hempel, 
1900-1902, it was decided to relocate the church and build a 
school house. A site on Virginia avenue was bought for $600, 
February 17, 1901, where a frame school house was built. The 
corner stone of a new brick church was laid by Pastor Hempel, 
August 24, 1902, but this pastor resigned before the building was 
completed. In the meantime Pastor H. R. Erdmann of Zion 
Church had won the confidence of the congregation, and they 
turned to him for their 
next pastor. Pastor Ru- 
dolf Nieder, of the Pitts- 
burgh Synod was then 
called, and the church 
united with that body in 
IDO03h Lhe -churcha)was 
(ediuc ate cae Dy bastot 
Nieder, February 22, 
1903, when the congrega- 
MOnsasO tee Z.1ONs, aldga st, 
Paul’s united for the serv- 
iceumennee Costus ots the 
church and school house 
was $8,463. During the 
pastorate of Rev. Her- 
mann Kaufmann, 1910- 
1911, a double house ad- 
joining the church was 
bought for $3,800, and 


one side used as the par- 





























792 HISTORY ORV EePiL tT SBURGHI SY NOD 


sonage. In 1913 a pipe organ was dedicated by Pastor Carl R. 
Stolz, Mr. J. Dudek donating the cost of the gallery in which it 
was placed. On Christmas Day of 1915 it was decided to 
have English Vespers every four weeks. The duplex sys- 
tem was introduced, November 7, 1920, and the result of their 
first every member canvass surpassed all expectations. During 
the pastorate of Rev. C. H. Beiderbecke, 1921-1924, there was a 
splendid development in the work of the parish. The school 
house was removed to the rear of the church lot, remodelled at a 
cost of $7,500, and dedicated by Pastors FE. A. Tappert and C. H. 
Beiderbecke, February 19, 1922. The double house was also re- 
modelled as the parsonage. ‘The death of Pastor Beiderbecke, 
March 30, 1924, was a severe blow to the panish, for he had been 
one of the most capable leaders of their history. A complete list 
of pastors is as follows: Rev. Karl Brunn, 1891-1896; Rev. R. 
Mueller, 1896-1899; Rev. August Bender, 1899-1900; Rev. 
Richard Hempel, 1900-1902; Rev. Rudolf Nieder, 1903-1910; 
Rev. Hermann Kaufmann, 1910-1911; Rev. C. R. Stolz, 1912- 
1920; Rev. C. H. Beiderbecke Jr., 1921-1924; Rev. K, E. B. 
Molzahn, 1924-. 


SL.. JOHN'S EVANGEVIGCALT AU TEER ANS CER GEL 
PARKERSBURG, W.VA. 


In 1885 Pastor Heinrich Christopher Otto Meerwein came 
from Wheeling to Parkersburg, established churches at Red Hill 
and Sand Hill, and began Lutheran services in the Presbyterian 
Church of Parkersburg. Sickness led to his resignation, and he 
was called home, May 26, 1891. A Sunday School was organ- 
ized in the home of his widow, May 29, 1892, which prepared 
the way ‘for the organization of the “Ev. Lutherische St. 
Johannes Gemeinde”, June 6, 1893. The first officers were C. M. 
Boyer, :C.°F. Kramer, John Rv Hiehle; Otto" Lehmann: Ga, 
Muhn, George Beorn, John Fries, Albert Koch, J. Geis, and A. 
Hoffman. It was soon decided to incorporate, but a charter was 
not secured until 1898. Being an independent church, it drifted 
without experienced counsel through many severe trials. Most 
of the pastors were supplies. Under the leadership of Pastor L. 
O. Hammer, the church united with the Pittsburgh Synod and 
received the support that made permanent work possible. For a 
time Pastor Hammer served Parkersburg, Red Hill, Sand Hill, 
and St. Clara, but Parkersburg alone constituted the parish after 
1905. A new constitution was adopted, December 11, 1905, when 
73 members were enrolled. A lot on Avery street was bought 
for $3,300 in 1904, and a brick church built for $12,000. ‘This 
building was dedicated by Pastor F. C. Longaker, October 29, 
1905. Here the congregation grew and prospered until March 


HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 793 


19, 1909, when the break- ee ise 
mp of the cityiwa ter 
tanks completely wreck- 


ed the building and its gi pecasss 


equipment. In a suit fo1 ii Nits 
damages against the city, | fi : Z mmm ITT 


the congregation was giv- 


en $18,000 and interest 
adjoining lots were 
bought for $4,100 in a 











for six years. The two | 
\| 
1910, on one of which : 
was a dwelling used as a : 
parsonage. On the other 





lot was erected a _ port- 








able chapel, in which the 





congregation worshipped Rah = 
Frolov: 19140) Oi iP =e ye 
Whitsunday of 1914 the es . 
corner stone of a brick 2) | 
chapel was laid by Pas- | 

tor H. S. Gilbert, and this was used for the first time, October 1, 
1914. It was built at a cost of $5,000, largely from material 
taken from the ruins of the old church. The use of German in 
the services was discontinued in 1910, and the mission became a 
self-supporting parish in 1915. A great impetus was given to the 
work by the generosity of Mrs. Cecilia Nelly Etz and Mr. and 
Mrs. Edward Nelly. A lot on the corner of 19th and Plum 
Birecioewas pournttor p.U,300, December 30; 1922.: "At that 
time the Avery street property was valued at $20,000, and a 
building fund of $21,000 had been accumulated. Pastor J. L. 
Fischer was tireless in his efforts to increase this building fund; 
and the erection of a worthy church will be undertaken in the 
near future. The list of pastors, so far as can be learned, is as 
follows: Rev. C. L. Boecele, 1893; Rev. C. Freudenreich, 1894; 
Rev. P. G. Doepkin, 1895-1896; Rev. P. Plathner, 1896; Rev. C. 
A. Dieckhoff, 1897; Rev. L. O. Hammer, 1898-1905; Rev. F. C. 
Longaker, 1905-1908; Rev. W. H. Fehr, 1908-1910; Rev. H. S. 
Gilbert, 1910-1916; Rev. J. L. Fischer, 1917-. 


Ze NING SE WUE ELE AN CEU RCE 
MOUNDSVILLE, W. VA. 
This church was organized by Pastor 8. B. Stupp in 1904, 


and served by him in connection with Zion Church of Wheeling 
until May 1, 1906. The first services were held in private homes, 


794 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


but a small frame chapel 
was dedicated by Pastor 
Stuppaeayvan 21 yee 
The first resident pastor 
was Rev. H. F. Obenauf, 
1908-1911, under whom 
a new location at the 
corner of Ash avenue 
and Second street was 
secured, on which the 
chapel was rebuilt. The 
enlarged chapel was re- 
dedicated.” iby Medefacs: tron 
Obenauf, November 14, 
1909. At the close of his 
pastorate the church en- 
rolled 24 members, and 
has since made compar- 
tively little progress. 
The *pastors were: skhev, 
S. B. Stupp, 1904-1906; 
Rev. H. F. Obenauf, 1908-1911; Rev. R. EF. McDaniel, 1911- 
1919; Rev. F. C. Frommhagen, 1920-1921; Rev. I. M. Wallace. 
1922-1923; Rev. William Weicksel, 1923-. 



































— y= k 


ST) PAUL SSE VANGE LICAT SEU TELE RaiNe @ EL. Gaie 
DRAKE SMILES MGRAWHORD* COUNT Wh atae 


A number of German Hanoverians settled in this com- 
munity at an early date, but were not organized into a church 
by Pastor J. D. Nunnemacher until 1854. Charles Drake was 
deeply interested in these Germans, and gave them an acre 
of ground for a nominal consideration. ‘The corner stone of 
a frame church was laid, May 25, 1854, which was dedicated 
by Pastor Nunnemacher in October of the same year. Al- 
though repaired in 1874 and 1882, it has served as an accepta- 
ble place of worship to the present day. The church was in- 
corporated, February 12, 1867, under the name “St. Paul’s 
Lutheran Church of Marvin’s Mills, Cambridge Township, 
Crawford County, Pa..” The constitution was adopted, May 
30, 1867, and the following officers were elected: Christian 
Halbfas, Wilhelm Rein, elders; Friedrich Traupe, August 
Werneke, deacons; Wilhelm Rekob, Heinrich Wollter, Chris- 
tian Halbfas, trustees. The first list of communing members 
dated November 3, 1867, contains the following names: 


Arnaman, Christian Arnaman, Mrs. Friedrich Bertram, Dorette 
Arnaman, Friedrich, Jr. Bekman, Friedrich and wife Beul, Christian and wife 
Arnaman, Fr iedrich, Sis Bertram, Henry and wife Bierwerth, Wm. and wife 


HISTORY ORSCHEY PITTSBURGH SYNOD 795 


Borchers, Simon and wife Helmbrecht, Mrs. W. Steinhoff, Heinrich 
Donden, Mrs. Louisa Helmbrecht, Wilhelm Steinhoff, Mrs. Heinrich 
Halbfas, Christian Konig, Wilhelm and wife Steinhoff, Heinrich, Jr. 
Halbfas, Mrs. Christian Mattes, August and wife Stifel, Martin and wife 
Halbfas, Christian, Jr. Rein, Wilhelm and wife Stolz, Mrs. Hanna 
Halbfas, Mrs. Christian, Jr. Rekob, Heinrich and wife Traupe, Friedrich and wife 
Harman, Mrs. Amalie Rekob, Wilhelm, Jr. Traupe, August and wife 
Helmbrecht, August Rekob, Dorette Warneke, August and wife 
Helmbrecht, Friedrich Sauer, Mrs. Carolina Wollter, "Heinrich 
Helmbrecht, Mrs. Friedrich Schuette, August Wollter, Mrs. Heinrich 


German and English were used in the public services un- 
til 1906, when the former was discontinued. From 1854 to 
1867 the church was served by Ohio Synod pastors, and the 
election of a Pittsburgh Synod pastor, November 1, 1867, 
caused a serious dispute. A large majority favored uniting 
with the Pittsburgh Synod, but the minority withdrew and 
organized a separate congregation, which met in the Unitarian 
Church of Cambridge Springs. Suit was then entered against 
the majority party for possession of the property, on the 
ground that the Pittsburgh Synod was not a true Lutheran 
body. The court decided in favor of the defendants in 1873. 
The minority congregation then disbanded, the greater part 
Dimer nemmrctutnine tonsts)auls.. At one time they attempted 
to return in a body, but this was not permitted. A number 
of the members of St. Paul’s later assisted in the organization 
of Grace Church of Cambridge Springs, but this effort also 
failed of success” Ihe pastors of St. Patl’s have been: Rev. J. 
D. Nunnemacher, 1845-1857; Rev. A. B. Bierdemann, D.D., 1857- 
1867; Rev. Isaac Brenneman, 1867-1870; Rev. Philip Doerr, 
1871-1873; Rev. George Gaumer, 1874-1880; Rev. Emanuel 
Cressman, 1881-1886; Rev. J. H. Ritter, 1887-1889; Rev. G. A. 
Benze, 1889-1891; Rev. E. J. Meissner, 1891-1906; Rev. R. E. 
McDaniel, 1907-1909; Rev. Peter Riffer, 1911-1913; Rev. M. R. 
Kunkelman, 1915-1920; Rev. A.C. P. Hays, 1921-1922; Rev. A. 
yee oni ee De (supply). [92371925 Revs | eV Dean, 1925-2 * 


Cris letvANGETICALSLUTMIERAN CHURCH 
NOAA le Paha Vall BEE LNG Wee A: 


Mozart Park is a hill-top suburb of Wheeling, isolated by 
such deep ravines as to form a separate community of 600 souls. 
Members of Zion Church built homes here, and Pastor A. L. 
Benze organized a Sunday School in 1908 for the benefit of the 
children, ‘This school was opened in an old bowling alley, a relic 
of Mozart Park amusement days, and the first teachers were 
members of Zion Church. The congregation was organized by 
Pastor A. L. Benze, October 9, 1909, with the following officers: 
George Hagmaier, Joseph E. Johnson, Otto Peterson, Charles 
Levy, Otto Kalkreuth, William Floto, Charles Ludwig, and H. L. 


796 HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNOD 


Rothermund. A lot on 
the corner of Frazier 
and Richmond _ streets 
was donated by Mrs. 
Mary Belles Frazver, 
where a frame church 
was erected at a cost of 
$3,700. ‘This church was 
dedicated by Pastor A. 
L. Benze, December 12, 
1909, when Rev. D. P. T. 
Crickenberger of Bridge- 
port, Ohio, was installed 
as the first regular pas- 
tor. Generous assistance 


/ was given by Zion Church 


f=. -aat ‘the beginning. Vite 


























ey 
Fee ee 
a) 


: eee 





5 PIR ; vn Frazier declared her in- 
@ ¢ tention of donating addi- 
2) tional ground for a par- 

sonage, and this wish 
was carried out by her heirs after her death. The parsonage was 
built for $3,600 in.1913. The church was admitted to the Pitts- 
burgh Synod in 1910, and sustained as a mission until 1921. 
Christ Church has adopted many of the modern methods of 
church work, and ministered alone to the Protestant families of 
the hill with a fair degree of success, so that it was able to re- 
port a self-sustaining parish of 112 members and a Sunday 
School of 134 in 1923. The pastors served in the following 
order: Rev. D. P. T. Crickenberger, 1909-1910; Rev. F. C. 
Snyder, 1911-1915; Rev. G. W. Critchlow, 1915-1919; Rev. I. M. 
Wallace, Ph.D., 1920-1925; Rev. J. O. Glenn, 1925-. 


GENERAL INDEX 


Pages 

ikioh 5.) 9 ho Yn EE RR ee ee Ee a be 189 
oc USTRUEL egy Lccel CMV Ran Spe efeeeaekie ie ae cana 92, 135 
“AU TRUE Ss CES MA ROO a ee «BE ad CRE 744 
Poker RlENnry. nlite. SOM AS. 730.4100 
Sekar gM 0 CET ne ee ae 54, 539, 546 
Pines Dur aMrinity heh ee we kee 683 
Beta Ne es tak aad 189, 751, 795 
Wage 6p og Ne aia rh i2 Oe eee ees LOR rt 132 
UL AUIET SoS st § GMA Ali ae 436 
LG a ed ai ag Fy A Re eee ee oe ak ec 189 
peeeibeck. “Min = Mins. 189, 436, 621, 624, 717 
BEER Ie VV SL) cdl sddovicanibarts 189, 232, 436, 605 
PETAL Vie OA UE CH aided tan kaa acc 366 


Alleghany Synod 


ie 52-54, 65, 156, 174-186, 


nay 376, 526, 532, 540, 542, 779, 786 
Allegheny County Churches.......174-186, 223 
ALU Dd S99 55 Wl BAN RT na fe ot 133 
ORPILIY A De 1G) ahi et 059 SR: eae Pe eee a 548 
Pet ame ee: [atl Cox aanate nh ek ee 779 
ONTO Ta le 002 Th) ee ee et de ee 133, 659 
bail Sys (allege o" A Tey 9 Vier eee Po AW Eke era 134, 416 
Pitaicoe Gree VV Was tee eae ene 338, 379, 394 
PSCC Lew) Clr fo iaconaale 257262, 362; 430 
iAveteacte dele UPS yee eantenanian tienes Ande ielety eee 189 
oA SUBNET CHE? 6 IIA? sn egal ing eaemeUn 2 pr bt | MANN arpa ee 450 
PeUGapOlS eh ot al alll (Spt, ee Le, 134, 734 
HE aia Vall 0 i) ee oe OE 249 
PeeOCh BO NUTCH wt fs xu sok oe oe. 160, 560 
oe VEL al Cea ee oe ee A eae ORL 386 
Armstrong County Churches.....174-186, 331 
Arnholt, W.+E....... 406, 418, 615, 623, 721 
OVSHONEER JOG, ZN 2 Nas nee Seaside oe elec 723 
5 Frte ath WGN a) 2 ko Ce ae me a 357, 481 
Bese Tite OTM LAL KS eed wld attain katate iis 
DNS oe Sp RSS SO ae oe aR eg 782 
stig ETAT VM eee: 413, 559, 672, 706, 710 
Ash, Hacob mae. 132, 144, 189, 342, 391, 436, 

460, 465, 471, 566, 567, 570, G73) 576, 784 
Ashbaugh’s Ghurch ues). eel. oe 75, 470 
Pee Y Ll cena WES tt he ckh seh eye 134, 751 
MesOitiwalleirsts ee pont el eet), 159, 301 
PGC SOT AN IIOUIAS ck Nida bc tt Nal 189 
PAUCUUVEMEDAIIHE) cases et oh ide 543 
Mitortapnseo. | Pioneers. wisn dedwcaule 56 
POPOTIINOL em seri gal ety ek. 133, 159, 704, 705 
Pax ee olin. Miva ot. 360, 374, 460, 475, 477 

Gs Soe ee a AAO CSS Om 592s 0 /ue. DO00 soy O 
ADD MAUS USLUS) oc...uce 53, 540, 543, 560, 697 
PrnCU eV Vie ieee oa ee ee nes eae a dia) 784 
Peper att) seta LISL A VAM ets el hs eb cd 189 
TEE Velry God 7 OV INU] 5 een ale a a 468, 473, 475 

‘re COR ad 479, 540, 759 
hls) UPS | ail dee a ee ae (4520 
Seog ke TCT so aU 2 Es oe OO a 134, 409 
BeACSCNLED TP OAMUC!. | ati ak. 734, 737, 744 
Bagger, TELS ae ke tice: 443 
EET (AMES Ve ED 20 ots Ve 9 eae ee 74, 625 
“STE UDG ae 2/2 A SERRE nants nen iain So 320 


Pages 

Baislere Geo lope ae Bot es 342, 373, 391 
Baisler, ies ce =. MOS AONE LE RMS Lg 2 We MON 733 
pen oerens (5: e VV tay evan apes A oe tus ae te AB Se 252 
Baker, [aged Bec, ye Ce eo 189, 672, 695, 706 
BRACE pL OA AC: Cyrene: ocak iiss 189, 495, 503, 505 
eto wn Gad <M wuO50, 659, 661, 669 
Bakers ea eee ORS atte mete Ee Sc: 
Ed Et Son ee kes ee IE eo oe 436, 692 
maer Wea tie wee 1LSOR SL 2c oe 
Scheel en ake foe. APACS Sy CU ae Memes eam e. 3 Cf 74 
Baptism, \Harold’si-Certificate. aki aae 20 
Baptisny wblankey se Certificates) 240 oe 681 
BaLnerie th. ODCEE weeen se asses sees 189, 351, 362 
Agee aman Lek Nike Eee 392, 402, 403 

DETER NV EA weg Te een 295, 395, 445 
RD LG OL ear 447, 452, 575 

denhart om Cntr cl Mame ter.e kere 394, 425 
ERT TIL OZ Cn NCO eh ef ol 344, 548, 550 
Barn ta Wen Bie ceca ttn cl msace aa 112, 190 
Barone nin, PLOnnUune nea a 9, 74, 664 
Bary a ke eee tees 362, 682, ‘690, 704 
Bart GVgap bork VS Go ee times, Pie et ee 240 
Bartholomew, Av Hw 434, 659, 666, 684 
en 687, 695, 696, 768 

Bartholomew, A. N.twww. Pte oie. 0 190, 246 
Bartholomew, Amos. ........... 7305-1323. POOR OS 
Bat tUHOlome wie dnL Lo rod a 779 
Bartsch Ges bl, cers ete <a ee eee ee 190 
Basser Lett Mariya tee ee eae 425, 435 
Bassler,» Gotthieb: me, 54, 83, 145, 190, 432, 
Pio te tee 434, 436. 439, 443, 4A7, 504 
Bastian, GC, Ra Leer oe eee ace eee 621 
Jeri oho! s Md omni ai MOM opinname Nerrag mis 2 on A oY 743 
Batetc VV i Lekeas 19052715:27/s:3042 317 
koe Peto pey! 669, 675, 696, 699 

Haiermeistéer) : Wire. cee ek eae 53 
Baughman, George pee ks 7 30732; 1397: 230 
Baughman, fe Bil” el ie Deed eee 289 
Patina.» |.) Aves tae eee eee 679, 689 
Baumann, Met cis PME os ee ee AL 190 
(SCE Vala we Oat pee Pern era eee Te 156, 161, 190, 289 
OMe Nereis Td (eR 298, 306, 723 

Deatess y VW iA. grea aa Snes 140, 142, 190 
Beaver. City,. immanuels3 oes 70, 475 
Beaver County Churche............... 174-186, 399 
Raaver halls «Chintstosseene ts aie eee 34, 421 
Beaver Falls,: First German.......0.... 133, 410 
Beaver Fallss’ Steg Bauliss ga he eee 410 
Beavers Halls lrinatyeteotine eee yc) wee 422 
Fea Veto! JOHN Senpecuwel kena, Ac 540 
Beaver a MISSION Vanceieas See 74, 402 
Beaver. Lownshipiast) Paul sop ee 454 
Bee cus Coy Creag ora ecto eee 129, 190 
Late Yel =) Caan ame ot ae Sean ee CAREER LC © 489 
Beck, Walters Crees 190, 447, 471, 772, 784 
Beck, WATT bi? eee eee 698 
Beck sw Circle eases ee eet ca ht ae 358 
Becker, Chu: Wee saan ects ae eer 190, 260 
Becker, F. Grete alee 37 741 


Ore Rta ey: hs cee 


798 INDEX—Continued 
Pages Pages 
Beech vieWir Gis ere ee ee eee S24 DOCCELE. \ Gril oa i Aik eee ee 781, 793 
Beébréns) i Ast | 2.0 ee ee tener 600,650... “Boehm. x). "Gin 765 
Beiderbecke, CR Fe) 5k eee at ae LOU. 4/92" A. Doehnera, OR arene es 191, 489, 491, 496 
Bétsheya | eA ve een 430, 431, 448, 491 - Boerstler, Adam accu. 191, 255, 541, 694 
eG heeh $8 Doha Wane 496, 504, 506 Boerstler, Samtielxt see ee 
Beisecker, Ludwig ....406, 418, 460, 471, 590 Boethelpak Rs Heer) ee 594, 622, 710 
ee we 601, 604, -679, 689, 713) 720, 784%. Bohnen, + C.,. J.00.2.272, 4129590 sae 
Beéistel), “Higio sce ee eee L90s97 02 Bonnell aaWwe > aes eee 252, 549, 550 
Berswanvera George me t.2 eee eee WAS® -Boohersy | Xet ies ae oe 347,-355, 7a 
Beliour, Edmund gees 1249 OD S238 262 oF te ee a welds cece nee 390, 712, 730;%7aa 
Bellasis Soe ea ee 190, 540.) Boone Mountain 22 ee 133 
Bell, PAG G2 ae ee 190, 267, 538, B41 Bootyay Cae ae ae 191, 305, 306, 308 
HD Sek SP ok SY 557, 637, 682;5690 - Booth, J) .Ruiesica 19247 
Bell-Lownshipitstag) amesseat ae 69, 134, 609:" “Bot ar €lera kee aoe 192, 402, 403, 406 
BellaireteZ10n ise oe ee ee 1637) 4Bortz,-RolandsGo as le 192 
Belle Valley, =otm.badlise. sre eee 510, at BOSSALCts he Lone eeenemnrce 232, 260, 284, 650 
Bellevueqgimmantel ie. oe 1345262 -“Rossermat @AUMb 4.2 a eee 540, 543 
Bender,» August sect ees 792 * Bouquet. = Colonel wanna 14, 655, 672 
Benko, Matthe wateunsa. ae ee eee 190 «Bouquet wot Johnisiiccaee 133; 672 
Benzé;yAdolphwltarct.. ees 191, 489772 “2 Bowersy? He Atie ee el eee 192, 409 
Benze, Albert ele 190, 503, 765,-7/3" 7954 Bowers iGo Awa ee 238 
Benze, ie RAE Gi) 128, 140, l4A2@ 190.2 sBoyers ke Bsc ae 326, 380, 706 
ME ee 422. 489, 496, 505. “Boyer, F.° Wixn....200.2..192) 4915 500 ae 
BenzétsG Areas ee ee 489 7496;°499.5795.. 2 Boyers (Church. 22.00.22 75 
Benze,1@: © 22.190 274 is: 436, 505M /ol weBraasch, 2:0 ite Wit keene 460, 466, 471 
Bergstresser veh uller io 2eeee ees 191, 295 Braddock, Bethany eeaeeee 134, 159, 269 
Berestresser, eters an ee ee ssl9l sBraddock)*slovaki 0.342) 136 
Berkemeiery 2W. 4 Hee eee 19le 74 i738 JBradenville; Zion ose ee eee 133, 698 
Berkey-© (Gali ee ee 357,.:374,. 476,478") Brandt? CeCe Aww 2 eee ee 777 
Berkey, get ees ees 191, 2/6888" 0215624 FBrandts. Church oe eee 74, 240, 655 
Berkey, AWil Ase oe eee 191,.73205325" _-Braschler, Henry ..4 ee 192 
Berkhouse. Ghurchvsy ae eee oe see 7/4500 S23 caun Gasper oe ee 192, 402, 406, 594 
Ber liny 5 ICs Baer ee ee ee 191. . Braun}) ). Uae 192 
Bermon, Jie ce Ae eer sabe tad 424— SBratneck,. EK Cw. ae ee lhe 
Bein heimaeelient eee eee 5320330, 2386 009 pee BT eCit Coll amv Eee 192, 428, 432, 447, 590 
hi oat 342, 347, 355, 361, 365 Breckenridge, J. B...............192, 439, 444, 476 
Berryi. Wags ee oe ee LOL SERS HO 2 ee 477,568, 5/09578 
Bett ProtnO Ae 2 a eee 140% -Breckenridve woe tees 112, 192, 682, 690 
Bessenrer.s Lerrace gk ee eee 3127 sBreitenbach fc CW 26 eee eee 3625628 
Best eb ion Siete, erat oe ee 357,13/4, 476-478. “Breitenstein’s Church (2 se 403 
Best’s. -Chirch se sues ee ee fAgzA54 “Brennemanas | saacw.ee 469, 499, 570, 573. 
Bethel ~lownship, *Bethelieee) eee B71 * SA a oe ee ee 769, 779, 783, 795 
Bethesda- Churches... eee 689° ‘Brenneman,~W oR 2 eee 192, 481 
Bethesdauch omeaet. a. ism 14591766. -Bressler JiWire 621 
Bethlehem~e Churches... AZT 50a 708010. Brewers Gan, sarees eee 374, 410, 566, 576 
Brerdemann 7 A@e b pte 460,47150765. Brick Church; St.. Michaelsaa3 = See 336 
sie gi ee 768, 769, 795 » Bricker, J. Kid) ee 462 oe 
Biérdemanne GG, A ats Ce ee eee 191, , Bridseportiel rinity, ee 134, 747 
Biltheimer, eC treet cece eae 191-238 Bridgeville, Zions 2io.8.4.0208 133 
Billheimer, Weor Awe STATS 42 IeB9 Le 713. 720. | Bridgvewateta tan) Olnsaseee 74, 399, 403 
Birchseg oSi Biter ark oe ho alee eee ge 315. BrieroHillstislohns. 133 
Bishop, (Henry aces: 545344. (538:5539, 550 ~ “Brinkmann, "WW Eee eee Ve: 
Bishop, “Uiserot aL crinke eee SO OLYA/7 Britt Ga ee ee 192, 282 
Bittle sy |e eee 156, 161;.171, 191.297, 313° Brockman, (C. Afi eee 489 
ae 316, 320, 321, 326, 327.628 . Brookville, Grace! |... asa 
Blair's: Cornersah hs... /4 eee ee 459 Broughton, North Zions eee 159, 228 
Blairsville sHebron® 42.0 eee AS] » Browrtiwe.] 2 H..& ado, Ae oe 7 ee 
Blass] acob tae eter ee ee 489 Brown, OL fl Sees ee 52, 66, 230, 519 
Blethen? Geb wae eae e AOS 500749 it: Sees Wier une diet ot tere oe 540, 539, 615, 619 
Blint? SE eee eee, ee ee 249.2371 = Brownw IS S.2och ee i 260 
Blaehdorn; (Oey ee ae eee 262) - Brown :Wel Ee eee 16, 325 
Blue! Slate Sota atthew s.r eeeee 70, 338 Brown, W. H......192, 568, 573, 575, 605, 624 
Bockelmann,= }. (Woe.E. ee eee a 283. VBabeclon 2) alee ae 274, 277, 699, 702 
Body Ai ands. ponte: ie cn oe arma) 191. Bruéeel, .Ge A eee 192, 636, 655, 705, «47a 


INDEX—Continued 799 


Pages Pages 
WSU ee Ne tie Ft, Sette ad ed (ieee Glation uCounty, Aimity) 20 w.sc, ui iol 478 
LSE mck hha ga3 in CRON me Ae vO a OR ee ee eae ee 495 Clarion Sopa Churchee........... 174-186, 453 
La hhin) sth g ke Cae nd Cee ie Lenn ORE AO cmee Glemeng SHS (eA. 2.60 ot gh eke 193 
SMS rer CO OAL EN setsesy cee, 69, 637 Cleveland, eee ae eS Pee ee eee 134 
PARES TEVOire ae, eee ad ps De Boge: Cleveland; Hungarian... ae. 134, 750 
PMT ROMEEN ANC Vp sik nse kok hie be el as 538 Cleveland, bet Chin! Sy eo ens ie dee 754 
rere LDCOCOLE: Geen. 5... eataeae aonb Gsome Coale fills Churchi..5 sae tae 74 
DiteHOGee VW | ake eth s. 193 7S aa, Coates iC. See es 230, 468, 473, 475, 479 
ea 2) 476, 478, 481, 543 Cole, M. Dean ee NT eel Mugen Sy OA Pe OES Pe 
eel oP ONUGCl sok ceva te da ele (amo Aiea oulmaniAn Ho Ria. owe. Sb t3G2 4 oe 
Petreee ee CTO ian) shee. nse hon hos ee eee AC Gwe GolSergeGs Wis bce 51, 57, 489, 484 
LC nulettn «AR hg tht 4 ee aan een RR ree Siero. LG ey Reto Pye See SAAT ER 758, 762, 765 
ee VET SS1 OTL Pi ccc on iaeieadas 13326220 Caolvers: Michaelis 297, 364, 380, 388, 436 
ise fab laaie END ge SS i Oe SS re Arne Lint we iment tN neat Ss 543, 552, 555, 682, 690 
Bee CUOET es | OM cede bcd: 363, 392, 430, Avommenooriiieadtts Graceiy eae tee ies 134, 748 
ee ee ee LO 7017 1 LOG Ge mor aes Ur or Conneaut: Laketiieci8 dec coke bccuueenn ae 74 
eye etme PDIN bhetac es ck. 364, SOO em Oc mes ContellSvillestoth. John’ Siz cieandicace ess 524 
HED SVB ETL CS. 10) Cea eae Ce 5 Relic a ee oom Asm ucounelisvillem’l mnity, 208.28 kh 1592525 
Heiusnie se FL gl Eas a ies eo ued ea Dene LOSERS LAC eh Vinee oc on ihe We eo Oe 193 
initio MOa) A ieee eet GU ROD MOG OO Conways Hinste ee t2 0 Meese I aes [344 i 
ete OPN te this ks boone san ees: AN ee AS mm CCOOK AA Peseta 8: ADD ee SLT SORA! OOa1 Oo 
iia, CCUMRE Tel ea oe ah alee ee ener JODO TC OOKDOLT Tie tine a Loreen. Cee tT 160, 552 
ptitleperutsts eee eee eye OUs/ Umno s maa Cooke Lownship, Bethel. (ss ae 695 
BO oime (GxLACE®. « cpeilad alte weicue: LURE Coolspring Mote Pauls) Shee Vee 575 
DM CTER CE NLATIS seers oee. | eas ffaoe ne AA 2OODGI~S Ni EC esmetee whet ts, ee 75, 430 
Pelee TINt Vo ig 2 ae eles e 160, 441, 451 Coral, peta GHA pel see temo Wet cade) 550 
Butler County Churches.........x.. 174- 186, 425 Cordes, WSU ERR ARRON Rte Pets 2. eh 2 590 
Bitleie County. al t= Oliv cutee eh tent 438 Corry, St Patil Sci eemmeae a osteiee ee 134, 497 
rete COUNT yA Z10ON Oi td sind... eo Bhmess: CA jee COossinatin Cs GH ti 8 eR rd ae higeten 129, 130 
1B) E) Uae Uc Gree A he cane Saree er oe come oeme 2 OStellomG birch, cart a aent cae ents sted. 789 
Woudenspo utero atid sie cs teens 134, 788 
eid er OPLINGS <1. hse nachos 159 es95e Courtney, (Ga Lote 560, 637, 675, 699, 715 
RiP VOC Eres Ritetl Ie OF kdl emer deck OV eration mot we vlatthew stents. 160, 315 
eaten ee nity lene cts tu OL 720 ee ELAM CERCA We | Mitek Eg PR. 2k 737 
NBR SOT OSC A LIAVY cet tite ee Manne meee. 8070 Granberry Church os... de ek 778 
Wormevic oteAndrew:s...85. hud 1025.8 CrebseW. Hain. 344.35723/4 -462,54/6,5477 
petits SENG ee A LOS e200 oo Tier hs ie te! ee. 8. 478, 539. 549, 550, 560, 575 
Aerie te mera. CC CEM hii tau hoe und ndilb oe, aes [Vee COrecelo weit VV Ee aa, te Oe te 371, 690 
Cirechiation Mee he ee CAA ee @ressler me un eee ean ee Usd hte bs 380, 444 
Cael tay ARON A Ca 2 ee ae a 193'94954 506) ~Cressman. Emmanuel... 5/0950 oh OU OD 
Mies oma eh P1St enars tate dtd 134, S28 Benes ee) OY tee 769, 783, 790, 795 
Charleroi, itr ctiiee ha athelss fey, yn. 160mO2ter-Crickenbercers), Wes ens 748, 786, 796 
OTS WY ROD We | a, ae Doe ets le yn eV Vat VV hie ee Es or Cre rn 2 543 
Citeatll aver @ bTINIly = 42.ccotedebdecnuh 634 2 On Orissinan et alae 289, 302, 193, 451, 452 
ener ovellsje wicks ie ceka..., 134, SYA PRA Ey is + Oe oe 541, 543, 568, 573, 694 
Chicago, Holy Trinity. pT bay A edit ci bee Soe antcis Churchiaerte. ct eeuiie SAG oacesed O02 
Chicago, TICs CAN 8 ea hae, ne Hitt «= pal Car icy eG GE iagh ate lees | ace ee eC ee 539, 541, 693 
iiteavowevyickers, Parken sss eee 132) eGritchlow hs SA 193, 284, 415, 424, 428 
CEC ie PEE IS tees rs os se a ts aa AAS eer ee AS bg a 760, 765, 768, 769, 796 
ieiiiemem COLn plan tera bebe eed tee hod Asm aCronheim, sReinhard 4. seme 194 
Ce Papen 6 ene i oe die OO eC aD me@rookeds Oreck octamer OG eee 336 
Bed 67455679 = O84 68006050) Georsen le Thee othe 194 276445) 
Ghurehes.s Complete. ists). ate 1/Ao Ome ocm eur. GhUPch tec suek ee eee ce eae 415 
Gnurchess Independent .24.3.0..65,4..08 12 ate SSE CHeCk yao8) UiTs eee fecha: 1356/478750 
tieties-. Pioneer: Cte a el a) | SER ISTGS s TCCM DNS a GIN Saad Brae Wee (ee ee CR epee Mes 6 194, 388 
arenes WU IOl sient ce EN eel AG Aomemmaniinber lands CHUCChe Ma Seo alent en ee 230 
Serie vilteteo irs | ON S.c08 kee ee AEA GOMRENCUT TOTES. ig, Cite Pee oti eae eee 328 
OFRa UL! uC yeas Cee tia ee 2 ee 06473507773 
et aTerOI EL TIDE Vr okt Soak Io eeieled OCOM DAtnotOngtot baAUle ee. fee emeues, 699 
Rate Vee te) 90092496 325. G57\3/4a-445e « Waubenspeck, “Fo Hyaitet ie weed. 194 
fess B02 ALB eA AG tno OU) aattbenspeci@ yt M sh dt 4502 O0/ae7 19 
Cra EL, Mie Ie dl Rae ee tonne ee a ee ERR 03m aitcherty, ciel ae 194, 277, 413, 646 
gy, NUE ah lo ea em Me SOT SOm Cet A DE® Oita tgs ee ey J i 675, 699, 709 


Clarion, erica hl cinan'y tt, eek? LOUMADU BeloaUertyans. alee aie re 156, 194, 276, 550 


800 


IN DEX—Continued 


Pages Pages 
(BP y LO gl sper ane escent dm Ce tie eye Mets ey, BOT Sind Ore. ikee IN ae enn 195, 327, 615, 623 
Deacdnesses! .Rirstia lati Ae eee 100°: “Dunkirk, Grate. ee 133 
Deaconeésses, * Inst: Protw299 1A lag er Daonla pO ae nee ae ene 230, 306, 320 
DeamondsPrederick 4. bel eee Ges A30°. “Dunlap, TA 195 
Dean, J AW\idieeatt thee: tea 491-.500/-504°795"", Dunlap, W° Cai nthe ee 266 
Debendarfer, De Nyc ial eee ae 1458194" *  Dutiatewl SS Qieagih eee 521, 650, 663 
DeckKer’s.R un pecan ee eee es, eee 132 Duquesne, Hirst, contend edica eee 159, 289 
Detnite: Platidtm eeesae ae eee 1056 Oss taki) a tee ees ae 195;.'2465 255;°2/ieeeo 
Deiminver: (Gut lew a itnte ees Soe Ne PAS SpkomEs LEME OEY tates 413, 428, 434, 436, 601 
BD eiSsy2 AV eh yack peak te el. oan 765: Dutch ‘Glorys Ghurch,... ee 74 
Delmont, (Salem ei.) Oe ee eee 687.) Dutch Fall’ Mt: Calvaryiie ee 478 
Welopel se) te yesies 194, 444, 568, 570, 573, 759 Dye, S Vigoss 355, 379, 382, 390, 393, 539 
Delo, )?- vA eee SF. 364. 380, 388, A39, 447 © Dysinger;, Holmes. 2. .2iee eee Bet gl i 
Delo Wut te mie ee So 194, B77, AQ2. 424. -~ Deysirigery in W 4S. .cncduiatea cnet eeas ee 71Z 
Dempseytown hc agit h yo eee Meena 1325778 
Denmark CenterwSt, Paul's. vaees: 134751) We Barhapteeavidies. ees. ore 54, 80, 195, 338 
Denmark Manor We SEUNG Phat 69 74160-6729 ye te Men ies ae 339, 342, 364, 368, 373, 379 
Dennis Gap Arete. sae 192 9104 SAS 20209 “50 Sate MRS ie death oer, 380, 431, 521, 663, 690, 696 
thos Dye inten oe 4055087537724 « arhart,.a eH 
Denntsonwrot. be aul'sen et eee 133hcR Barnesti 4) Gece eeeeas 195,336; 93504663 
Derrick, TN Tehri eo A Be BI eee 27 le, & Baste Greene dacs eee 75, 483 
Derry, “Trinity Sree rere. ree | 133;697- «— East liverpool, St.” Jonn’s\..cneaee 134, 739 
DeschiersA? G. Grea ee eee en oe 51.) Hast, Mickeesport, ot, John’s7aaeee 160, 313 
Dethlefs (My <Hse eee awe 257,275,402) (“Haste Ohioh Synod.c.045 ee 54, 368 
Deutschlander, Johannes V2 24s 607 7 Bast-Pittsburch? “Hebron. eee 159) 312 
Dickey ah Hur arenes 2d 320, °326, 344,373,394 > (Rast Salem Churches... vei 74 
sd ac 439.. 451, 558) 704;°712 . Economites’ 2.2). eee oo Oe 
Dieckhotit Gyo AUR W. secant 2 eee ote 793, Eddyville, St.aMarks a4. 160, 373 
Diehlts Charles anh cckaiieher ce cee eee 194. “Edernburgs® Ae oe 473 
Diehl, Christian 0 4,548,550". Bdmon? St! Raul’s sche 13a 
Diehl, He ON tee arate he try atte Spr 362, W122. Lovers iL Lerinata ee eee 54, 196, 491, 496 
Diener, Cr i sR GR AE: rete tens ie ee ee Ehinger, (Fe Hiditcsc.nnctdeel ee 196 
194, 342, 391, 412, 413; 430-432, 448  Ehrenfeld A. Conc 196, 251, 266, 267 
5/095749585,- 6055-675 699/60 M05 5 ranean seas 344, 353, 376, 388, 444, 538, 541 
Wieteich) iB 4 e208 tee eee eee Sd Mpeg A ae 548. 550, 557, 637, 682, 690, 694 
Dietrich, wie Was Blouse cae 194-74) 7) Ehrentelds Go Lice ee ee 196, 550 
Dretrich, Jiwanl yw. 194, 242, 287, 590 Ehrenfeld, G, F...53,-78, 106, 196; 33Gpaee 
Dietterich, BPE Epes poeenra ey A 624, 717 342, 348, 357; 361, 371,43876 
Dietterich, AUS TS Ree int 468, 473, 479, 575 379, 460, 462, 469, 471, 473 
Dietz, George 12 etak ee 94, 0226717 475; 539, 541, 568, 5705 
DOCK TER aGA GN ene eee te ee 194-751. Ehrenfeld; St.o Matthew ’s.ticn.eeeeeeee 133 
IPGCDKIN: Ct: ijn oee eee 741, 765%°793... Bisemann’ss Church) \.2. 2.0 74, 338 
Doerr, Philip .....195, 338, 342, S43) Mads 4 ingens) ae Gt eee 468, 469, 473, 475, 479 
she, 525, 646, 659, 679, 6834684 i Hise Ws SN ae 
ve 689, 710, 759, 769, 772, 795 Ellwood City, Siebenburger.2.. eee 
Doliman Harry ii ee eee 195°. Ellwood Citys Drinityieee 2 134, 600 
Domera pamisel is ae eae rete eee ee 105). Hlramaec brinitye ns e.tele ee 160, 625 
Donation’ Church aceaeee ee eee 7506590). “SH Sones Pie Wie a ere 140, 142, 196, 352 
Donegal MVitw 7 ton ek ae ae a aren 662. 3) Elson ewe Wiemann ee 196;:271;* 287 aei2 
Denmeyer, oy Gee ae 54, 87, 195, 469 Emergency Mission Fund... 158, 162 
Se eatted pi so aN ‘473, 475, 548 Emergency Pastor’s Relief Fund............149 
Donoray erin tyne tk ol eae 160,7623) "sEmerickvittey Grate Gee 134, 569 
Dornblaser ihm eat ae. 195; SAL OA73e475 Siem ery w WS aetna ees 196, 538, 539 
Dornblaser esa Gute ae 195, 320, 339, 3630. Pt i a ee CT aie eee 552, 666, 677, 683 
Doty; “Roberta We tea ncee eee 409. “UE mlentonot;y ohn’ sine eee 134, 783 
Dozer: Cree Ate da 242,°258/7339/%362) Sim porium, Zione «a eee 133ja781 
Ue renee 420, 522; 650, 679, 689°" EKimpsony: Cy Diol uid toda tencuokle cena 
Dozers > Ge Veen em cote ae 428, 432434 2 Emsworth, ot, Jamesisccin achat 1602323 
i Oe Lae 985,751 °° Engelder. ( Conrad aint) i eee 
Drake's2 Mills iSt Pauls poy eee S4,0794.0 iN ngérsecH eel ac ee 258, 320, 506, 508, 743 
Drawbauchi Dir 4 hee eee ee $20. a brigerss Ji Ptic ass ee Hoe einen 430 
Dressler < eto (Le umes a a ee ee 202.  Bhgersie Peters 20642 we 460, 471 
Bressler a VVil sy sete aero Oa aL, 098 7p Bin lair. Cola VN ie ora aie 196, 280 
Dubois Str aul’s: stc.se ee 1383/84 —Eriglish «ti Denke eee 672, 689 


INDEX—Continued 


Pages 

Ppileptics, Home for: <....... 00. 102, 104, 407 
Petarater tlt tera! en LOG Slee 321 562 
Peertmeattee FLUO. Roe 5 oe ee 196, 777, 791 
on LOU TES  SG eens ees 134, 507 
Petree fice yee Eo Fs 134, 505 
2 TEC a 508 
PATIENCE VUCITIIOTIAL © os.2 lat eccectcterseeclew cca 49] 
erry OSStatigene eh he ca. 135, 509 
Erie. PCCGer Ha tpeeees fel ee fe) 133 
Erie, St. ihchih "ie Se aga. 0 epee 483 
Erie, St. Matthew’s 134, 506 
Pee Mote Stepien Sacto et 134, 504 
re OT em re oo 13377500 
Baie County, Churches... 174-186, 483 
Panest. HH Bese... ks ZOD 359 SOOM 5074-019 
op Lo uae ale bid 6 Ey ae ee 362 
Esensee, Henry, 54, 196, 339, 342, 379, 430 
Preensee. Joni ua...) 54, 339.-353, 430, 431 
Jaa) ea 432, 443, 445, 585, 590 

Berm AanUel. gc es cate 159, 309 
eee CT Vee oe et ee 196 
Pee atemGlty, ots, Peter Sil siccpachouacnn athens, 445 
Coen crR, CGD VE RG Ream, Meee, ea 77. 
Berne LET) (oe tis cit ame es Sate Un 578 
Peeper rimmanel: wb she 677 
eters Nlichaele: (ccc... 104, 684, 687, 689 
nL a a 196, 438, 439, 444, 469 
RMSE Cle Gel a.) lc co nkilecachencnad 74, 352 
Berries AIO mieten ea ed 737 
Bercy, Butlers County s0..6 secs. 74, 438 
emiiew. tric, County. 0c ee te a. 132 
3 SUI WC ae 0 Se aa eee eee re 134, 604 
Perel ery Olt S scat eee ae. 607 
| OCT Dnt et Oooo a in ee 468, 480 
Fay, Salem NE IRE, ol REL Se OR aes 159, 608 
Fayette County Churches... 174-186, 511 
Pe eiea laa Ge, OS. 403, 734, 737 
PHO Crem TONG ahd oY tie, eee Be tN 265 
(POA AUS & RSP, Ra i, Cen ieee ed ee en 284, 793 
Felker, A. C.......362, 444, 468, 473, 475, 479 
Tesaph eatin cole de One nae eG aa 134, 690 
Peete iiACH CG, Lo. Lis watiecacd pecs a Nice 439, 451 
ee Ge VIAN roi hn A ne 428 
er tcttye e Dernard. 8 nel ie 302, 404, 1417 
MANE Sve 471, 784, 197 

Fe et) em AI ei Ne dace 342, 373, 391, 621 
Maret 6. Ae 300, 374, 431, 448. 465555 
566, 567, 570, ay Ale 572, 583, 591, 598 
iaucell VUE AE ae ORR EAI eet red ool aa i ne 489 
MAT OURAN Boba edt oe ot ll 249 
meeiocO elo i le BS 765 
Fickinger, eee i OE Niet eid. 197 
celWigelic, MAC “OM see ah et ee ree ZOZ 277 
Jules See eee 521, 646, 663, 666 
a aes 674, 677, 679,. 708 

IVC T PAB) Sp os sed ccscesabban wc! €..197 
te er ee Ask 197, 525 
DIG az ei 20 OSS eae eae eas 197, 413 
Fischer, i RSS eee 240, 197, 252, 269, 284 
J eon 406, 422, 465, 567, 793 

PGiivema SE Witt eee 8 othe Bh 197 


801 

Pages 

Fishburn, Jeremiah |W... 197, 462, 476 
Ree! Bee | 477, 583, 597 

Piste ihe’ Pes Cas ob Cy kl sie eee en 295 
Fitzgerald, Wise Ri es oe ee Biien. 383 
Bieplers [Ha amen ee 662, 719, 720, 781 
Biicky Hy TAS Stace 52 Boor DSeoee 
Flick, H. Tie sel Preset oe dee 197, 395, 445 
Flickinger, it Ae, DA7 OD! 382, 5557 Yi 
Mivednet a) LneOU OTe vce. ee 100 
OCH tA | te Rigor et yo.) Jee G A mete 
Foelsch, (ORE Ae Sel ene 8 244, 304. 197 
Foerster, Sister Katherine unc. 146 
Foisel, Johann Ph en eer ee 1OF eo 
OTe re kT Nhe eae cee Le ee 197, 282. 307 
Ford City, ier ONDE S rete ai eee 134, 391 
Orde Gitye etl EIT eyiee tite le a 133 
PGT icst eZ TOT eee eet en eet 70; 74, 119, 340 
Forster, GEOR: pated hela ae eee D/P e 
Rortera ler Petition see. c! a eee 26 
PMOL 1S ONLet ee eae es 3 tie See 14, 655 
Opti ities ee aie ee) le 14, 17 
HOC EOtAatlwixoabeees ar aot kee LoesZ oe 
Forts, German Frontier.....25, 629, 638, 662 
|Fiveunid atneteho), WMO) aay! 20, ke eh Rees! oe 552, 555 
Fortney, CUR WME Gul Well ea Ale 447, 449 
Pourg Vile hin tae eee 2 ee 74 
POUSES. Wp ale Fe ho Rtad cee NON ce A 197 
Fox ik B......460, 468, 471, 473, 475, 479, 784 
Fox, ate | ea.) Oey 5 nae 313 
Franckean SVHOd Sieg ously oe eee 109 
Prank Cem Veen: 283, 594, 713, 741, 753 
Frank. Copa es! ot Pees a, Ae a 406 
Ee cati eee Cem ©) ah ie aie 197,575 /Sikoco es OUR 
iiranklinge Gente «wee eee Lae 134, 499 
Hranklines Pricdensa ose bone eee 778 
Branklinw Graceideseeeen erst eee 133,778 
Brankl tik oad obo pene eee 160, 451 
Franklin Township, UL rinityse cee 240 
part zat CNet Chiro eee oer 74, 344 
Predertck,: Cr pk Coes ent ee ae eee, 619 
Frederick, Get WOR aes ae 197, 432, 436 
Frederick. AY TN oe Os 347, 364, 380 
Hireea@otty Ot.) Olin tas ees 133, 405 
Freeport. x oa (102 13451595 3605301362303 
Hrpe1IcLen Tel Clr rk eats nett a eee oe 793 
Frey, Exniirianitiel eet i eau oe 53R235 
rerey.s yd warden es ves ee 19735 /eo74 
pie (ROB es 476, 478, 481 

Breve eVWV1l liam e Hee eee eee 197, 500 
[rc’enr PN eA ee on ORD ee SOG / Gana San le 
irey’s oM eéting House... a Sone 74, 648 
Hrischk Ort. -| vA caeememee: 404, 417, 428, 430 
eee ee: 431, 434, 448, 605 

Pe a Reece 675, 699, 743, 747 

ESAESCIIN Loa AN ee eG ena eee 754 
Pr tzee! | Olt \ etaceee temas. 198, 594, 740, 741 
Fritz, Tobie ht ee ae 198, 431, 440, 443, 448 
Fritze, Caw Ar ah ere as, eene t tk ee ee 198 
Te OOCTICH Ak a El, eee ree ae ek se ae eee 292 
Frogtown, Al eri coh ie eee 75, 4/6 
Prominiiacenwll es 22 ee 198, 247, 305, 794 
Frontz, C REP aha! Sd Seater the 198, 445, 621 
Fry, Cat Cale we RES a re ere pe 198, 309 
My plt Sopot we) Ohisaatiaee eek ee 70, 468 


802 IN DEX—Continued 


Pages Pages 
Hiehrmaayi. VV Uliantiaswes eee eee eee A307). Geehling, | Garl eo ee ee 496 
FHiferstiel Wh eus2ol, 28d, GClmoU 2 eAL OM iim OCT iit» eal ieee oem eee oem 199, 412, 432 
Ftindamental Principles of Faith... 110 \Goehring ye ND 8 ee eee 436 
Tetiest Ail oe ok ee of ble A feat tae 230» Goessling  Ertist si.) 36a ee 283 
Goetinya net |i Gr tne e oet 114, 157) 55O ee 
Gablota ZN Ticshhe Bie © ae uate eA te GL Gis. \ a EF adie ai Wee 3 Omer Mirae et 249, 293, 308, 275 
Carield se Sten Ansa) eae eee? 160 RSAW Ty Got, Wi besten ore kee 198, 301, 326, 351, 394 
CHENEY A) hid yo Reet ance he Lee ee LOS SSG Acr Ney a ye bh cad eee 471, 473, 543, 784 
Gatverce Watitel anise cee ees 198, 684. Ge, « Gangawattrn Gir Ieee 128, 132, 199, 240 
CAS TOMI ta Goll CLS LAr ee oe nen eh ee Sa! hg ete ae Te Na on no ie ee ade 529. 713,472 
Gather Fler rya ge tamenaienst 357 230) 374, Ae Graep pm Nc were pee eee 199, 765, 783, 789 
Srihari a 539, acm. 555,.., Grate Johns Haein el 99 5/54 
Gaudian saMartityns..6 eee 351 862,492: )-- Gratton, WV aie ecd 132 
Gamer, Georges sae nkct wens S21" 6634044 — Graham Whe? Cee ee 199,252, 255; 269, 2am 
PT OE 759, 769, 795 Ca) AN 720, 748, 789 
Gre rait, pep kVien pty, veces ede nat A05'.538., «Grav Lal Gi hae 199 
GebrivGoRh Ate es, conan 128198 4262 8495 > . Greenoch UR eee 135 4e2 
Grerssino er Or veo eale Aenee 128, 240, 1987s) Greensburey Hirstetc| 0 eee 69, 650 
Geiszenhainer; Heinrich 22.3]. 52-9225 )232. Greensbures Zion els ee ee 685 
General Council, Missions... 127, 132 Greenville, Holy aay iene 113, 133, 594 
General Council, Relations t0....02i24<0: 110 Griffith, OT at ett tha 199 
General Council, Strength in 1868............. 121s) Gro 1. [eee eee ee 495, 659, 662, 697 
(Generale Council otreneth inetolO.ees 151 Gross, GD) et oe 2 ee 519 
Generale oyiicd sel tssions ee ae ae 155 9 -Grossman,H. Cl a2 ee 788 
Generals Synod, Welationse tome... eee Grove... Chapel) 3240 8. A ee 555 
EM IUN coh rhe 0 SNe hte fey 104,° 109, 11532153 Grubes, “Mite Zion.) a. ee ee 
General Synod, Strength in 1868... 112, 153... Gruhn, August ao. one 790 
General, Synodsotrengthunsl919. ty 2s LOAcat ACrctaTis MEL Se) Pole eee aeetieatee alee 496, 507, 605 
(entz eres) Viger. | niece aaa ie 198,17 Lon Gusey oth Min cir oleae sce See 199° 301,93. 
(sephartheG ih sett ee eee eee SOB m9 Fa (GUS ey UN Soe ene ee 298, 319, 328 
Gerberding, G, 'H....... 99, 198, 231, 240, 246. AGUS Wes Le er ate ee 199, 290 
EAS) 2009/32, 735, VSO OS 
Gerber dition: Wer bate = cane te ae le 198 Haast Church pee eee ee ee 74,75 56G 
Gerberrch 1D) Gas ees eee A?Rv4A34.. > Hatkenbero. W..M wliencn Vale: 
Germatve NLissionsuc sq. eee pee wee eee 1277<7 Haeckers® hd wanda eee 199, 570, 574 
Gérman” Names», Chances inware/,14505.005m) baci eerer, nimn eer sade) eee 
(Geeta. PAStO rere se eg aes 127, 187-221 Haerdtle, Johns aGielacko eee 619 
‘(CHETAN G TIE Up Gace cee ols aren Ya raiaee baa ee Foo.” “ELa brit ACs ieee Beas ee 252, 460, 475% 
(igrmano, %ZtOTl pel a... fa, cae mee tar eee 730 > Wahne | L0Ge eee 430 . 
Germany bownship..:Z10n ic dee 160.540. “Fialdeman)* Gu Wii. ee 438 
Cen ate Lvs Soe Os een Lk 108 hPa tl OO] 0 El eaeee er aes 119, 199. 1362237 1eeG2e 
Geschwind, Le FE lay Ja Ene eee Doacid4 se Ela arin Wee erence Ak ate a 495, 499 
Gesler, G. Peak ARI SURE JET Go 1908 °° Hamni 8G) Des Se ee 200, 280 
Cert legge OS ak ee phe cned) AIND aP pital, 469 Hammer, George 22. ‘lh ae rr 598 
Gheen, We Res ie at le AB es AGS Ao NAd ona) Obs atin ree Lie) aeiuk amen eae 200; 525.579 — 
CHES in Eee Lead at nd al, 135, 402,.403, 740 Hamsher, M. R.......2..311, 322360 ;eee 
Gilbert, Herman. ....... 199, 242, 251) 404,428 =Hangaertner. Ursinus: 222... 246 
oe 499, 583, 590, 734, 765 Hankey, “B.) F.u.........200, 264;/659, 66057 Gs 
Gilbert, H. S.....199, 285, 266, S1OVAZ0E 793. “Hankey iMate eens 263, 295,347, 35m 
Gilesek DD: Le Oe Era! City 1 (eis ee ie 10074, Fie Ses PEE era ce et uh BOON OO) ise 
Gye iseicha ened Oh ena alin Maabame orc che ike 744— Pankey, | pA Gh. cee cee ee eee 527, 704 
Ginger Hata NG 73 Onan eee ee 70-025) P Hankey satura 0) ee. ee eet eeen ee 74, 679 
Girard etal On ieenials kere nee 134/495. Hann ME aval de aces. ee eee 412 
Gladhillexi hie ances 344,349, 550,75717°575. Hannahstown, ota Luke sn ae 70, 430 
Cr livels oe ee Rawat) arte eee cic hs oe AlONAJ2 0, eavsen pil: eae Abide ge 8 363, 392, 710 
Glasow, hRORE Bais Fie! Bet ames ii el Tih Hansen, LDU RR ae Cae oui ara ae & 200, 412, 499 
Glassportiot ponies. hare eee 160, 328 Hanson, HRV Ax 25ers 200, 305, 309 
GlAtZefi,  iar) a eee 232, 242, 9287 Bod Tantze Pols wont ee ee 200 
ahr ean 404,412, 430, 447 » ‘Harder. William) W.0..2.).20.£o e200 ee 
ot RPA 560, 590, 594, 790 Harkey, S. L.....650, 659, 661, 697, 734, 737 
Glen eld 5 ey bauls oe ae megs 133.2290) SET arrivaty, eck s Cae anak, cee ates eee 282, 607 
Glenn |i Ole ake: 521,'0377 659¥ 603), 6770)" Fatman, way Eales ee 743 
ae Nn 695; 708721, 796 Tarman® -[y) lemes ee 20) 6 27 2 


(ren Wd tt Fake don eee hs hee lee ale cece 306) Tlarmony Grove Church See ee 557 





INDEX—Continued 


Pages 

POR cy lo hen Eee @ Lee eee cre re! te Cae 439, 451 
Prarohie,y Guurches © i: cuss. 28, 46, 69, 74, 628 
Maarten oe Pett cd ae Nee 00, 282 
PATRI Nk Ae Bel te eM ns ye 200 
RU perk tee RGehal s PATS) ch een aay eee 133, 699 
Harshman, O. F........200, 290, 297, 298, 682 
ET pee 0 en ee 431, 448, 499 
cr een oa eae 473, 475 
eg Th a ae al 200, 292, 380, 706 
[FUP SS ged 0) Sag © eee AO 2307 3024343 
a AF se 390, 394, 473, 475 

Eo cantiad 559.4637 a7 Loe 

Pert nee eat nL Ny 0). ch all in Uh ke ei 148 
el PML RTS cnt HE Saka. cats heat cea 624 
SLE aul i ol BTC Pegg ee ORO nCNIv RT Sees Uae orp 200 
LR Soih oye d cad Bie AG Sun aed eae ets ON 201, 410 
Bee ERE WES Et Sarre icin: 201, 249, 371, 436 
By atte ns on al tt 538, 568, 573 

SIE oA Coal Sa aeee LA 201, 434, 760, 768 
2) Oe GN ire ern oie, 769, 789, 795 
PGE tes oe secre ects. 201, 274, 304, 409 
(SoS, A ESO as UF eee Sue, Urabe s tenien 201 
eke yAke ROI OC ean ae cieke Se 322, 590, 594 
OTS 9 OE Taal Ey eee ea 2 52, 66, 489 
Peeet te latte eee NL Me ccna eal Gane dalton 201 
PCO Vi tae ZION ae ite chet Reh d. Cy aden, s 160 
Heindel, ei aaa ag aie ZOU OL os 4 
Heist, Mn May ee bk se he a 75 
Pe mae es ee ete 305, 541, 694, 743 
Flelferich’s Church oo. .0ccnee oe 74, 336 
ci 11a g YS BRET eh hg ee Sai ee aR ae 792 
bem piel, Zi0Nl, Aiea: 28, 46, 69, 74, 628 
“SEFC Hae ak ON is oe ee 132, 409, 419, 619 
ee Late. 646, 677, 684, 692 

Hengist,- Theodore .............. 54, 583, 587, 598 
eRe al | ete ee de Ona Re Gace 49, 57 
ire Copa ial ideal Sal ae ne 557, 538, 666, 677, 683 
1s PTT TEES, CG ale! Re On IG eee pao 75, 476 
We SO Ae LY Gti... caiai chi cenianites 74, 583, 584 
PREC OSPEl, cet Re uieasscsth users og Ae LNT 328, 666 
eae RN 683, 695, 708 

Wee TIE OS Cocina noted erick onurone hoa 149 
TRO OV lL e 5 kaa kiana tes 35/;,°476, 478 
Pear at a as he ee 495, 687 
LOS Ct cie Edam eve Dec fect eden ie ees egy Mae MOAR san ae 473 
PIMGinelonees GOUT Che so ee ai catia 74, 472 
Un IPSS ie SLRS Be 4 ai ata 201, 669, 682, 689 
Teer SC Mane Hid, ode gauea chef cM cite. 73, 475 
Hershiser, | Ee Beth 4 BP eae at eS 760 
Peale beat Wa TOTTI S eke ee ed ee he 616 
PLSssere Win es... 344, 355, 382, 390, 394 
se We AS A a 390). 568, 257 3,807 2 

Ie Otic Vad ud eth 5 ee Neca Re Sb ZA, 
BOLTS ere WV Tie ee tion aa Ss 249, 314, 674 
Heyer, a: SOUS oe gasse tet se 45.51, 58, 66, 225 
Aas, eee 226, 485, 489, Tee 705 

Hickory, nents Ere POM eed 2 iad eo eee Le 
Pere rielt tat hak alll Scot steal ee ee 390 
(5, MESSI: Cals BRT sod adie [a «ee Oe pa a 230 
USB CGAI anton ped CRED 2 GPa ee oe 201, 380, 706 
Bee er arie Act nitty an fal eins ZUM SZ 50G 
Hilemans, Emmanuel As. Retail sie tr coe 75, 364 
PLU Pe ee oie Sa eee 201, 308, 552, 557 
iene aii Detiy. =a anon ate ee ee ee 238 


Pages 

PRUE DOT Ow. ce ee wy hr a ie Cee 622 
aA bees Gcliiir Cleo here a eee eee 74, 677 
Brit yee) eK Sik 230, 299.4383, 54 See 
La AW 557, 682, 690, 694, 760 

Himes, A. M.....201, 311, 462, 473, 475, 477 
ELUTIOS; «Li. «| Side ae, ee ee 201, 575 
L(Y) Gee ys FL ea aes ke at at 201, 271, 292, 440 
SNA eee 447, 449, 571, 578 

EESTI Soe | Lice eaet Ce alae dc 298, 328, 396, 444 
AEP MASE A ee 3 447, 468, 480, 712 

HL IAT GS Vines igh ere da ig, Mer ae. 325, 452 
Piimmnmelmarins Gre Blea 202, 662, 702, 719 
Ennekeldey OW Big 22 a Be ee paws 
HAG erirr edie a V Vins oi Wie oct nes 202, 383, 397 
LID Ee CGWiSs tended ee 428, 434, 585 
Peace OHUL CIs cut os chs, eee hay ies tk: 
AGE lien ELON PV a 525 cn antetness ccs ani ec ames 202 
Hoelsche, | rae Dek Ca AUR enn Oe Sens 9 202 
Hoelsche, PacoD sed, 402, 400s O85 Oe 
Hoerbe, Arrto tin Eales Mee ais eg ee 605 
EUOCET VC OHI ce ete sc: eee 411, 590 
Pett sen Ur Chit eatin 74, 664 
Hoffmeister, Theodore ................. 734, 737, 744 
| 2 alah cs nal be NORERTs Wee Rete ee Reet Pe! 143 
Fionn hol ml oe eae ees 53,.- 339, JOU 
Holloway, a) ce 415, 420, 659, 662, 674 
ACLS 679, 689, 697, 730, 735 

Plo liga yer Li eae ea Se Mens ehes y S 244 
TeLOLINES a bx bie eeeeet as c0 54, 202, 240, 361 
EFORCE SAL LL Vi9 an ete ah Gh cea ee eae 559 
Homestead aM esstaht a.c2cce ks ee 160, 319 
Blpivesteada wot. \)Onn S.4ce.c ee: 134, 257 
EL OIG WOO Ci he cee ake LB Noe Lae Be 
ELQO Per ri. oe) ees ees ee 344, 549, 550 
EVOON CE UT aae Peer fem sak. ales 202, 371, 690 
Pl BOWetre ELL) severe ek Seka nee ee eee 3 
Hoppe? Hace sted Patera) cat ML ee ich 202 
El Grintown wots Pallis: kee eeu ees ote 574 
As evi nic lre Rin ba Rh gy! eee te eae emcee OMe 74, 132, 624 
Hoshour, | pial iithety PROS anes Wer oes Nemtn 6 308 
LOS ICOM See eN eee Rah ce 28 ia esas 148 
Ospitalteacksonwilles: eames al amers 143 
EVOspital Wil wWatiiGen ten are ote Ae eee 143 
Tos pitalalattSburolinures apres O9e TO tea 29 
FeOUSeiiLall, | loa vi nite ee 202. 230.2298 
Houser. ihe RF) ERM os (ight aat eo thee ON 202 
ARONA LON cL! 2 | apes athe, eM we: ATS AA oe La 
Howes J; Avceeasace 202, 462, 476, 477, 539 
doers C hiusch ae at ee ee | ee aes 74 
udson.. Wee Ge Dee 559: 6724-700, 1/9 
ewe tee cinrichy a, mea wi ST. 6205397 
tLe ANS). a erence et ee 131, 746, 750 
Piiunkere ot, VMatthew's..c.. 56h) s nce 134, 719 
VAR ahs UG ed Wr cet age ae eee Eee SOR 52 seus ae 
Te LEERR S12 FAO Begs ie eee tenet tae ae ete Op a oe 202 
Hupperts. Sister FElizabeth......141, 144, 401 
Hisey A Goto ek ee eae BA L230) 008 
TAIL CHESOD ea) Mp WW a. ees... B44 AAA Sa ue soe 
Ah i ea, ea a, Oe 

Pemcienieat ic Bethel feat ee a ener! £59.57 12 
Ibach, W. O.......202, 322, 395, 440, 447, 449 
fidenengente Churches Alsace ate 127 
TATA CAC VN UT Stat es ee e.. 23, 629. 638, 677 


804 INDEX—Continued 

Pages Pages 
Indians Head Good stlope... 2 eae B19 Ries lag as ae ee 430 
Indiana County Churchesies ena ee Kilbuek) Church weecnh ee 250 
AEB nich Yel Mae ness 156,.174-186; 531, Kang, @. Bon 339156, 2161-4205 cee 
inqianare Get tran te ee ek ee ee 5356S a Gene or. reer: 305,310) 93 11, 32 see 
Tridiana. 100 Prasad cae tn ees ee DOL) > ae a eo eee 380, 388, 561, 621, 712 
Ingpmap Lrinlity: eae Oo) ene DAG. Kinga: CIN week kee eee cee 203 aon 
INDET HM ISSIONS peered eee wees eee fs. (InN ALG ey OLE eee eee 203, 360, 374, 566 
Irvine, Isaiah *.,..0.0 156731615 202,6:2660.2269 PONS Ri ieee ee ee eee 575, 683, 730 
eee, 275, 278,280, S62, 037 > Kanports Ps Tite 
Liwifie Ll Oly wmiskitli by ae ec ee ee 604. Kintis’s) St. Johnis2 25s 74, 660 
[falian stented aes eee |e 131 "7162-s0s.e722° © Kittanning eee ee ae 132,133; 160; 347 
Kittel) "Gal, pInoh Se 7605 
JacO0S me Cliurch eget eee. pee 16:40 702s Kitzonitler ae) a7 El, eee 203, S30 ede 
JACODS HC EEC anata ats Cal Nek nee TOGA = TS Gt ee ee ear 362, 431, 448 
Facops Vl oe oie: 93.037 202, 251, 419 . Kiecknerville “0 eee 74 
Jaeckel, Carlie ta shige ee Zoi} 404, 402, A04 , “Kiéimann, Robert) 226-22 585 
WY in Mhetaaeee pemee? % 590, 504.781 Kleis.) Theobald 2.4 a ee 
Jeannette Gorman ae.cosn oe eee 13357702 9) Kine a ae ere, 360; 4A1, 527) 570 S575 
Jeannette, Elolysc! rinity... es ee 13340700 | |. CSR eee paterehs cee 663, 666, 696, 708, 786 
Teannettes otaeWlat cca ae ee 1605720-. Rr Va Vie ee ee 465, 567 
Jetrertse eC VW Me SSeS ee ie iin see erate 263... KBngensmith> Je Cra. 2e55e ee 786 
Jefferson. County Churches 4...174-186, 563 Klingensmith s Church) oo2 eee 74, 366 
Jensen itll Cathy ere st eae | eter 619'> 4 Rhingler Pa G-. ee tee eee 232 02AZ 
Jensen >. Gottiried ete ner eae SA SPOR Ta tlela ter, phe aes ee 411, 590 
i. eStinshy am Ht tee cen eee 202;' 392" 710: Kneislys* Ue) 2 eee er er 203 
Tewettito to 1) dines tien 2. een en eee V7) es Aiseley: Me]. cyl ca eee ee ee 2052525 
Tewishaiissions Sec 8 ebee ened 2 eae 290: Knebe Chirgch ter aie en eo eee ‘ee 399 
Johannes): Georvemn a). sales 570,0574, 741" Krortz.. Carl) 2a eee 777 
JOnMSenbuTe Aro tr Oni S mat eons 134-"7895 “Knox, Emmanticl ceen ee 70; 473 
Johnstown Ste Laulis2. 2 ates eee 790 Knoxdalé St, Matthew se 574 
Vohnsto wit Zion ss) ee kee eee 774. Wobler-vGarl 4 Ae eee ae 54 
Josephine ot eat sae eee eee 1603. Koehler) Julius 2 741 
Jumonville 97 ro nti: eee aes ee 523° . Koehler, 1 31Ce a ee 203 
Koehlér, (Robert 25 496 
Keebler i re Gheiiee oo ereaey 203, 242402. — Koerner, Gharless- 2 765 
teh tert] ees ec 406, 590,594 Kohler, C. S220 9 Se 2 eee ce 
Raeblen: Vi aera es Pee AS 203, 717. Kohler, F. W.....132, 144, 204, 318, 407, 415 
Kaessman, Ca) FeeA ae! hd ie ae eee 2OS i, ate lee eee 420, 424, 570, 695, 747, 779 
Kahl, Eileen, wee ee 37303787120 tis — Ont Eee eee ee eee 255, 037 OL ee 
Kaiser, Cis WV Ls ah ld ae 203° 251, opp uwallianiie ee ee 135, 540, 543 
Kammerdiener’s, Jerusalem ................. 74.9358. Korntheuer () osephse ae eee L313 744 
Kansasvoyrod tir ee een eee Sik -Koserve iG ee eee 320, 326,38 662 es 
KastiwA. [7 Bod 395 e468 e480: Kossuth, Bot aM atk somes 479 
Koa irae es | steees Be ee 568,573,575. Kowatlla) Johann? )..3. ee 204- 
Kauitmann Elerman |.) ee 7O2~. Kranzee Gottliebmaas 54 353; 58a 2 eee 
eck AS AGEL. ia ee Fs eee 2034. Glos 0254 —calisSar ae) eee 204,° 258, 271-27 4-30G 
Keel Ridge, Amity <.o6 eto eee 70, 74 Krauss, PSCi Se Be eee ee 204, 260 

Keistete Le) a eee ee 240 Krauth, GC: -Porterfieldi: 2244) = 
Kellerut G7 elicsae 6.5 02552 eee eee DAT Se Ga OEE ae eee 95, 106, 107, 108, 237 
Keller, ja Fee Soe ee ee 203, 23022305. 315". ‘Krauth, (Gite eee 240 
We drheite | tee ce 322) 468, 480: | Kregar.; St ikaulstaoe ee ee 
KRelleres Late seek tere. oes eae 203872410 Kress sua tig tie te haa a ee Aid 
Kellersburg, Sn Leni eee 7A. 100 F556= IST bbs Lae 145; 204, 252,352, 413; 436 
Welly ahh tae Hy oe eee cee nee ee 2030320," 508) << Kersb bs Wit We ee 204 
Kemmerer ploJ avian a 127 2:132 MIST 203 3271) rider wo ariiicnm ae 355-1379, °3382;) 2900s oan 
chee 422 559. 672 682; 732" Kriglers: Jacobecesct ee ee ee 
Hh obey 736, 738, 759, 768, 7600: . Krill’s 7 @hut ches ee 74, 580 
Kempe Mi Sh ee 297, 380, 549, 550, 706 Kroh’s\ \Church® sc) oh ee 569 
Kendall se: |-Siieses iaecss 0 eee eee 303 469. ““Kropp,) Wi Hise ee 447 
Kerr [2 ang ore eee ee 568) OY 38 sISCOUSE > LION sat ee een eee 204, 783 
Ketterman. Daniel 314:..339. 9362. .. Kurchers)| ose ee ee 204 
Reyes Dis te ae ey 52) 00) 3907 Go uChlegeeMiiehnacl arene 52, 61, 489, 491, 499 
eae 460, 462, 465, 468, 469, 471 579. -583;°585, 587,597; 598! 5740) 765.0772 
Piers A73,. 548, 566.0567. 709-3772 Wuder, Hy leh ae ee eee 





IN DE X-—Continued 805 
Pages Pages 
PEG COLT ACA ©. feel Oe se ee ee 772 ~=‘Legum, ens ME SOE era. he 299 
LOS TUANISSS 1 OLY el mane RCIRRRG aed A te OM AR ae fae Leister, G-W.205, 336,- 366,. 373...379,. 695 
vel ciel; “USE ag St a0) Sn enc) 2b) Mere mene 204  Leisher, v i » berks ada ace Re 568, 573 
PASTE MEL CVS cll RcstaRnieet tie erthhe wine Ummm solZelie Ls OW ae, Bateau wees, 462, 477, 568 
Kuhns, Lewis M............. Lem OS Ome ia oe oe Le 8 ae 571, S/oesne 
Ses 369, 371, B00; Oozmoun wiLemeke ti eC Fe 5132 205.6402. 403, 406 
Kuhns, Luther M.....204, 268, Cale oe mee eInCke. Lluis Leg ae) 354, 376, 525, 666 
Fr STG SRY Se ee a ZU es | ae tt tg 677, 683, 781 
fomaener Patil fe. eke lacs. Pie Aovem Ace omenn en wens Gr, DO ost ee. sd oe 217 
Dek eds 2, ke) ANe Ale 7a lee eentz, A. Po inputeca412,.420) 601, 004.590 
tele so GaP a CR ee! a ae Crane PAM ONI ZA Nias. apts ado td te Mee ee 362 
Reena 8) A estates L 24a ge Ape eOnatd. sGharies:. 2 2t-- a hee ee 266 
Beaiwelmanwe Mi (joss OWA SANs) Zh 2. O20 1 co (IR fel pad ae M2 ie i 205, 682, 690 
Pemieenmanse iss Kk... 205;7246..491 6 S00 a04l  #hicensute, 0 cic ocsdicieecsninseine 94, 95, 187-222 
De 760, 768, AGoa eae Joe ichitenbefo s) Wy Peat ton ee ae 
teers 5.) kkk aaccat b2oteU eed OCR ER ICKING, ‘Otet Ohi Sesc ie, ccs i eee 74, 460 
Wc ns ON Oye ada aLieperotheC wH sooo 3. 205, 321: 380, 705 
age G00 gt ieee ate BRRa DOOM cbendorier se Cniurch 1) eres 75, 587 
Peri romeeleinricht tq... ae Blea? ae eee eAgOniei ste. ames” is... oo ee 655 
Peanrcalliaw Lrahotin sete ts tO eZ eet yvillcakourwIVa LK Ss. este Ck abet 134, «112 
Pamestonomote Wark’ su). a) eee 342 
Lachenmeyer, Anton. ........... Ap eeAs ceo erin, . bindemeyer, (li) Ele tegen. 744 
MAditi wo atntiGh tew.0ct 124, 132, 205, 238, Pore Lint Wet tan be tea lt det ile 129, 619 
heuer GkCKGe, SEY Keven Wel Ger eh 5 See Se Mee Ae iciles GMiate We tak ee 129, 206 
Meo DCL CNATICS Suk. chara viete. 316, 468, 480 Little Germany, St. Matthew’.s................ 75, 429 
‘LES es 3 aig (agg Bee an Ree Pati 205, 406, Ae OCR Manenevies bl heen hon ee oe gen 52 
MParoei tm VV WAL A docs oe ZOO One LOCKDOLL CRG Tace, cael, We a a bek 160, 719 
Lamerdin, EOC Uh meetin SO ae te REE aie CAP Dean OC ATES Ahn eee, (on 206, 297, 380, 440 
iLeretne. OC On 2 eae em 205, 772 TOs abet BU EE Spun oe 447, 449, 706 
[Laxvifes seid akan, 4a Olds peewee ee 49, 51, Bares 08 Oestowii sae Ome ck ue ame, 414 
Behe en ae 338, 52 GO 3m ont ane Cee bet pace es! 99 ed eee 
Mois ot oe WV do ok centage See I O0Ss al oneal tbe ee 276, 468, 480 
era inte) © re ksh dice 336, 303, 476, “ARSE Me Rap utee op ONY eae cht cele ee ae 8 736, 738, 779 
eee Set S107 in 70227028 7000709., «Longaker, Fo (Chee 436, 793 
ianguages, Difficulties 45, Ot eOo4 e0onm LonganecKker,. A. Read. eoe i 315, 549. 2 
ianienaces:, Used in Churchess2.2u. Pee cemee econ Church? Jessen tts eae ee 
MRED LO SOIC MMEE fet caee itt tener ee ee BU Pee OEUT Paes. ee Rank! oo plate ae ie 
eR MR ek he Sh poe, os Wate ee he a mL OW Ore | kN he lh Baek en Cen Rats a tee 550 
RATE OE. CO VISWY Literati cai MOR otc ate lom eowels |... Fo foe 351, 394, 568, 573, 575 
Latrobe, dpiakehi eto tee nO tC gebe nae GUI TOWN Lycee tatters § Uist (abe eee meet ee eel ya 
Lau, 8 PR foot SETS A. ene Wren 9 CERO, RECN Zoos Fe) chard hla et | emer ee ie 202, Lage LY 
Re AES GN eee anne CoO mOmreUund ay toe Cris cee Se 206, 460, 646, 684 
ate BR PON Uh rade nrc luinticcfion oom ee. 205, DOC S et yo de Side Renee 3. 687, 695, 702 
Pere te Pa MN ies el ce ics, AB bee bt: Ale ome letietoe. Al) Ue eee Ax SST 55s 521 8035 
Lawrence County Churches.......174- 186, AOR SY Sy A se eno 641, 650, 655 
PI GECUCeRRLOULLY PO L10N hohe soe 587 Lutheran Church in Western Penna........174 
Masvrenceeatic, CCOIISt ansuactictbagmcnane pga aitheran eMLOnthl yet ance eee ene, 159 
ce allele) cate] | (ek 9 10h Oe ene ae 280 
WV SOt) ote eds detect 2 205) 230 P2402 o4 oMacDonald,. jo Ee...206) 344, 397,469" 558 
Lawson, PAE ee 46-409 4000072 Oaomamachauchlin, Alexanders v2 
awe otter) Church wenn TAD eo Lies JOR Pee a I 206, 230, 299, 682, 690 
areal.) 378, 384, 637, 698 MacLaughlin, C. peer A 655 
poplelese Tm Cdn erm warm dulete 1 Die ieee oe eo 0G 
ea viieti cw OVCINeNt a teclie gee ets 149 Maguire, 1S SEAN ea te VR Oe a eee 206, 3834555 
igett herman. Gi rhe Se ce ah OO 7 a ALOMMENL ADLDOT OG. Hee tie ce dea Doers eae 447 
Leatherman, R. L.......570, 574, 662, 697, miomenvaannenschinidt: 2b neler ee Oo 616 
WE TOIGS) Lalas Vink eke er eed ated. 344, 469. cmv citer fannie! |e. cl aS hye ee 206, 677 
UY Oa de en Ce ne Rs ae CA Ome OMEN Teel ot) ae ee an 276 
eee CHR GUM Mace aye asm cca ean F CMMI NVR ALS coon ne ok es 206, 249, 481 
Pee ite ee it Ste eee te eee et OOM VENNOES, iyo (cB aki cua ce ee 571 
Re ONTO a PAC Cie tak id cpt eh erat BLO > OA Wa) atid Bel ie Bock irene, Ses Oe ee a a es 743 
Mercupiiree MeL eDrOon§ tenia e een 7A) ce SOME ERTININT Wich Cent oe artes oe Z06" 305 3230024 
eat nitteeot. |) OHM Sire ueck tate Bei, Agee Nanning. James) os... 99° /30,57320735.67 50 
Leetsdale, St. Matthew’s.cscccccccccccsone IpameenOe eivanion, Unit Yeeusteree tute oe 133, 708 


806 
Pages 
Marorville GPace ai eahecaetoeeea 392 
Mantz, Hermann eee ee 206, 428, 432 
AR etn (fal & 447, 590, 594 
barley) JA TBS sien katate ace ke eee 772 
Whar leat |Giitte, Vout; cook eae. ole 206, 559, 672 
Lap eMTaAT Cael om WOneMee tale se okias 206, 249, 302 
Martens, Herbert ....339, 362, 430, 431, 434 
ae 448, 559, 659, 662, 697 
Marthens, Sister Louisa... 100, 143, 236 
Martin, ITM © UA ead keh eID sr 655 
A/LED 19 6s gam Putter th ean ce RE ONO. bd 0h 8am 233 
Martins Berl yak eaattoaetc 133, 134, 740, 746 
DEAE VIEL? tal ool eca ee Me ce eee ee 037, wa 
WWAIVATI'S toa ELIS tae, cee ch he leh ners 794 
ilarvlanG:  yilOd peeeranee eee 54, 189-221 
Matthews sr cet oc eee 207, 698 
Matter. ti (whee 207, 298, 306, 314, 336 
Plas vit Bites 357, 374, 393, 476, 478 
Weenrern’ | ACOs meets kt ee eae 129, 207 
Maurer, Jacob E.......156,. 161, 207, 297, 450 
YEE arco i BAAN clei Map ane wally RO 207, 282, 329 
May Ser t Ti ie rus amie sc me nae: TES 
MPA VS ULILOD Gratton sane a Cnteonn jae y a] 
Mi cCanley apa ate ee has tener tains Ae 289 
MeCréery) i etivi tie ate tee sae 129, 207 
Mic Crom eo) Olin wae nase ieee ashe fay fd bey Rh 
McCullough, A. W.....207, 380, 539, 544, 552 
McDaniel ih Baie, 252; 255.269) 285, 3491 
ee. 499, 504, 703, 794, 795 
MeDonatd Gh irchiwe. vee eee eee 1335-622 
NLC) orwell las oy oe tat ee 156, U6 ses 
STE ROAD elk dee Meted Bn ae 276, 396,875 
Mic(Gatiohey. a Micwe waa eee A62, 477,555 
WMeGitintd haere ere at ewes aval AN ye 
Mecbenryy eoolemonnet ance oe 541, 694 
NMeKeanaa bh rinttywienc eee 134, 504 
1G Wed Sora BY hake? sae ae ie tS 92,.140, 207 
Bee Ted Wee 338, 347, 432 
Makeespore, sotr) Solin sya 133, ato 
McKeesport rintt ye. cae ee ee 160, 297 
McKees Rocks, Mt. Calvary... 133, 244 
Mick éessRocks its ohh siueheunee 1338272 
Rielisiia Vig eee ee 207, 316, 326, 388 
NeMaclin A7 JS hese Se ea ee 207 
AVL CIVE UT civics tel cue leone ve ea et eee 274, 659, 669 
Ge REM dled | 692, 696, 698 
NCE HEE cine Ostaliet+.8, sere 20722318402 
McSherry, G. W.......395, 439, 451, 541, 694 
Meadville s (Urinity sa et bby sth eb ikey 
Meth ing Sateen aes 659, 669, 692 
Mechlino ei lonas, 527: 00,412 5% 521, 636, 646 
650, 655, 659, 661, 663, 666 
669, 672, 674, 677, 682, 683 
Wedtarte! acopivees hese 53, 344, 537, 539 
Se Pho hn eee 540, 543, 550 
Meerweinw Oltotr at tee aoe eer 773, 792 
Mehrikatime At (Mig eae pe oer eer 409 
Meier dvi SNe 2 ee Re renee 295.2505, Oo 
Meissner ey Hain | ath, we leap: 491, 499, 504, 730 
Soh ea RN 744, 789, 795 
Meissner: |. ty) Mee hikes a ns eke eer eee 590 
Mel Bren | pa eg 124 loa Ss 
eA 5 258. 269) 7329) 8AA2 636). 
ees ASI, A448, 519, 523, 784 


-INDEX—Continued 





a. Pages 
Mensch levAr) lvadce. 207, 491, 500, 504, 506 
Mercer: County, Churches....2) ee 579 
Mercer” County,.Good Hope. cee 580 
Mercer: ‘County, St. Johii'sae canes 
Mercer: @ounty;-oaléem = 2 ee 590 
Mereet. County, 2100 o4...c i ee 597 
Merver Ghijtches aes once 269, .304, 352 
Merger? Synod 0 ee 165 
Merz Fenty ieee oe oe eee 207 
WMessiver SiN Siete eee ae 230, 319, 326 
Metzenthiny §Px-Gr Wee eee 5701573 
Metzoary minora re ae eee “207, 462, 477 
Meyer Balthaser sae 27, 29, 47, 630 
Mevyer:*.) (Pe ae ee 232, 242 
Meyer ORn te ane. bes aie ee Aliza 
Meyerhoeffer, Philip 000. 489, 758, 765 
Michael, AD MAaVVe ate 521, 650, 659, 663, 708 
Michaela hivte Os. an nee 208, 305, 306, 674 
Michetek:} John 72.5. a eee 129, 208 
MiddieeChurch, St. ))ohivs 3s 74, 660 
MRidlégLancastéer: 7 ionaasese ae FU SASS 
Mildnerke Carl 1:6 sae), seer eee 622, 702 
Malle Creek Sth Peter smi sues ees 134, 490 
Miller; Abrahamy toi... ee 744 
Miller, A. S........208, 336, 366, 373, 439, 446 
iPr 444, 447. 462, 476, 477, 4738. 
Miler o OleeD) eee iene 208, 672, 706, 732 
Miller Cash or ako ete ee 208, 347, 355, 394 
Niallers EDs cy) eae a one hoe 208, 338, 379, 391 
RUN a 465, 476, 481, 519, 523 
pe Las 529, 567, 666, 732, 784 
Millen’ +0) Peek iot) en ee ae 521, 664 
Willer lps mer. 208, 266, 395, 444, 450, 760 
Miller, Ephtairg Seance ee 344, 549, 550 
Millar He '¢ eat ae 571, 578 
Miller, Hl, Nooo 10t e Seeee 597 
Millersud) Bie ote ee 336, 365, 373 
Millers) lessen Link ee eee ee 208, 732, 746 
Maller, “Sohne lt. a 575 
Maller, 3) Soa ic lee tes te See 600, 695 
Miller: (Lyre D Asie! > vores re ae 208 
Miller, }O) Deir aa ee ae 208 
Miller e Riot Se leant eal a ae eee 208, 316 
MILLERS i cen aN tle ee alee 568, 5/0575 
Millér* Shien 208, 439, 440, 447. 449 
Mas Riet 451, 473, 475, 449, 450 
Miller. Vactor- tek oe re 208 
Miller: UW. aCe 51 Ae eee 594 
Miller, W.\ J.....128, 208; 342, 386, 391, 687 
MillerstowiriioWl i) aac tes berate oe en eee 443 
Mill wale tChivgstiis ts) 0h Seb ieee 160, 307 
Millwatea-St. [ike se it 6, ore 246 
Maina a eae tk otek ee Sea eee 133, 789 
Ministerial! "hducation 4 eee 
oS Oe Bee ae 94, 140, 141, 163, 187 
Ministerial» Reliet cose een 141. 145. 149 
Ministerium of Penna....47)49, 51 52e5e 


54. 55. 58, 59. 65, 109, 189- 221, PBs 337, 340 
454, 455, 465, 513, 533, 725, 758, 763, 788 


Minto, Joseph An ORR ae ole ee 208 
Missionarymisupts...b 16s tece cane 87, 156 
Missionary Supts 7G Ce eee 132 
Missionary ~“Supts, . Ganon eee 156, 161 


Missions, Advisory Board........... 158, 160, 





INDEX—Continued 807 


Pages 
Missions; Committees 0.0.3. TOPS oe LOS 
DAISSIGS. MOOSE LUtiOTi) {yet e tue Me 89 
Missions, Church Property 
PPR PNer UN Cat cela eee me nae itd 162 
Missions, Emergency Fund................ 158, 162 
Missions, Generals Councils... 127)402 
Mirosions,- General "Synod sinc 157-162 
Missions, loss Gav Pigs 4. ta Smt oa ae EU 127 
Masins liniigrant |e. oP) 129 
Berets TNC A. tk eh Lc kk ye fe eee 148 
Pameevensatin: Canada ate ees, els 90 
Missions, In Middle West... cccsendenn 127 
Missions, PinoeeNebtaska valu eas oe 127 
PissiUnee wir MN Ova oCOtlas sats eee 129 
riesions. Min -bexasic 0.0 eo te ees 9] 
erections wy talfaty. kes ds L3ip Gases 05722 
PasstOuse leiwish cha), ca oe” 299 
Rese tolls aE Toll it? c. ee ee eS 160 
WNissions, » Siebenburger 1... 202 
ot Pi as 131, 594, 604, 607, 753 
ivlissions, ) Slav-Hungarian wii 
ate? CWE he Raa 129 BSE 5 746.0750 
Pe crioue sn lsniiicalionmemee tube nu ee i fed 
DiSsvOnS . LOUNo | Peoples’? sinc ccnce sl) 162 
Missions, gyi elalebctahhoreree | Set LANG eae 16200171 
Buren ema) oA Ny, Mah AN. Bless 300300597 S42 
Jal Alec AUG SRA GR ee re et Oo On Cie a 208 
Molzahn, K. he. j Biaerace ves ths. 202 WEEN A Bate 792 
SLIOTRCL CS 2k) TOL ge tame NS MR aR 134, 400, 419 
NULSSTRECS Wg ie is DoW UE Re let ac El 208 
Weouessen, eLtalian 4u.i ee “ose LOO ns 22 
Monessen, Sy eee eA TUL eer ak ah ia stat 1602717 
Wroranoa hela grace fo. i ose in 160, 619 
ICCAD SE GICR gt aa Ie 399, 425, 725 
et We HAW ot he ET Epes fa BOER 208 
Morello, Salvatore’ ....,.... recede SELLS! Wek 
Neorentz, )Paulel.....2 208, 300, 570, 574, 749 
Peer ariea wi, WV diy VAs fiscally e, ltiek arte 134 
irorris, Cross koads,. ot). Jolin’sx....a 134, 522 
a stertow ie hiist .52./ cas ee oe Oa: 7608 
LSS C2 9a | oll Cae Se nn Ma Oks (ae 
UES Ey ae COND cel EA a aan es ee A 789 
Pheer Meee WV og ales Oy SAleea/ 8 
Moundsville, Zion ......... Rae ee, et 134, 793 
NOLO GaN Cag ey pou RRB Reena Sea ENN 274, 443 
Vib oGrh nh ls ae (yA Te) 9 Nie nae ie ee 134, 588 
Porat vem HUE Chnay ago eht.ceds hoe 438 
inion ise be CHU CI oie ace ee 70, 438 
Mount Pleasant, Armstrong Countyv........394 
Miounemieasantit) trinity: len ak 134, 696 
Douitievenions Church dkeon eed 388 
Nimuritn Varin Church. wes al Poe aas 
WitiChe Mate ee ack coh hee tn Bens FY 758 
Reromenhagtor eee if Wel ea soe ee ae 
ee, Peet oa 51, 428, 489, 757, 765 
Muehlhauser, Johannes ...... 209, 242, 251, 404 
Ritsellet aide) love sie ee ae Od Lee 53, 619 
Vor OD Raeths OM kata Pet ener WRPRINC Che mete ee rani 246 
retell rics VV ¢ whan Cnet el a 209, 338, 342 
Re ae ee BIDS S255 Fa 
MERLE Cry Oo Sa Si RR reece s Arts apres 792 
Miuenzimger Hews, etek PORN NL: SIE 209 
Piiniem ere. tha Abie eee he 140, 142 


est priate Fee int ete bo heat 209, 315 














Pages 
LY CONS can € aad EP ey wi eee cot) Tee” 277 
I SETAE oe OG me PA OG Ree coat LICE Tuer 209 
SOULE SPS 4 Ry eee ee tact at ae 149, 209, 251, 411 
Hiden eas A421, /8Y, FOO 
Munsch, Solomon’ Use... 209, 251; 351, 622 
Niinson;. Si ele his (. can ace ee es 133 
NEGT Cay” VV le nee oa Na ee eee 209 
Nycret J.i) eee: 171, 209, 246, 285, 413 
AEs ie BY, eres Se OR VR 209, 255, 258, 409 
aie SRDS 420, 422. 424, 570, 574 
el me 615, 674, 679, 689, 702 
IATL O Woalvtin SC TISt ato cieeteie ceeen 133 
PN attOria: Jc. aL eer ee 133,134, 254, 256 
OEM Fone ated 9) OF 00: Un /et hace 209, 659, 696 
Neft) I Ee eae ae af 
Mc list eee ag haa ot tet 209, 469, 552, 555 
Neudoerffer, a2 if sete PLS 496, 507, 605, 743 
Neumann, RAC ead 209, 242, 251 
Newburg, West, Nit cle acta etd PLY ease ae Whey 132 
Newcomer, H. De gan eli; ve nee O5z 
News bethiciem, wi rinityi... 160, 481 
ING@WeoTratOs el ata disc: poe 28 bh wend st ean 737 
Ne Werbrivhton wbrinity. se )s best aoe 133,422 
NewmUastie, ybetharinin..ckley.. ote 160, 606 
INewWall astleunates) Oli Steeetgte. ee ee 134, 598 
New Castle, ie hit Gta eye eet rate et OD 
New Derry, Ae Rs oS HN ME BRS as Aaa DERE 697 
Newer Hlorence sotes|Obn 6... lee 160, 692 
New Kensington. ........ L854 lo oes 02 6/0307 10 
New Romley, St. Bartholomew’s............ 735 
ING VEO tanLOmy otal Serre eee Toh 
Nicholass J ¥C.s21209"5.292* 380)1395, 450.2706 
Nicholas, iy Si Se eke ATE eae 347, 355, 390 
Nicholas, J. R.....209, 440, 447, 449. 451, 452 
Nicholas, ope 156, 161, 209, 249, 292, 313 
Nicholas, NAB ELa bee Se 209. 292 388 
Nichi lems. | Ohrid ee neo i aes Co 
NI COLL SNOT cea 2 ecle ay Wh Aes, 462, 477 
Nieder, Te tic Opies Wass, okt Seek ots ee Ree 792 
Niciiatitin, [OHAnies rs trae Sa ease er 209 
eS CH RiStt cet ley torus) gi Phys en tes 135 
INittetatier wa COTNClitigas 98 2...) a iene 543 
Naorthi@itast<.oi eters ais tiie 134, 503 
Nerthelimay: Good Opeica tea 732 
iwetanedy Wale ovprteadetee ? Pehectey Ae eee Sel ee 70, 438 
IO Val POCOtla VELOC ak aie 2a ears sia a 129 
BONOnie Skye al Ciba ar ae ole lacy ben 129 
Whiter He pA weer G35 00/ nALO. 7 DO MIATA 
Nunnemacher, Aaah yan Ue 7, oP 54. 759, 765 
Bite fae a ee 768, 769, 795 
TiC ECG y Ca eC ME el nae tee pene a ae OE Ne Me I Dee igre hod 
yaar rOVed aie IVa ana oe ee he 412 
Obenauf,. H, Perle Meaataal 3 (tt 317, 605, 615 
ats Be. 623, pao 7330/94 
COLA Ny Reet One ee, Gee ler a me 254, 443, 597, 619 
Oelschlager, W. Fic hisy eaae Wart ae 746 
Oevermann, CRIP T ye whe bp here hae ey 210, 246 
iow NULCh esha: hat .can mime eee 125-127,-725 
Our nosh VOU 2 skeet a ates 126, 726 
Ohio, ae aipcd ae Ts 51-55, 60-62, 65-67 
eZ 52. B00: ‘411, 459, 471 
LN aS 740, 741, 746, 758, 763, 795 


808 INDEX—Continued 


Pages Pages 
Ohiow Pioneers. oacuh tect 61, 62,8725 "eb ittsburzch)sGrace™ (somo). eee 133, 242 
Ohiest cthlehem <hiet. earn oe eee ee 133, 566 Pittsburgh, Grace (Sp., Garden).2.134, 2/6 
(6) a BA PRS cy ae eC CORSA eae me re et ene i | 143; Pittsburgh, Grace (Cl foy sili 159, 291 
- Old Peoples Homey Mitte... eee 148,/486.. Pittsburgh, Holy PLrinity.e. ieee 160, 324 
Old Peoples Home, Lehenoplevseer eee 145 Pittsburgh, Jewish’ Mission. .2.2) eee 299 
Wliristead 27" a eo. ath an aenne 5 vere 133, 789 Pittsburgh Memorial (EF. Ree Ae 160, 327 
Oneyer ter ty ae kes ee Orne 299, 352, 394eerPittsbureh) Memorial -@Nsioe)aeeeee 260 
@rdina lone wes ye eee 47, 94, 97, 187-221 Pittsburgh euM t vOlivet.: eae hy 160, 304 
Ormarey) Obit, 67 i.0.e eames es eee eens 750: | Pitisbureh,4 Mt. Zion* (Eb. eee 159, 280 
Orpltans sbtomen Bethesda: seer nees 145 -. Pittsburch Mt Zion .CN.2 os pee 133, 258 
Onphans’ Homes Jacksonvilless eee, 143 Pittsburgh), Messiah: (Hy Ee) eae 160, 320 
Orphans i rlomey dovsvillesc eae eee 163. Pittsburgh,” Messiah’ (9th vot. eee 155236 
Orphans, Home, “Mt. Vernon gee. ee 143 Pittsburgh, Redeemer (Carrick)..2.0al 317 
Orphans wet Lome, mb OChestcr nae is 102, 144 ~=Pittsburgh, Redeemer (Homewood).......311 
Orphans’ Home, Zelienople......100, 143, 144 Pittsburgh, St. James... len 160, 321 
Oye Pa hed WAN Sela ORE 499). 760,-765> 7537790. PitisburehiSStLjohn sf aoe ee 134, 283 
OsagevGood Hopewance anus O29 1340/27, 6 Bittsburch, tobe luke see 159, 308 
Otters Grécke Salem: tt. ye ee ee 59. * Pittsburgh. Ste Mark sige eee ones 159, 265 
Ottoist Church ess eee eee 7450399 - Pittsburghy jot eb aul Guia nneteee ee 159, 306 
Rittsburch, ot eotepicenss ate ees 159, 287 
Baltzerott) @Nathanyee eet 473,:475,-479 Pittsburgh; St. fhomas..0. eee 133 
Paradise: Hill i ee Sees 737, * Bittshureh ss Lempler epee eee 160, 321 
Bark 2a) GaCoeN Ge eres 289, 371; °396,:422 Pittsbuneh, “lrinity tee iee 247 
Parker, Christeia Ay ke ee eae 133, 784 Pittsburgh, Trinity (Woods Run)............ 282 
Parkersburg, SEs LOht Stee aoe ee 134,/92 Pittsburgh Synod, Chartersm 76, 87, 169 
Pasdtaloni, abating ey aes cac eee 509° Pittsburgh Synod, Constitutions 2208 
Passavant: We A ic oie es ee oe a ee kk ee 103,-150, 154 
54, 67, 82, 99, 124, 210, 235, 242, 244, 246 Pittsburgh Synod, Doctrine neice 
247, 252, 259, 262, 302, 348, 369, 406, AQO I “AR edae bet ene oe Use, 105, 150, 154, 171 
410, 415, 418, 419, 421, 613, 739, 780, 788 Pittsburgh Synod, Early Growth.............. 87 
Passavant a ae tee 240, 254, 273, 410 Pittsburgh Synod, Founders... 65 
Di ianwa ch. A415, 418, 419 Pittsburgh Synod, Later Growth............... 
Pastoratest: cone mei ei te ee ee LS 7ite See teen ain eh nae es 102, 151; 164 
Pastorss' Gomplete ist 4 ee 187-221. Pittsburgh Synod, Merger 2s 165 
Pastors: Weather sates eee ree 187-221 Pittsburgh Synod, Presidents 124, 128, 150 
Pastots, independent) 22-5. ee 49,51 Pittsburgh Synod;-Rupturek.ea ces 103 
Pastors, Licensed and Ordained....187-221 Pittsburgh Synod Strife...u22lu. 1b/.5122 
Pastors. Pioneer uae 2d oie ey eee 51454. Pittsburgh Synod; Testimony.2 25s 106 
Pastorst-Salariestectn.o 2 sl eee 96°, Biathner, Lote ee ee 793 
Peacch ae tO aia tee 6/26/75". /008/22— - Piéasant® Unione. tee ee 160, 380 
Peiffer’s Chutch ou. 7/4/05 Pleasant. Unity «cece 647 
Penne Chitchiwe wee to cee $3.596709 7 Pitt ie Kosi eee 684, 687 
Pershing iB iy Ui eee eee Z7A0 Sid Plumville) StJolin’s).. 6 er 342 
Bes chat Pog Wire tae eee 210, 687. ~~ Poesche, ECW. Ouo 2 a 210 
Reter Nin Ls ee Peet §192523.0029).. OuinbeLoer ws) mV ae eee ee 210) “31 3ieoae 
Beterewelitatine eee BAN TAOO TOS > | Me a? IAB eae eh ae eae ee aeee 705; 712715 
PECL CH Wi wiles eeheee ele 210;°202" 28572298" Pohl, Al OW, oe ei ee 430 
at PEM tee Te A10..417:-/51° » Poorman, “Athos 02.0 2 ee 
Pflnewet< Ave Pimigy eee ul 6S ee ee 083; -\. Rope sbBenjaminweeeese 730, 7323.7 Ao 
PE GHUR Gee ereae e 210s A03e/40 oP oraths Paulie eee eee 210, 251, 287, 605 
PAHipspureae se oan we Ne Ataee 92, 400, 419 Porr, “W2 S,2232010) ae ee 469 
Pickwick== St. LUKke Sousa. A475. Port ‘Allechenytn joe eee eee eee 
Pigeon Creckmepetiel pa. ene TAsaN S27. O72 pO OUTS aa mL) ae ahem eres 210, 650, 659, 679 
Pile GaN sae 344, 540, 543, 548, BOO Tht ee Fae ee ee ee: 689, 692, 698, 746 
Pine =CreckiaSts John’ susie eee 230) Pottshe Ei aS ee ee 210 
iPioneers.e)bhen German... eee £3, Preuss 2 Gil Ui 2 ear i ere te ee 210/°352 
Pisantitia stom settee ove OG ee eee 7232>PLiCe Wilke AR ae el ee 210, 347, 355,9500 
Pitcairnaist eal eee eee Pel eed er Nee De wena adhe ayy ati 383, 390, 397, 469 
Pittspurnghs Bethany eee ee eee 278, Princeton, Jerusalem (2 583 
Pittsbureh- | Bethel eee 159529208 Prochi*® Otto... oe ROME SMe ered AAC 283 
Pittshuroh.s Christ tauseeae eee es 1336252 Wy Prospect a5 nor net a eee ee 70, 433 
Pittsburgh) Epiphany pane eee 134.4320. ~ Buhl? (Mi; O..5, oe ee 211 
Pittsburgh | shirst pinelisha sce 69772325 Pulaskipe ote. Daniel 6) 905 ee 74, 579 


Pittsburch., Hirst (Germans wa) ae 2255) Punkstita wicy we ee ee 159, 576 





INDEX—Continued 809 

Pages Pa ages 

Pema ee 100) fog d ete oe eee PUM eae at, Paul's. eee Pr 74, 647 
Rade war airspeed oe Pose7a8 

LOS Rabat OE Be SUN eae ae Jiseoraavon tel.) pRiffersc Peter occ cc. 232, 260, 412, 432 
ire Lee. 436, 583, 585, 587,’ 590 

EEE SLITON. coon Rhian Bee ie Sve wena, Bae ND he 591, 598, 601, 605, 795 
tee ee dan tt ee ee (tee Opie inlard,.. Li: .Apiseesee s) : 212, 266, 339, 363 
Ramsey, “Alfred: - oi... 211, 529, 615, 623 Ringgold, Step ames 245 oe eee emer 564 
Une 4 eee Zp, 508, ep, ARSE, Sigg OP BS One ese tite Mere Une 539, 560 
Rankin, dees ee LWAMAVA RE 258, OLomacomecritter: Ge os. wesley te 468, 469, 480 
Rasmussen, Git OMe Ces TT STEERS In ea OSG RCICECT ULE Wr, peste ee tat lo aoe. 1395 212 
Rathbun, Flite ese one he OZ Ol; G43,U450 20» RitterssG: Oi212")314. 344,558. 674,721 
‘a a ai te 439, 443, 758, 768 Ritter, J. H.......465, 519, 567, 575, 760, 795 

Reyne lownship, Bethel sche) nid. nadance! Se a RINAZ Cat A) Sek C tears Aen a aod £2 ola ee: 244, 322 
ene re wee be 40 OOS OLO LOO 00 PeRODD;., Iu. K veto keira eee ce. 2124 BOG a4 
Pepeuach, 140K... Saou ats | OMA OOS et? RODNStO WH 15.4046 ene cs ae 682 
eee eat) W CL ete Re 5a an Se nuncee elem ViJ0 ate MOINGDELALISG, Ol Peas eee ak 239, 442 
fee etinier ey mia eebice VV. leit ety ee PN OSC es Crmel GT ACe tlm. meats Col om. snc te 133, 406 
Rechsteiner, Joseph. .............. Zl 2s, 251s 022 Rochester, Stee alicSe. sar te eee 133, 402 
PCCKMOLCIIT Vxxcttaocnce ta ouk 144, ZL, 231, 244 Rockville, eee, NWA omens Aes 38, 393 
ae eee 246, 249, LOOMAC er SICOCUETE Kt ebian oe oe ete AS A SG 

[Ald UBOWi ' Sa Oe ee Sree ee 463, eee: SEA RGG Eg aed al. ONY ie Web nic OC EEG gle et OL ae 450 
Pee LIEN Vid aes. next 24 ntl eee F. LS Orme Li RP TCG LEAN Acomee bk Mande i abe rite Gb). By 790 
TIC Mee te ee ty ot Pe es 3 DAt lake Romich |e) Wine). cet eer 212, 309, 445 
igh DY a] DRM ES NO EE ee ne 211, 469 ~ Roof, J. years ie adie. Ore f52; 735, 736, 738 
CE eM atten cht iee ist Se ee ae ZR O0ORO55. I Rosen! Owdishipeiot® [Onn S60 <a ae ae 567 
caste. dO Be shee Oa pb eae ai leeZ05e/UZe Kosenbauma Ry Geos, Paes D221 2 Ler ocO 
Pe Se ables wre 6, 00a eek a ean. Ne LOM Sl rae ee Rr Oem tens 20 io 338, 379, 301, 415 
aes COR (0. RE as snes coee Lek nen eee Covet ea BMRA. Woe hee oe 420, 521, 663, 579 
eee EY ere 4508 444. AeA 75397 560) Oy os ocean. 689, 696, 748, 786 
Rehmeyer, iy yh ie RS tio ee 211, 468, 469, cabs GORI eo} 4 4. Ons (DARN Me: Dah et PURE or. aM nes ele 434 
Pen DOLime NUrCh tk ht ee ae Bere Aol RON By Moats Wale th 212, 244, 415, 434, 443 
errigg VWek Nl. DOO UN Um MmIOO Gre MR OLIIGg Ele Wachee Puede Bal Bakr! Ape eye a) 434 
CVE, WES CaN 4 le Sea Reena tae a Pileee othe, Llenit vas W ae ec, 124, 140, 142, 212, 230 
Re omChurch. oct. eal Ten (OSE aye teat Me MER oy cet 244. 409, 434, 449. 583 
Peete get ee 52.859 .0041302, Sods OoO> .. Roth, -ulohann | -jcccecsht tesla 425 
343, 347, 353. 309; B57) 360, 361, 362, See Oth Ont eee a 252, 269, 434, 559 
460, 462, 465, 468, 469, 534, 537, 539, 540 Fes eastern s  krees 615, 674, 689 
Petree es atl eee ait dion Te Bd coh AS Tor Gee dak Seu te abner es Gt we Re A te bel Oe cen 434 
Aer 1 EARS Bo A I, Sle a ae rent ee TA SMamrOt LAS HNO hi Rime Bea ie tel hl eee 434 
Sond va, ATC oy ene em TA ihe) AMES ANN DSO Rf om ey 0g Bea be oped BUR ee Ae Atle 434, 765 
Reinewald. Ulat Le siadeehS ie ce. Rae ile Dies Ot i ahel ai ee ek oa, 140, 142; 212, 434 
iNermbardsy: \JONt, G4..c6, O290/ 2521/30; Tee TG: et AERA TEED see eae less 443, 760, 768, 769 
Reinhardt, 1S he (AOR epee Me Pet eee gee te AO eee othacker, ewaltieaue. tt 2 eso 732, 736 
Reiter, (EE UAE SLI yl PA A OEE Sivay pC IRCOLRA Kel Hn oe, O) a aeee yy Rie ee) MOM ee PO rete 0 789 
PSDP TE 96 bee XC So. OE ee eR Be lee OC MnCOUi Gd | Op Churches 265. t ee os meee tare 545 
Bei rl yp IN an mee tres, dhs ieided thins SORA AGRIC TLGISILL 4. 0 Loe ieee teint ie a he a 301 
RUCUEDO EL Vohe1 Gt dl bg, Ne Vente hd ame ee ae Zul OVS we Rid y, CR pea Y Saee, Ce 212 VALS 570% 374 
Tafciaten ae OU RLON tee, See ae Wee eer maa ree GeO ee bed hk Crs Gh A ie eS 252. 321, 503, 698 
Te OAs o ey CCN AT Ce wn a. dieses Oe kk 471, 784 Ruffsdale, ZOU Ree CWS OS ea a 718 
Eel Syel aba chek Gs 4 Kinet VV ena WAR pees ra ee ite a ueat John Dat 12, 240, 363, 672, 684, 687 
INGE ATITY MLLENLY pees oasis, SecA. EAM ECE TSU CCnh AW mg he PRON RS re 8 SRiWMegeee ere nr 473 
frevnolasville ty Urinity eden. Oe OMEN LOL os Er ca eee eee es ek A abe ee 473 
ete Se tgd ee te PN RePEc aie "Anes oe GAL OTM CAC Chay Nas beatae SRA Ss eee ol rene 473 
12d ete RIGS hts ieee eee) Sema ad Mere co ASSmeakiupert) Peter ..cua bcos, 48, 51, 57, 462, 484 
EON Wd ER TL i SR ree Se SO OO MEYER Bee ar BE Bec! ce, 489, 758, 765 
|v ta al 1 ae RP oe Vere ee ee a ne Oe LO mASOmmeNC DUO: EL Arana 2125 3603-500,2076 
Tech, cial na sell Gee) ee 21 PAGO ASU B49 mao OMe IDLE yee Tyke oe 8 ond uel bh cee eat 320 
Prehincdstel tank» Gy cep. as ele 211, 240, ASOMUaLMp Dien) 28 Con chuseas 213, 274, 665, 666, 708 
Richards, J: [LL AL a Ale a ace eS Te Wack». Oe ll IR iain 730, 735, 748, 749, 750 
(MaUel genet Ye vs Re? otal Cy GOR Wise en ae ee ec SL aE UL DAE] eV aos eters ate ee 213, 269, 287 
[Ec yeleS rig ag 2) WG Se aoa eee LAG 22a Ali wel pps CO OU LC eet ee ee ee 74, 332 
(ao Sd OO Cee ene kone Led em Zee UOmeeRUcdlaN dlleyve Hirstewen soo eee 160, 396 
gh SeUe 1G HP an eee Oa ie nT DOT aL SSCL ME ae) eet ak) aces baeee acer Z13e51S 
Pees GMiech Yael ink a eae a Tg ome ae utiratiinn. brederick 7 iohaaiam vest 354, 376 


810 INDEX-—Continued 


Pages Pages 
Reathitat tee Vivid aan ee eaten eee 2136726- “SOChmiuckery ys san sees ek eee er ee 105295 
Witzsalm lyadislalise eneeta aes BOR a) wate 213.9750. ochneg< Jacob {i oausaseme Sitzeay 232: 428 
Ruzsa, Pre PEM Terma eam 5 750-— Schneider}4 4? Mi eee ea 265 
Reene Deal wees pee oak Ui Ags AGM itis ed Juke oti 0G 171, 214, 436, 506 
Schoddey \G. 0 Hie... ie i adeka, tke a 741 
Sates. Wee Ase ca eal a cake ice eee eee $22! Schoeniperlens Gro Wasco ae 491, 496 
HOR ELtO WI! aig) tase tenth LL Cee OS? SCHON Mal nk dte ele ok 683 ° 
AV AMOrel | LFiNi tyaihnstas chien eee BO7” >: Sehottsy Church iy nee 75, 376 
erVch arb eah haul One beMne  LMpeiae eens 53096555. Schriver,! mie | eer Ve ee 462, 477, 716 
Sahm? >) Péteri.c.536) 539, 040) 09810558552" Schubert, .) ohne ae ee 214, 273 
Salem, PSCC eee ender 8 357, 374, ASS AS La Schultz, NAGinsta vy eae eee ene 52, 594, 740 
Salem, Holy Trimity co ccccccocncnumnm 13551752) “ch ulzens J 4 Cee lesa eae ee 743 
Saltsbure) ob Loni SG... Ae eee 134, 558 Schulze, W. E.....52, 489, 539, 758, 765, 768 
Salvale Charles shaman ue heme ee 213°) Schumann) GOV B aE ee 75% 
SCAT TLel, VW Reka ceca emma 213,4085, 607: -“rochwarm?! Samuel) ha. jaghaceee 2145 
Gain ples eT ee RG Ne a a Oe Lc a CLL AW ELT cee) | Neb OY Wee 214, 354) 35793760 
Sander). s Olt nee e ee Nee 783, 786, 788 . Schweigert, Michael ............... 96, 98,.214, 231 
sanders, 2Gonit sear i tunenen 213 ¢OB0I54392/ 00" Pawel ees rie 242) 338, 349, 355, 357, 360, 379 
SancdallillsVV ue V aiaet ote aero eee 3399702 = 2 ies Meee lobe 382, 351, 465, 478, 499, 619, 622 
DADPetire dA last Vienece eee ae A2S-A34.9789 = Scliweikertis Che ae 415, 559, 583, 587 
SancdiseoC nristitoncte easel a eed eer em! G7 OP SRCPS TEINS Soy 5 tek ey ite 591, 598, 672, 706 
Saryer, o Obathanwurry wax Z1G23 eo 5208 Schweizerbarth, a Gree (a eee 52, 60, 66, 394 
ne 1s TAMIR eR teats CEG id Mon Ife), 386, 391, 422 Pe ADS CAD6 CA2S. 430, 431, 433, 435 
Sai 432, 436, 637, 659, 661, 677, 696, 697 yA sO. 440, 443, 447, 583, 585, 590 
Meus 699," 719...732.'736;-738;'760, 768,709 Scott 4) ohin Bai) sao ee 
Sarverm Stra Patils: as meek ane eee 447 “Scottdale St) Paul se eae 13362707, 
SASSAITIAIIY «17, be outa Re Maier nl Demers 297 Swcrivas W. H. 48, 51, 57, 484, 489, 758, 765 
Sdwvel, PPPOE Meru Bor) eat yee 140, 142 Seaman, CO Sie oe eee. 646, 684, 699, 786 
Saxonburg, STU Kes ere ake 70, 430 Seaman, G. S.....132, 214, 258 646, 710, 714 
pearpittiee Oflunato ieee 162;-213, 50910723. <2 Seatloninotw. atl sich cee eee 69, 74, 675 
scenery tial Seite Calvaryenccs strate ee 622 * Wpeewer ni Wie la en cee ee 214, 491, 496 
penaber sroGhurchass erate seni ar eee ee 731-5. Sel 5 PRG Ave een ae algae 357, 396, 462, 477 
Schade. Miss WA cnes Py cc) ee ae nee oe ae AOU SA AG MAAS 4. GRD ey Sle OM ati re necatente: 478, 682. 690, 712 
Schiacivers GAsWeHeM we is 360,2566,'5765./632 Seber iris nN pent ene an 258, 659, 708 
SChaetlere sat raha eee 213)<364,; 380) 388 ° “Séirert: Henry. ee ee 781 
Schaeiver Wil helin sa. cee 2 eae ee A480.» Sell, Amos *s 2k. a Se OA 
SchaectersH church ies ae ate eee, 74; 336" pelle". 7A, Dee Bie 54, 666 
OMA OL 1 OLD een ew ceed acetone JO2I3730. © POI ers VVIIGO the a eens 357, 374, 476, 478 
fe Pes (aNtid el OZER a Mente wnt sl RR ALE SS VIR 559 ete SN (eg teeh di NCES te Re 568,571, 573 
PCHAPFETES) GINGTs (aden ee oe A5= (525 666536) “*Sembert) Jo. Wide oe ee 49] 
AML 537 $1539, 540, 543 Settlements,. Karly German: ¢st.. eee 
Scheel yaCe ene go A i eae Reg 406°" Settlemyers.GoyM sie. eee 539, 540 
Scheer, Wa Onn did wae s ls lee Ae ee. 2134412 Severmehaus*) Ii Das nccee eee 703, 710 am 
SRO ere oe arid Sin ae Meee Cokte is AA0): A47 A490. Sewickley, ot) Paul'ssJk... cee 134 
Schetfermyd we ween eee 213)'473.6741°'670- . Shaffer GC, Weltecdccmcccma 214 
Scheffer, -Nathanael ..... 269, 428 A351 .°434 « Shafter.) Des ae ae ae 214, 320 
Dee 448 473, 587,600. Shaffer, J. W............214, 539, 544e56m 
Rf 675,:699, 765, 789 Shaler Township, St. Luke’s/ 2... Rea 4Gee 
michel dy, Gar Vinee tok 5 cr een eae 213 Shaner, B. het:214.5282) 29984620547 pee 
Sehiedtt (NTredericl: Geen”! sc eens eee 213° —ohannondale, \Zionaarc eee 133, 460 
Schierenbeok,e|yitie Cas yg 1 PN 590,594 . Shanor, HH, Kix.251,.339;7 362) 396840e ee 
SPST: Pe Weer @ aki ee lee FASE eGR A a he 431, 432, 448, 585, 712 
SChillino eee tetas eat ee TAQ BE ZO S922 ae te Pa ae OU ee a 713,720,732, 730,e0s 
Schillingwerwb op bee ee ee eee 7A6., S Han OTe Wak beaten eee 132, 214, 232, 26008 
Schiveley share tsi eee ee, ATO. ORs Nat TINS MeN RS aise Sie eh as a 262, 276, 434 
Schlicks = Bimil aegis ice han iy) ae eee 213°. Sharon, Holy. rTrinity {4 4.4 605 
schluttie Richards ss ee here ee ae 7l/; SharpsburesDirstal ee. ee 159, 274 
Schmalenbach# nsepiny eee 409 2790) tohaudss obs Laven eaae 254, 404, 417, 783 
SChniidti wr recerick Ws. ce ea eee Dds Ola US ony ae ere eee ee aie 539, 541, 5527550 
SVCHIMICL ERG EL Dea ieee ciuescin se ie ea 7A3 4/09: 98 Si ate piiipany em eaten te a 561, 694, 719 
SCH initd tv eS Ed; facta akc ee ee 781) “shear ei) 8 NV gece 21% 362, 624, 716 
Schmidt Kathe. hy. ee ae pees 743 Sheeder, B, /ReUM eae e eee 476, 481 
Schmidt, 4 Rembhold 4j eine ee eer JO) Seoheeder oP hilt Mira eens 568, 570, 571, 522 


schmucker 7s oo oe seen oe eae: 344, 558 Shenango Mission a2 cack coe 598 





INDEX—Continued 


Pages 

Sticreit ale Ep) {dean eee 215, 289, 679, 689 
avitsigh.. im <itAd ep Ae eee ROR eo; 215, 386 
SET APR OTIS PING he dalb Maks tual Ais ac. 215 
)y iin ibis 7 le IS CFO Ne PR ebe RN ece ee sae 215 
lin pervilley IM to \ZIOt se ctescandnowsenes 70, 465 
Se) OT 8 SE ae One See Pie ene 215, 266 
Se OS ean. ese ae cal neo 541, 694 
BAAN OUT. piss mulated. cine 666, 675, 699, 732 
SE A vets e TORT SORO9 

snuster, Géeoreve: 160 ol. DSi 23. Jae te 
SCE ayes LARC Se SNe See eae eae er ALS 207, 


Sick, W. 
Siebenburger Saxons 


South Sharon 
Spangler, A. H 


TE ga hen PLY EA i ik hl Bo 541, 


PAPA MR cathe Tae hs... 131, 594, 601, 604, 607 
ETL Os SELES AOS Re aE ELE B27 528 
SE ROLES SRE eee UAE 240 
Si gS eee Oe et 706 
OE SEE ae ee er eer 215 
SIU, (uo (OO) Ree ee 6 eee ee i 469 
Simoleit, H. COM tent dar. seen et 402, 403 
“hii ble 6.02 Gi Oe A 666 
seo ale, a ake Cater Ke ie See oe eae ee 51257; 7580 
Singer, FCO Daa ehh A. 215, 439, 440, 444 

aye 447, 568. 570, BAL 1573 
Bes uke COUN OL), 2700 e732) J 30 
Uptec 1aP At CR ae editeme. et Me sr RIA AO Se Oa Z15 
SE LE TS ae Rs MRT, Reet 438 
Bee my Gg L1TN tte feat Meare de Maca eticasanen 26 
“bsg 5S Die a Oe pa ieee. ee ees 543 
fee atte ah) VV iiss hon cS tas 2 a 5889555" 55/ 
TOM ta. GIOIh neue, ined Soest pearl mtene e 476 
pereiaeeetes. Way. Grek feted snd cco 215539, 55 
SGN WET be EN 2 SS ED ee T2Z9R 1S i162" 
PHICSDUL CAS DALCIN$ tha autioede anes 549 
SELLE a7 TEN | ES! ele enn POR ee OR Bares St 589 
SOLU VV Seka host. site ee ee 63/6 
NEG (ORS YES SiMe ea ae ARNE 682, 690 
Smith, ESTiCie venue saa 636, 650, 655, 659 
KARR 661, 674, 679, 696 
Pinienel raliie WOWitla) ance ee 2b e327 
giles 2 MDGS ay ae on ea eee 659, 690, 698 
OVA ET, 20 peal Siete) ae een Ge eee 254, 284, 495, 659 
MPLS Ee ots ae 669, 692, 698, 699 
SUAAD EAA UMN bc ead OT CU cor om aR er ln SI toe sR 439 
Smith, Reuben 215, 344, 544, 552, 555, 557 
Smith, COLL ts, NE ne oes ee ae 306, 607 
Smith, R. M........215, 406, 410, 415, 418, 619 
SS GVEA) gd Eh eee re 215, 308, 320, 473 
DS Dn 9.2 Oe Pe em ae ATS 2157 aro 
Sigrid tbe Ou ATL he, |) Sec ne en RE ON 21D ALG 
ET OR (Ena eS ae ee ae hoe Ce Le 54, 235 
itt and sons | OT Sine ee ite 477 
Smithton, Hope Memorial.................... 134, 664 
Poivder Ril tarGn.. cancel 413, 679, 689, 732 
Ee 8 736, 739, 743, 795 
Satta Lea A Bt, Le eae ameeee Bow We 6 2) 712 
REVEL ab ey iro S atten vat abana eres 235 
OAL a EC fig Ol Ri a LE ec ee RR 539 
Perle it et Seth ain Giip en mee ce le 
SEV GIE ony Ec can atin 539, 541, 543; 560,) 693 
South Bend, Sti acoso... eee ormaen eee 344 


811 
Pages 
Sparks, LIB Wie ge cee IHU; FDL AE ekoo 
ty ete WV Cres deeete ees 230) S20 Car oro 
pinekere Cro ce em ees ee 216 
Spiggle, CNS ele ae ate 216, 679, 689, 743, 789 
ppiepie ns <.. . Wipe sme 352, 669, 696, 710 
prio Lioeh My A-SI, ea) oe eae eee 266 
iranikie'’s* Malleee yao) 4 eee 7575 
poring Gandenwesta, ace kl L735 5276 
pprino Eee ee tit oat ee are 304 
mprimodalet SizaMiark ssl) eae ae 134, 251 
poringss C hurchpsy see tk ae oe 363 
DUuinre Sra ilisensttie Ol 'S, nce. o 160, 477 
Sit ADIeV, tate Loken ener s ho Rh doe 549, 550 
SLC Ga Ct ae lo ii pol ot gee ee 559 
taut aneea sent 216, 428, 431, 434 
eS ae cht 460, 734, 737 
EAT See ata deere nt osc 355, 379, 390, 439 
S's, SERA TELOR DS 27 440, 447, 449 
Sacha © LSE aberd gf be a ee ae eee oR 74, 468 
Stach. Johannes” 2.218, 35,40 “5b 56e6! 
Peas Yh Zone pode wo L7 LO Set. 615, 619 
ete. 663, 664, 666, 725, 726, 727, PaO wiO4 
GtechensvChunch, Sukhi) ciate 74, 625 
Sh ley Om Ra CE ING seaiue 238; | 550 a7, 560 
Steck, TOLLS VL Cs oA, 20 eee 49, 51, iat 
te DO, ZL LOL oo BOO OoCMOaO 344 
satay 358, 366, 367, 428, 459, 460, 465, 484 
te de 520% 521,4633,.04 1 650.695) 0506001 
ats 663, 666, 669, 672, 674, 677, 679, 682 
Steck, Michael (el Aa ena PA 66, 67, 68, 78 
ar 216, 342, 368, 533, 538, 636, 645, 650 
mS 653, 655, 666, 670, 672, 674, 677, 679 
Steck, Thomas pO hy 21630507 057 a4 
NIA De eae 476, 477, 478 
SUeiip es AL Arye ete ee eae ee eR 216-8274 
CIN ACH AG eI nckh ne eae e 402, 403, 740 
Dreiber eu Acs By ekaee gaye ee Dee ee 54 
SyPOIIUL at ie, eA me Vers oe Be cee tees 687 
DL GIIA@ Ener k ar NU Meera ne ae ees 2162412 
SUSI ah hate sree, LR SA Ce We eal: ye Gel tale Oly sfze 
Lelia tlie VV il icttiine ae ome spokes erin Bet, All 
StearnMelc Ol tiie biniiie -etaeRt nen geet nae. 216 
ete tet dl cok 1 con eines 420, 503, 749, 789 
Sooorslagetn As Dey in. wea 208. 73540576 ose 
‘Sokoladbeag Fare Muh Pdr eicd chy 6 been wep gtr 53, 489, 491 
Stolze. R Rae eae oe On ar ae Ate e7 Oe 
Stolz, ROWE 22) eters wo. eee 568, 573, 575 
proiie.. © Wlrch,/;5tee) Ont Smee 74, 426 
Stouffer, Samuel. ....... 230) 53577-4408 447 £462 
ee meee ATOTAT/ 519652105719 003000 
pe teatrerage i ie twee ie 460, 600, 659, 666, 708 
LAC 6a peep eam i Ameren oe Chap Ree? tees oan BO Ay. 216 
Over TAM eee ae 347) ehdoe oo enone 
eee ee os bese. SSO Ge ee) 
Siratis Se Ace Vite ae ke eel Fin 469, 672, 706 
“Sig DEN Een ie See” tele ire ERI Sa MAN ON A 773 
PEATICL NGG Fel ek. eee 217, 344, 439, 440 
Tig Wa 447, 449, 543, 548, 550, 560, 637, 715 
rer Caine toe: ly cham once wok een ok ee 217 
PS EEGCIC Lea ib cate os tee 360, 447, 566, 576 
Stremel, PO Vato cols Bharti) me Vege eal 217 MbU7 
Berobel seme be al See 217528545005 781 
Peel. PV V Laity us ce, Ree ee ee 585, 590, 594 
PORE IVS Noe hobs SAS ol RR Pe es A 





812 INDEX—Continued 








Pages Pages 
SErOda CH ty ey IZ). css lsat racine te am 619 Topesehonrer et Weel eee 217, 746 
DLPONSStOWEL Oleh alll Gace anes 160% 543; sal ownsends? D2 sate 2 ee 217, 357; 374,440 ’ 
DCEUItHELS, cn tom) AI CSuk a eee Ce ee 134 SU ia A OP hace tareteee 447, 449, 476, 478 fh 
Stuckenberg, FL ote Np Rrae tna 5 halt 3804706) aT rabert, (RAG ee a eee, 254; 27 teehee : 
Stuckenberss oak (Ws ee ee ee LrabertaG. Hie ck eae ee 772 . 
Pr Pains AC eee ie 217, 238, 491, 495. Tradé’ City, Mt. Zion iocemcctntotnn onan 
Stieber, Fred‘ she... 8 CAO) ee ee to “Draitord at. atk S 2 ae 134, 722 
Stiehsénis C1 Ge a 54,-4605'471, 2489) 491 “Trauver, sSteuPaul se ee 647 
Stuchm +H Ab oe 744. ‘Traveling ‘Preachers: .......2 48, 57,533, 761 
Stilemptled Hvala eae le eee 481" ° sbressler, ct] Mae aene. 218, 336, 355, 366,378 
Sttimmpye A seal Vee A ee. nl ca el a Se EMA fa 7 | wah in one 379, 382, 393, 396, 397 
Stumpf, Re N Laces 285, .380,1549° 550.4706: | ‘Trostles, Georce a. a 555 
DtupP et ots eee 583,687, 5915)598-4773,°793 — Trostlet cl.” W scene cee 
StyersG Aa W Se aie eek cette en: bO5075.. Lrouts a Beak ae Lee 218 
StP Cla ray ira ale iin es) oO oR ete 792. “Lroy @Hill yi 2 ee ae 291 
SEA UM ary Se Rk ee ha ot ahs en ee 1339 Oirtim peterson We ae ee 218, 559, 662 
Stee P eter sSbUre panacea eee 134470"! RU ER Oene! Teale ie aes cee w0/2, 697, 789 
Succops Paulie ect een eae 710 > Euerk, \FL So Wis22G.. ee eee 218 
Sea era tyke iads Bahco TA BAD M04 © Tule ico WAM Woe ee ele 218, 249, 717 
Sumatra] cn) eae aa ae ee 540.0543 surtles Creek 95 a eee 159, 295, 296 
Saons! Ae OW tee ce alae ee 503, 748 : 
Sumstin Cau Mane eae ae eee 2176320 P3248) {Uber eS) ieee nyc hae eee 218, 306, 751 
Sunday owe tees 217, 3573/4, 478-481, Wiber Bol Bi eee eae 213, a a 
Sundberg ie Gt eA es eee ee ee, L42fe2i7 IVa eee are 357, 462, 476, 477 
OU tEE i) Met art elee eck ie 5214.059 2063 oc Be tek VW gi eee eee 478, 521, 663 
Sutervillem@ St Aeaulisus esi een see 133). Ulery) Co D3 2 eee 218, 244 
Swale Van LO CN MLS aise Ansan piece eae eee 730,735. Ulety, W..F o22:1240132,-218,°263 507 ae 
Swanksin fe Duke ae, ore eit ep PAW fhck yom les = eo! ee ER, oY Rate 674, 677, 679, 684, 687, 779 
Swed etic Vall Gyan tenet ok ek te hos Se eae £898 © GU CHG. W255 ee ee 615, 623 
Swickard, WR ES 2 ket ae Union Churches....41, 75, 354, 513, 633, 643 
Piel Sele 217,..659,'662;-697,°719,°779 Wniontown, St. Paul’sxsse cee Go eee 
Swing] & oF) Eimear eee ee A428, “434, 585 United Butheran ‘Church 4 168 
Swissvalom Olen LOnticsstscuee A een 160) 3147 “Upper “Ten Mile. 2 = A 624 
SWOPCSa ZION afer aaeri ae en eh eae 74, 659 
SWO Viel Gr ene ars eueke 217; 200,027 498508 Walentine, « Milton... eee 246, 684, 687 
Syl eA os COE ae ac ae ee 447° *Nandereritt, Hirst “52, 2:42 er 711 
SyllawBobertiet ots sch ohana eee Ali, sVandergritty teat aulc... ee 159.703 
Vandersritt) Drinity. = 2.2). aan 1334 
TAD DET bc Hil tA oars eae i? Veith. FLermans ion ee 777, 790 
Mappert, AWiliGiedas sycuce ee eee ZN/et7 7, Vienansone Hirst) ....t ether 159, 760 
Parentim,)hataces ese ee ee 1346267). Venango Zion ei ee eee 133,4757 
(Parentiit ists se aul’s tence kangen eee 202° Venus St Wuke'ss ee 75 
Tarentutneact (fit vet na eee 159298 i Neronaiiy vinitvs eee ee 134, 284 
Tarnedtetcis (las ee! ohn ee Pio eole Wicary, *Lrinity fem eee eee 417, 418 
TT Mabey | zat a tl nek SO nae 217; A390 A4b4539. Viewers (Rive eee ee 496 
Apeate, Memes ial atone. 552, 557, 682, 690  Voegele, Henry ..................430, 590, 604, 744 
‘Tabierse Carl) cp sUer ee. i) eter aie eae ay 4/7 - Noegtléy a Henrys gs. ees 436, 465, 541, 567 
Teichart, Awan’ Bieter ater ea A36: | 3) CAI Se ie eee. 669, 694, 695 
Ten Mile, Bethlehett.cccncnecenen JARSOL0, 2 Moirt eh AnGre ae cena arene 140, 218, 765 
Teufel, Gime by  s 217, 03132289, 415 ~ Voss. ey Hee gs Ee 788 
PEXASM OVO eee ike ee eee 91 WonsZechy itor a. chcs cron eee 410 
Thankeop) Nae ste ee tl een ee ae 53 ; ; 
Pinel Collec epee. 2 a ee 92135; e1A2. Wachter’ Cal) M sa cee ees 347, 390, 394 
Threl stl all Paeatiee 7 sie Beis) emer nee ey 92°. Wagenhals Johannes) 4252.4 ee 732,438 
Thomas. Church Opec. .0 ae 74,0354 | Wagenhals.? Samuel! hela) ee 218 
AW Te ttos kic wae et eh eee eee ee Rone. 133.4781" Wagers.) Ge a ee 447 
‘Tremann’s Gel hy pea eae 217 (2232 )"242,5257 . -Waldkotnie, SAW’ Calas 32h 
HAY Jie ann eae 362,1525;/790. Wallace) “les Mic 2285 32 pee? ee 
Til pay Calor Miees wectemcd ea. Were. S52 2394 6 422: S ooceh ein Pca Wl 9 ed 08 ota eae an 696, 794, 796 
Mesh eimitiega Seewusacedatte take eee 300° “Walls Roser pty Matthew seine 134, 403 te 
Titzeli Go ly eee ee 217) 443, "4715.687" » Walnut Créek- rake oe ee 483, 490 - 
ETE ZL PET 8 aR ke Bhd ee ae 217. Waltemiéyer:) W. Coes. 45] ¥ 
HhomlinsonweB Ve. 5 aeeeen 939,254 15693." Walter uh 4 Wore ete ee eee 351, 394 > 
iLomlinsom ), |ohnitis ade 217,;°552,¥057.0/ >> eWralter’s. Church ee 478 ‘ 


INDEX—Continued 813 
Pages Pages 
gel oo ASS) SONS” TRE a ae eee ee Pe uieeee Crete Ar Sit) 9. Nel ne aS A Tay een ee ene eee diz 
WYP HeOUOLe... cree, 8 ne ee Pee CA We ee 145, 219, 436 
PN rtiteetachery . )oatl ek ol ea ee Oommen OitmOre, 1) Brie eee ee eo 219 
eer elie, CSCO ia) ote eh me ea ted Pires nitteker: Fl) Deu te a oe} pee! “ees 
nerd ETN ee ne ee eee oh Vii. 2 | SOS Sees 219, 404, 417, 471, 699, 784 
Pee LE MOTION aio ete Wen hea Loa ae iiteker,: eae a eee 220, 409 
Wirstrroton, irst lel. Vow ca SOR OLGMENNAGKDOTO. «Crintty, cea... eee 159, 351 
Washington County Churches.....174-186, 609 Wieand, Ey ee ee ee 481 
ORGS IT Cae is AP ai) | a ee aged Ch AME at LCOS 5s. AR ee neg fae oo 133, 782 
See MeO elo 2A eAgn 4 43 ASA iless IC. Picked ele ek oceania 282 
ae 434, 443, 523, 527, 585, 687. Wilhelm, Frederick. occcccsenn4 30, 447 
Beresst oy AL wees. DOW IO Rasa eos ee NV ULkinsbure re et tee cel 133, 134, 302 
Waters, Nae Oe aoe, 7c local OR 2A UN le BS US. otto. 2200306; S145 OS 807 
xn te 246, 293, 204, 262,277, 420, 443; 468: eae eh O99. 722° oe Cian ae 
a Le 473, 475, 479, O34 Ol oe rOUmseLORN7 00)  OViLLW Te Hate Be oe 2203035 520m 29 
Waters, RUOSHe ante els AN? AGN GE vaaky Claas te eal e ee eee ee 74 
By Weacisens Woah A= Die 440s st AdO e469 | BWilltams, Jo. Rie hace 395, 444, 543 
OB ei ae (Cae RE SER ee Lae POMPOUS Mea Linin se Rosi. i) ewan, kc. vo 523, 5529. 607 
Rey cl enV Ae oo oe a Te QmAlider tl 7 meeuVVilinerding @bristte 2252.21 160, 305 
RV Deta eo eae SUG M7 ay oF OSU wr NV ISOn ne Ame Go tee oe ole natant aa 666, 677 
Nai aed Boa ai aR ALete ad ha a a O21 rN VILLSOUe NN ERO) aoc Ra 519,-52355205 615 
Roe eo liamae 2 ete A yor a: DUO mema VV ificliatiiet Fork eee ee cee 723, 748 
Re ner Ohl el oP a eh 2697 eWinnelde | wpemote Nlatthew:s:ce eee 429 
eee yt aN 52 ao te GOO M090) BV TINCT ee Vink Leen eae 220, 262, 320, 748 
Weicksel, Henry ........ CLR Oo mOsm 2 (Ie. NV inter, ~Ee He athe 400, 404, 406, 590 
Paetcksel vl y.. Max Cle ey Se ZOR/S eee VVAntOtl ee lio ns ee 156, 220, 289, 297, 449 
BV ereKsel me Winky osc, ZIG ooeoOUs OSano07 aWisehaupt, “Leonard; “a= 2.22 5520559 
omer Ama aed ee 7707 8a \Vismmer, le) Kick cpeun. 929) 03/009, O77, 
567, 734, 737, Tele Thea FAS e as Nia ae ee SS eran Ae Ok a Read 692, 722, 786 
Nireidley nh) Ohi iets a ko ee ZOm 7s) Allen avVisswacssery Con lyrma eects 347, 355, 390 
Wreidiey © Paul WA 5....2 hc aS Peel are water alia lesen, eke ay eae 354, 376 
\VGTESSI SS AO) a Ubi ol a ve aes ee ae 74,490 Witt, S. D.....54, 84, 220, 468, 469, 479, 608 
yell swmen DrAiAIN et a es WO TER Gio ake en, ae Te ae ae 74, 579 
ee Oe S05 ONO be O19 >) Wolt,). Michael cient 781 
WV TLS Me SOLOMON talc.) vedo 2.0. 87, 219, 230 Women’s Missionary a OOCiely< acres 171 
WV eIQICE Wel) rote se Bo lee50oeo for 094; Wonders, | J. Marne. 468, 469, 479, 568 
DV ISCMRCICLNALG pasuceict ek Coe TH Ga Val a aC as 2 570, fy gece LON) 
Piegee eMC ONTAGL fe tekit Mowry eat iS ee cee VV OOC Law Tia ce ie ee en A cee Naame Me tcae 
ese tcr aerial Vl oe he ok ALOE Woods. Oscats1047 2000, 390, 320,,/082,4090 
Weiskotten, T. Fu. LOS oi 44 AW OOdS,. "RE Wee Beat sie ees 220 SUZ 
Weisman, W. ANG, Sty Mga ce OE le eas CGUMEYVOOUSe IR Un. a) GiNst yet ce cis eee 282 
Welfley, i: 2d ate ee a POA otc OOO tev OL evn Daniela acne eo reat. 659, 692, 698 
Seah ca tis 205. BRU sa oe ime OGG mea Orth) Je Elica ween oS eS ZO 
AON ered Vos ae eae aa PAOMA O41 eee NV OL{HINGTON felt beetn ia ee PA ee 114, 375 
N32) oe ee 5055/0) 5/1 oem Worthville,) St: eMatthew's-2.a).9.2 5220/0 
Nie icra lem pee wel biog So Te 219 T4906 eA ichtn t}ee Hien 98)" 220, 338534795305) 301 
Pe itugene pie eho net lis te “MERI ar, 1 o> “hag 373, 379, 382, 390, 558, 568 
RE New! eR EANOT g atictia cle bandon. OAM / AC MABEy | ee 5/057 1, 5725037200749 098 
Vee ee ee 24 210 ROO 2630772, Joleewucherer, Premund none cnseenmntaiaeees Vif 
Wreslevuille = Messiah. - e230... ea: Toe UU mmBONCerster. © Emanuel s acs ek eee ees 220 
WeesiL Dery mot? tO Sense ee 449 Wuertemberg, Bethlehem ............. 74, 588, 603 
Westmoreland County Churcheswc pak. vevoarias | VV. 8 EL eo ee ae a 220,025,659 604 
4h IN SEO ag Ee Ni 174-186, 627 
pesmeewions Christmcunse. cam, Hormel oer Ly Lite ieee a eh dee, 271 
ie ecw yO. 70 me2 ooo fo ome Vatesboro. cClirist: .faih see ccna 396 
SAO MAO EA Lr qOomorm O leo lee eakleyy. lB dkowotanat 282, 321, 704 
West Salem Church Whoo!) Seat See Rica! PAMACAR Ved + VV eee 145.2209 438, 2939,0002 
Wviestumunbliry, -Dbethesda 22) ..28 lees 2. AON” 8 et RS Rel ne oan 379. 304, 412, 447, 768 
yest ounbina  opringdalecs tad 28. A SRN GeATIV Gal HII LCs st eege saan ee aeee 74, 464 
Meco mUlGuiy (7108 sow e sl 4 Gta oe caer oe AAT Eve ich ore fas Capel «3 Wits See Pe inet den 4()2 
ee i letewe te aN 355 WOU 6079 MOO Maes deme e1ser ONS. 4h, novi been eee 2214299 
Weyzandt, G. H...... ab 62, 228, 519, 615, GlOm my cisloy,. VWuilson sone pea, 338, 379, 583, 587 
Boeeligere hrist. 6a sek ko te 134, 795 __.591, 598, 615, 623, 698 
PO eel ni cme iat. aro viet er crt Ao ees, Lom elOwrec rece Bethel a5 aster 132, 749 


814 INDEX—Concluded 

j Pages Pages 
NV EtLAle AATONA. Lan brah ee O72;7609 ) Ziével mend Paul a ose ee ee 221, 773 
Mockey ’s (Church .s,2eee ea eee esas 745669.) Ziéecler Bo (Wisatens hin ee 481 
Vitra Seat 53, 357, 360, 374; 462,'464 Ziegler, Henry 0. 87, 221, 607, 759, 765 
Bis 465, .476,°563°567,6568°5/0 . Ziesler’s (Church “2 eee 
MOUs) ald Cee ee, 342). 3915, 615,4623), \\ Ziel Maas sedi eecceee kt 221 

AY C311 Goat L722 Ps ae in core ee 607, 621 Zimbeck, SUA Ch Aes he 
Y Gunes f Paysoting ie gue ats heer een ee NOU | Sot ERA re MRE, 0S ae 439, 440, 447, 449, 462, 477 
V6 Ug Fa 2 We ec ee a 00> Zimmer ys; Je Nvee ise ee 439 

Youngstown Oe Grace....caeee 133;-744 . Zimmerman, Frederick i... eee 
Youngstown, (O s*Honterus..a. eee TO45e/ 55 Tie Mates sear peo ee 221, 402, 590, 594, 773 
Youngstown, Pa., teuJaMmes een ae eee: 666°... Zimmermany “He Eide ee 481 
Youngwood), ois Luke sale aa, 3427130. Zimmerman, 1 Plies 276 
Yo OAuth Cape ile toe Sa ae 128, 22218055 47.13%. Zatamenti any hic) eee 53,069. °d47segae 
WCotbtrie a aReluhabede: SOONG 221, 258.926) 928, 4029 363, 365, 368, 677, 682 
Yount») oshita PA tee cael ey eee 63/7 ZAimtmnermanyoR Miia 221.,..559).1672. 67a 
AX, UAC He Fe A ad eet dein coe ee BZN B5A 213760 SAGE ON ee oe See 699, 702, 710 
Zinssmeister, Carl .....221, 469, 682, 690, 704 
Zant tb 22 koe ede ae aes ee eee 221 Holler) Julius. /f2 
Zahn, Js Av! Ja221, 491, 500;°5830 734737.” Zuber, Gudwis ke. fee ee 430 
Zehners *Churcht tc tae kad ek 74, 67orcsmuber, (WV LE See ae ee es 221, 637; 644 
ZOUT CLS "i aN eae Eh eect 5271330,° 338,009 Zeltner, Johannes 2.c..ccer 604 
al A kas Sac 342, 347, 3530 *Ztindelie J) Ag le eee ere ee 
Lelieno ple ibn listy aah ae eee en ae JOMCA SS cet Pad CL Wo A Ido re 406, A418 
Lehenopleves tes isa Ul sisau nak auc ee eee ABS. oi Tee SE Ags ei hee ee eee 460, 585, 607, 699 
LCP ECTT | RT sare Me te t a ig A76\478; 568/623. “Zweizig, Ve Lela ieea eee 386, 460 
LAiewelbrier en C Mel Rae aes on eel ae AA]. “Zyicker; J] )\O.2 ee, ee 402 


FINIS 


a 





BX8061 .P6B9 
emorial history of the Pitt 
Princeton Theo 


Sburgh synod 


nary—Speer Librar 


| 


Sem 





